Traditional Folk Toys
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The term 'folk toys' has been broadly applied to any toy that has been,
or could be made by hand for domestic use. Folklorists also state that
these toys were not only designed for immediate use, but were to be
passed on down from generation to generation.
Today, the term 'folk' toy has become known synonomous with the Appalachian mountain region of the United States. THE pioneer in the field of research and development of folk toys, Mr. Dick Schnacke, is credited by many as coining the words "American Folk Toys" as a classification of folk toys, particularly unique to this country. Mr. Schnacke was my mentor in the field of American Folk Toys--George Rice, principal toymaker for Homestead Folk Toys. HOMESTEAD FOLK TOYS OFFERS THE FOLLOWING: |
COLORFUL JACOB'S LADDER--
The Jacob's Ladder was a popular toy in America and has been a favorite children's toy ever since. When working the Jacob's Ladder, the blocks appear to tumble, one over the other. Homestead Folk Toys offers two versions of this classic toy:
#301 (Traditional with black ribbons) #302 (Natural blocks with colorful ribbons) |
BUZZ-SAW--
The Buzz-Saw has always been a popular and well-known folk toy. Simply wind the toy up, tighten and aternately relax the tension, and the disc will remain in perpetual motion. #302 |
CUP & BALL TOSS TOY--
Traditional wooden toss toy, a favorite from Colonial times to the present.
Available in #303 (Colorful) or #304 (Natural). Packaged with history card. |
SLINGHOT--
Favorite 'catapault' American folk toy for generations. Made of native hardwood with suede 'sling-pouch.' Packaged with target for safe play. #305 |
BULL ROARER--
Also known as the Whirling Whizzer. Traditional folk toy. Swing the bull-roarer in the air and listen as it makes the sound of an angry bull or the wind. #311 |
NATURAL YO-YO--
Colonial and Victorian children alike enjoyed this American pastime. Includes basic instructions and directions for several yo-yo tricks. #312 |
LITTLE FISH TOSS TOY--
American folk toy that was developed both among the Native Americans and the early inhabitants of Alaska. Swing the fish into the air and try to catch it on the rod. #313 |
JIM DANCER FINGER TOP--
#317 |
COLORFUL SPINNING TOPS--
Lathe-turned colorful wooden spinning tops. Individually packaged with history card. #317-B |
SIGNAL WHISTLE--
Early American children played with these signal whistles, often imitating the battle action of the Revolutionary war or playing out life on a sailing ship. Good safety whistle for camping or hiking. Includes whistle signals and historical information. #316-A (For another type of signal whistle, look at our Revolutionary War Signal Whistle in the "Drums, Fifes & Whistles" category of toys. |
HARDWOOD THROWING TOP--
Wind the cord around the top, toss it in the air or throw it on the ground and watch it spin! Games rules included. Features a flat stone to play the game of 'Chipstone.' Available in #320 (natural) or #320-B (Colorful) |
HOMESTEAD (WOODEN ) HARMONICA--
Also known as a Mountain Harmonica. Traditional mountain instrument , made of two pieces of thin wood and using a rubber band as the vibrating sound mechanism. #323 |
SMOKEGRINDER--
Also known as a Pump Drill or Indian Fire Drill.The influence of the cord twisting around the shaft and the weight of the wooden disc make the toy spin back and forth. #324 |
PADDLEBALL--
Our traditional paddeball is packaged with history and favorite games and rhymes. Always a popular toy with children. #325 |
JIMMY STICKS--
Traditional American folk balancing toy. Place a belt in the groove of the balancing toy and place the other end on the tip of your finger. The belt will balance and will appear to defy gravity. Available in three quantities:
#326 (100) #327 (50) #328 (25) |
FOUR-NOTE TRAIN WHISTLE--
Traditional four-note toy train whistle. Includes basic train whistle signals for fun. #332 |
WOODEN BUILDING BLOCKS--
Set of classic wooden building blocks. Build a house, fort or other structures. #333 |
CLIMBING BEAR-
Classic American folk toy. Hang the bear by the center loop, grasp the handles and pull down in alternating patterns, first one handle then the other. The bear will pull himself up until he reaches the top. This toy was originally used to teach children the art of milking cows. #306 |
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HOMESTEAD TOYS ALSO OFFERS THE FOLLOWING (Not pictured):
**Many of the traditonal folk toys are whimsical in nature and deserve their own listing. Many of these toys are well-known, such as the Gee-Haw Whimmydiddle and the buzz saw. |
#307 Early American Tool Set
