Alphies Alphabet Blocks, 1916-1930

Summary

A creative take on classic alphabet blocks, A. Schoenhut Company's Alphie blocks appealed to children and adults. Interesting characters and colorful images attracted young eyes, and each box of Alphies came with rubber balls for a fun game of ten pins. Advertisements assured parents that while playing with these lettered blocks, children would be "unconsciously learning the alphabet."

A creative take on classic alphabet blocks, A. Schoenhut Company's Alphie blocks appealed to children and adults. Interesting characters and colorful images attracted young eyes, and each box of Alphies came with rubber balls for a fun game of ten pins. Advertisements assured parents that while playing with these lettered blocks, children would be "unconsciously learning the alphabet."

Artifact

Alphabet block

Date Made

1916-1930

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2000.0.31.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Wood (Plant Material)
Paper (Fiber product)

Color

Green
Blue
Red
Yellow (Color)
Black (Color)
Brown

Dimensions

Height: 5.5 in

Width: 2 in

Thickness: .75 in

Inscriptions

PAT. DEC. 5 1916 / COPR G.W.B. 19 [top of each block]

Related Content

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More