{"title":"A Nation Comes of Age - 1865 to Early 1900s Period","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"section-header__subtext rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(116, 35, 22);\"\u003eIn the years after the Civil War, the nation entered a period of rapid growth and change. Cities swelled with new immigrants drawn to expanding industries, while the completion of the transcontinental railroad opened the West to trade and settlement. Manufactured toys became widely available, though along the frontier, children—like their elders—often relied on their own resourcefulness. Traditions of play endured, from the widespread popularity of rolling hoops—produced in great numbers in places like Vermont—to the sounds of fifes and drums carried into civilian life by returning soldiers, heard again in patriotic parades and community gatherings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section-header__subtext rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eWe do not interpret Native American historyin this period. We respect that the histories and cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples are best shared by the Nations and communities to whom they belong, and we encourage visitors to seek out those voices and resources directly.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section-header__subtext rte\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eMore to Explore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.census.gov\/about\/history\/stories\/monthly\/2023\/may-2023.html\" title=\"National Archives - The Transcontinental Railroad\" style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003eNational Archives - The Transcontinental Railroad\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/guides.loc.gov\/this-month-in-business-history\/may\/completion-transcontinental-railroad\" title=\"Library of Congress Guides - The Transcontinental Railroad\" style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003eLibrary of Congress Guides: The Transcontinental Railroad\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/elis\/index.htm\" title=\"National Park Service - Ellis Island\" style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003eNational Park Service - Ellis Island\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003ca title=\"National Museum of African American History and Culture\" href=\"https:\/\/www.si.edu\/museums\/african-american-museum\" style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003eNational Museum of African American History and Culture\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/americanindian.si.edu\/\" title=\"National Museum of the American Indian\" style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eNational Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"game-of-graces","title":"Game of Graces Set - Traditional Outdoor Hoop Game","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"322\" data-end=\"751\"\u003eExperience a beloved early American outdoor pastime with our handcrafted Game of Graces, a classic activity where players send lightweight wooden hoops spinning through the air to be caught on the tips of slender wands. In early years, the game was a favorite of young women, who wrapped hoops with ribbons for elegance and controlled flight. The game was widely popular throughout the 1800s and 1900s, and remains a delightful coordination and agility game today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"807\"\u003eCrafted in Vermont Using Traditional Methods\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"808\" data-end=\"1053\"\u003eWe bend our hoops in our Vermont workshop using the same time-honored steam-bending techniques we employ for our musical instruments. Green lumber from local hardwood trees is shaped into durable, resilient bent-wood parts for long-lasting play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"808\" data-end=\"1053\"\u003eThis set includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"808\" data-end=\"1053\"\u003e2 solid bent-wood hoops, 10\" diameter\u003cbr\u003e4 solid birch wands, 18\" long\u003cbr\u003e4 lengths of colored ribbons for traditional play\u003cbr\u003ePackaged in a clear zipper poly bag\u003cbr\u003eIncludes history and instruction poster\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1310\" data-end=\"1340\"\u003ePlease note\u003cbr\u003eWe try to maintain stock, but during busy periods orders may be delayed. Please notify us if your order is time-sensitive.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"31\" width=\"59\" style=\"float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0607\/0766\/8168\/files\/triangle_480x480.png?v=1643661764\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1512\" data-end=\"1573\"\u003eNot for children under 3. Recommended for ages 8+ and adults.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cowings Mill: Retail Outlet of Cooperman HistoryLives","offers":[{"title":"Game of Graces each","offer_id":49713931911458,"sku":"530","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Carton of 12  (save 18%) Game of Graces","offer_id":49713931944226,"sku":"531","price":314.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0905\/9919\/4914\/files\/game-of-graces-traditional-outdoor-game.jpg?v=1775065919"},{"product_id":"buzz-saw-toy","title":"Wooden Buzz Saw  – Traditional Spinning Toy","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"421\" data-end=\"767\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWooden Buzz Saw  – Traditional Spinning Toy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"421\" data-end=\"767\"\u003eSimple spinning toys were mentioned in English literature as early as 1686 and were just as popular in early America as they were in Europe. These classic folk toys—often called “buzzers” or “buzz saws”—create a distinctive humming sound as they spin, thanks to their notched or “saw tooth” edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"769\" data-end=\"1023\"\u003eOur wooden buzz saw whirligig is crafted in our Vermont workshop from solid pine, capturing the look, feel, and sound of traditional hand-played toys. Durable, engaging, and easy to use, it offers a direct connection to centuries of simple entertainment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1025\" data-end=\"1209\"\u003eEach buzz saw is packaged ready to play with two wooden handles and includes a history and instruction card.