Fun and Games
Helen Walker & Mary Jane Reed playing ball at the Walker's house in Gaithersburg. Lewis Reed must have been thrilled that his shot captured the ball perfectly focused in mid-air.
Children at the turn of the 20th century loved to play as much as children today do, and many of the favorite games of a hundred years ago are still popular today. Factory-made toys were uncommon in the nineteenth century—most toys were either home-made or fairly simple. The majority of these early photos are of Lewis Reed’s daughter, Mary Jane. Like many parents, he never missed a chance to take a photo of his daughter, who frequently appears in many of his photos.
Children at the turn of the 20th century loved to play as much as children today do, and many of the favorite games of a hundred years ago are still popular today. Factory-made toys were uncommon in the nineteenth century—most toys were either home-made or fairly simple. The majority of these early photos are of Lewis Reed’s daughter, Mary Jane. Like many parents, he never missed a chance to take a photo of his daughter, who frequently appears in many of his photos.
Wheels
Wheels
Mary Jane Reed with some of her childhood toys. Above left: wooden tricycle. Below left: Overland Jr. wagon made from wood
Above right: vintage kick scooter with wooden floor board and kick stand
Child-size pedal cars, operated by leg power instead of a motor, became popular toys in the 1920s and ’30s. Early pedal cars reflected the design of their larger gasoline driven counterparts. Manufacturers began rolling metal pedal cars off the assembly lines with all the bells and whistles, much as their full-size counterparts rolled off the assembly lines in Detroit.
Child-size pedal cars, operated by leg power instead of a motor, became popular toys in the 1920s and ’30s. Early pedal cars reflected the design of their larger gasoline driven counterparts. Manufacturers began rolling metal pedal cars off the assembly lines with all the bells and whistles, much as their full-size counterparts rolled off the assembly lines in Detroit.
Mary Jane in a Dodge pedal car--notice the realistic details like a hood ornament and head lamps
Dolls
Dolls
Above: unknown child poses with her doll. At right, toddler Mary Jane with a doll in a wicker stroller.
Parents encouraged their daughters to play with dolls so they could practice being good mothers. Girls also tested their sewing skills by making doll clothes.
Parents encouraged their daughters to play with dolls so they could practice being good mothers. Girls also tested their sewing skills by making doll clothes.
Little kids holding grown-up things has always been cute. Here, Mary Jane plays croquet like the grown-ups ...
...and holds a camera just like Dad's!