Freedom to Play: We Made Our Own Fun

CUT OUTS AND OTHER GAMES

CUT OUTS AND OTHER GAMES Janet Marshall grew up in Fredricton, New Brunswick. Whatever season of the year, Janet and her friends were busy. I grew up in the 1930s and 40s and I had a great childhood. For the most part my childhood revolved around cut outs [paper dolls]—but these were cut outs that my talented friend drew, cut outs made from catalogues, or cut outs from books. Some of the games we played included throwing a ball against a building and saying a rhyme or clapping our hands in different positions while catching the ball. We also played Red Rover in which two lines of children holding hands face each other. One side calls “Red Rover, Red Rover send Jane right over.” Jane runs, trying to break through the opposite line. If she is successful, Jane goes back to her side, otherwise she becomes part of the opposition team. The side with all the people won. Other popular games included London Bridge, skipping with variations, clapping hands with variations, tag of different kinds, hide and seek, Simon Says, Red Light, croquet, marbles, and hand games such as scissors, paper, stone. During the long winter months we used to ski, skate, toboggan , make snow houses or forts and, of course, play “I’m the King of the Castle and you’re the dirty rascal” on high snow banks. Needless to say there were lots of snowball fights. In summer we went swimming, and biking, and played softball and “flies and grounders.” Like most little girls we loved dressing up in our mother’s clothes. This was lots of fun, except my friend’s mom was petite and wore high heels. Alas, I had big feet so I had to wear my mom’s sensible shoes. All the children in the neighbourhood had great fun putting on concerts in our garage—and we made money too! Like all households we had lots of board games and as we grew older we played more difficult games including checkers and chess. My favorite time was visiting my grandparents and playing Chinese checkers and parcheesi with them and with my aunts. How could one manage without a pack of cards? One could play alone or with friends. Playing Is Playing When Shared 97 There was never a dull moment—perhaps that is why I can’t understand it when my grandchildren complain, “I’m bored.” DAUPHIN FAIR Pathfinders, Free Press Prairie Farmer August 29, 1943 Olga Kudurudz Shortdale, Man. Dear Pathfinders: Dauphin Fair was held July 10. The girls from our club were given tickets from Miss McConnell, and we also got a ride in a truck to the fair. Miss Herman, our teacher and leader, took us to the tent where we were registered. There was a fashion parade for the girls—three girls from our club were in it. Then after the fashion parade there followed a parade of all the club boys and girls. In that parade there were 650 children. There were sewing clubs, swine clubs, grub [grain] clubs, garden clubs, and calf clubs. Following the parade Miss McConnell gave prizes for the best costumes worn. My birthday is Nov. 15 and I am 13 years old. Have I a twin? I would like pen pals from Alberta and Saskatchewan. Letters with snaps will be answered first. Pathfinders, Free Press Prairie Farmer June 3, 1943 Mary Kett (14) Marshall, Sask. Dear Pathfinders: I thought I should like to tell about the Girl Guides. I have belonged to the sisterhood of Guides for over a year now. I am patrol leader. 98 Freedom to Play ...