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0607\/0766\/8168\/files\/triangle_480x480.png?v=1643661764\" width=\"44\" height=\"23\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot for children under 3. Recommended for adults and children aged 8 years\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cowings Mill: Retail Outlet of Cooperman HistoryLives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49182430069026,"sku":"","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0905\/9919\/4914\/files\/Buzz-Saw-traditional-toy.jpg?v=1775065090"},{"product_id":"black-plastic-fife","title":"Finely Crafted Plastic Fife","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"257\" data-end=\"643\"\u003eThe fife was a vital instrument in 18th-century military life, used to signal battlefield commands and regulate daily routines in camp. Its importance continued through the American Civil War, and returning fifers helped carry the instrument into the heart of American folk music. Today, the fife remains a cornerstone of traditional fife \u0026amp; drum corps music, reenactment, and beginner woodwind study.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"705\" data-end=\"968\"\u003eOur plastic fife is a durable, well-tuned beginner instrument made in our Vermont workshop from FDA-approved black plastic with short brass ferrules. It offers excellent tone and reliability for new players, schools, historical reenactors, and folk musicians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"970\" data-end=\"995\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"974\" data-end=\"993\"\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"996\" data-end=\"1254\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"996\" data-end=\"1038\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"998\" data-end=\"1038\"\u003eTraditional key of Bb (concert Ab)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1039\" data-end=\"1079\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1041\" data-end=\"1079\"\u003eStandard fingering for easy learning\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1080\" data-end=\"1123\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1082\" data-end=\"1123\"\u003eFDA-approved black plastic construction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1124\" data-end=\"1182\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1126\" data-end=\"1182\"\u003eBrass ferrules for durability and authentic appearance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1183\" data-end=\"1254\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1185\" data-end=\"1254\"\u003ePackaged in a poly bag with music, history, and instruction sheet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1256\" data-end=\"1293\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1260\" data-end=\"1291\"\u003eSafety \u0026amp; Age Recommendation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1294\" data-end=\"1374\"\u003eThis is a musical instrument, not a toy. Recommended for ages 8+ and adults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cowings Mill: Retail Outlet of Cooperman HistoryLives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49182436983074,"sku":"705","price":16.45,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0905\/9919\/4914\/files\/plastic-fife-high-quality-black.jpg?v=1775065013"},{"product_id":"musical-bones","title":"Rhythm Bones - Traditional Folk Instrument","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"541\" data-start=\"197\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRhythm Bones - Traditional Folk Instrument\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"541\" data-start=\"197\"\u003eRhythm bones are a traditional folk percussion instrument with a history stretching back centuries across many cultures. Brought to North America by early European settlers, they became part of the evolving sound of American music, where Anglo-Irish, African American, and Creole traditions blended to create distinctive new styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"730\" data-start=\"543\"\u003ePlayed by clicking a pair of curved pieces together in the hand, rhythm bones produce a sharp, lively sound that adds drive and texture to folk, traditional, and early American music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1057\" data-start=\"732\"\u003eOur wooden rhythm bones are handcrafted in Vermont from local cherry hardwood, offering durability, tone, and a comfortable feel. These are excellent bones for beginners. Each pair is packaged in a poly bag with history and instruction information.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg height=\"23\" width=\"44\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0607\/0766\/8168\/files\/triangle_480x480.png?v=1643661764\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is a musical instrument, not a toy. Recommended for adults and children aged 8 years and above.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cowings Mill: Retail Outlet of Cooperman HistoryLives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49183059968290,"sku":"","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0905\/9919\/4914\/files\/rhythm-bones-cherry-wood.jpg?v=1775064768"},{"product_id":"bilbo-catcher-bilboquet","title":"Bilbo-Catcher (Bilboquet) – Traditional Wooden Cup and Ball Toy","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"615\" data-start=\"211\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBilbo-Catcher (Bilboquet) – Traditional Wooden Cup and Ball Toy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"615\" data-start=\"211\"\u003eThe bilbo-catcher, also known as a bilboquet, was part of the “curious” assortment of toys sold by early American merchants and remained a favorite well into the late 19th century. A classic toy of the cup-and-ball family, the game challenges the player to toss the ball and catch it—either on the tip of the spindle or in a cup—developing coordination, timing, and skill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"803\" data-start=\"617\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNew Model:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"634\" data-start=\"631\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe have returned to our original design, allowing the ball to be spiked on one side or caught in a cup on the other, offering two styles of play in a single toy.