Games

Marbles
1845-1865
The Lincoln boys had many friends in the neighborhood.  Marbles must have been a popular game since archeologists have found them in every lot in the neighborhood.
Clay. Dia range 1 – 2 cm
Lincoln Home National Historic Site, LIHO 367, 1292-1298, 1326, 1328-1332, 1395, 1845-1859, 6646, 7126, 7374

Box
1845-1865
A small wooden box was useful for holding marbles.
Wood, metal. H 5.5 x DIAM 15 cm
Lincoln Home National Historic Site, LIHO 368

Dominoes
1850-1870
Dominoes were a popular game for children in the mid-1800s.  These were made from ivory and ebonized (blackened) wood.
Wood, ivory. H 2, W 4, D .7 cm (individual)
Lincoln Home National Historic Site, LIHO 1613

Alphabetical Blocks
1858
Multi-colored wooden letter blocks, set 20.

Alphabet blocks were fun and educational.  Although Tad had some problems learning, Willie was a fast learner and may have learned his alphabet playing with a set of blocks like these.

Wood, cardboard, paper. H 4.4, W 4.4, 4.4 cm (individual)
Lincoln Home National Historic Site, LIHO 1639