Classic Toys & Games, Musical Instruments, and Everyday Goods Inspired by Early American Life
Here at Cowings Mill, in one of the last working sawmills along the Saxtons River in southern Vermont, we make musical instruments, toys, games, and everyday goods that have been part of American life for generations—and remain just as engaging today.
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Shop by Collection - Toys, Games, Music, and Everyday Life in Early America
Shop by Historical Time Period
Cowings Mill for Educators and Historical Programming
Cooperman Company for Museum Stores
Traditional Outdoor Games
Enjoy these traditional outdoor games that have brought people together for generations. From early American village greens to city streets of the 19th century, these classic games encouraged movement, skill, and social play, and are just as popular today as they were in early America.
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Game of Graces - Traditional Outdoor Hoop Game
Experience a beloved early American outdoor pastime with our handcrafted Game of...
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Rolling Hoop and Stick - Traditional Outdoor Hoop Game
Children have been rolling hoops since the days of the ancient Greeks,...
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All Traditional Outdoor Toys & Games
For centuries, children have enjoyed simple outdoor games like rolling and tossing...
Music of Early America
Music was part of everyday life in early America—heard in homes and gatherings, woven into work and play, and carried into camp by soldiers in the field. Simple instruments such as fifes, whistles, jaw harps, and rhythm bones made it easy for people of all ages to take part.These traditional instruments carry that spirit forward today—accessible, expressive, and rooted in enduring musical traditions.
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Music in Early America: In the Field
Music accompanied soldiers throughout daily life in early America, from the routines...
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Music in Early America: Hearth & Home
Music was part of daily life in early America, heard in homes...
Toys and Games in Early America
In early America, play took many forms, from quiet skill games to lively outdoor pastimes. Simple toys and games entertained children and adults alike. This collection reflects those traditions—timeless forms of play that remain engaging, accessible, and enduring.
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Games of Skill - Traditional Play
Shaped by tradition and experience, these toys and games reward skill developed...
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Whirligigs, Buzzers, and Tops - Traditional Spinning Toys
Spinning toys have been part of everyday play for centuries, found in...
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All Traditional Outdoor Toys & Games
For centuries, children have enjoyed simple outdoor games like rolling and tossing...
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Dice & Games of Chance in Early America
Dice games such as Hazard were popular tavern pastimes in 18th century...
Everyday Life in Early America
Coins, firearms, and playthings all played a role in everyday life in early America. Currency supported trade, while guns and ordnance reflected the realities of the time. Children, in turn, often imitated adult life through play. This collection offers a view into daily life and the broader world in which it unfolded.
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From Home to Camp: 18th & 19th Century Military Life
The Revolutionary War and the Civil War were fought by both volunteers...
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Commerce and Trade in Early America
Coins played a vital role in the daily exchange of goods in...
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Children at Play: Stepping into the World of Adults
n early America, children’s play often reflected the world of adults. Using...
From Our Workshop
This collection includes small runs, prototypes, one-of-a-kind pieces, and the final examples of discontinued designs. Each item reflects a different moment in our workshop—an idea tested, a limited production, or a design that has come to its close.Thoughtfully made and individually distinct, these pieces offer something uncommon within our work.
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Spanish Milled Dollar (Piece of Eight) Struck Coin – Early American Trade Coin Reproduction
Regular price $8.00Regular price$12.00Sale price $8.00Sale -
Spanish Pistareen Struck Coin – Early American Trade Coin Reproduction
Regular price $4.00Regular price$5.50Sale price $4.00Sale

