A Game of American Characters" -- 1908 Patriotic Classroom Trivia Card Game

Buffalo, New York: O.F. & F.G. Decker, 1908. Fair. Dust soiling, spotting, box defective and worn, including two loose flaps and one missing. Cards toned but in nice condition.. A fascinating look into historiography and how famous figures in American history were viewed c.1908, via a trivia card game. To play, one person asks a question off a random card; the answer is the name at the top of the card. Complete (all 100 cards present) and in the original box with instructions sheet. This game serves as an interesting example of how patriotism and nationalism is taught through play and learning. The information card on top of the deck reads: "This game consists of one hundred cards each containing a brief biography of some conspicuous personage in American history or literature. Presidents, statesmen, soldiers, inventors, writers and benefactors are here given a place. Women are recognized who are known as leaders in science or art, in the White House, as nurse on the battle field, or doing pioneer work for the betterment of the race. The chief events in the life and achievements of each character are called out by terse and pointed questions". The card goes on to highlight the game's use in the classroom, as well as the home: "Patriotism demands that every American should become familiar with the names of those who have made our nation and civilization what they are". The usual suspects are present (e.g. George Washington, William T. Sherman, Ralph Waldo Emerson), but there are some unexpected inclusions such as Simon Bolivar, Dom Pedro II, Antonio López de Santa Anna (presumably "America" in this game extends to Mexico and South America as well). As might be expected for a game made at this time, people of color and women are far outnumbered. Funnily, the last 6 cards are all women after a run of almost exclusively men, as if the game manufacturer thought to themselves, "I better add some gals before we finish the set!" Each card measures approx. 3.5" by 2.75", and the box measures approx. 3.5" by 3" by 1.25". AGPI lists one version, from 1890 (AGPI # · G-9259).