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1136\" data-start=\"805\"\u003eOur bilbo-catcher features a solid wood spindle (5\" long), turned exclusively for us in the USA, with a wooden ball attached by string. Each piece is carefully assembled and packaged in a window box printed with history and instructions, making it ideal for educational programs, and traditional play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\" height=\"23\" width=\"44\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0607\/0766\/8168\/files\/triangle_480x480.png?v=1643661764\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003et intended for children under 8 years of age.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cowings Mill: Retail Outlet of Cooperman HistoryLives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49183563383074,"sku":"","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0905\/9919\/4914\/files\/Bilboquet-bilbo-catcher-traditional-cup-ball-toy2.jpg?v=1776364337"},{"product_id":"wood-dice","title":"Wood Dice Set - Traditional Early American Dice Game","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"521\" data-start=\"173\"\u003eDicing games such as Hazard were popular 18th century tavern pastimes in early America and are considered forerunners of today’s most familiar dice games. While gambling was sometimes frowned upon, dice were a common household item, used not only in games of chance but also in a wide range of early board games and everyday amusements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"732\" data-start=\"523\"\u003eIn early America, dice were typically made from natural materials such as wood, bone, or ivory. Our wooden dice set reflects this tradition, offering a simple and authentic connection to historic play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"751\" data-start=\"734\"\u003eSet Includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"860\" data-start=\"752\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"779\" data-start=\"752\" data-section-id=\"hhv9wy\"\u003e3 natural wood dice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"829\" data-start=\"780\" data-section-id=\"1dhrk3e\"\u003eInstruction card with easy-to-learn games\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"860\" data-start=\"830\" data-section-id=\"15kvhby\"\u003ePackaged in a poly bag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1008\" data-start=\"862\"\u003eIdeal for families and educational programs.\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(153, 51, 51);\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg height=\"23\" width=\"44\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0607\/0766\/8168\/files\/triangle_480x480.png?v=1643661764\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWARNING  CHOKING HAZARD  Small parts. Not for children under 3. Recommended for adults and children aged 8 years and above.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cowings Mill: Retail Outlet of Cooperman HistoryLives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49211812970786,"sku":"","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0905\/9919\/4914\/files\/Wood-dice-set-traditional-play.jpg?v=1775064192"},{"product_id":"pewter-musket-ball","title":"Musket Ball - Lead Free Pewter Reproduction","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"506\" data-start=\"187\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMusket Ball - Lead Free Pewter Reproduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"506\" data-start=\"187\"\u003eThe smoothbore flintlock musket was the standard firearm of the 18th century, used on both sides of the Atlantic. Typically loaded with lead balls ranging from .69 to .75 caliber, these muskets could be fired at a rate of two to four shots per minute, though with limited accuracy compared to later rifled arms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"793\" data-start=\"508\"\u003eOur musket ball reproduction is cast in Vermont from lead-free pewter, carefully made to approximate the size, weight, and appearance of original lead balls. Each piece is packaged in a poly bag with a history card, making it ideal for eeducational programs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDO NOT USE THIS ITEM AS AMMUNITION OR WITH FIREARMS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0607\/0766\/8168\/files\/triangle_480x480.png?v=1643661764\" width=\"44\" height=\"23\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWARNING  CHOKING HAZARD\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e SMALL PARTS\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eNot for children under 3. Recommended for adults and children aged 8 years and above.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cowings Mill: Retail Outlet of Cooperman HistoryLives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49211827290402,"sku":"635","price":6.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0905\/9919\/4914\/files\/reproduction-musket-ball-lead-free-pewter.jpg?v=1775063992"},{"product_id":"pewter-minie-ball","title":"Minie Ball - Lead Free Pewter Reproduction","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"176\" data-end=\"597\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinie Ball - Lead Free Pewter Reproduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"176\" data-end=\"597\"\u003eIn 1855, the U.S. Infantry adopted new standards for small arms, introducing .58 caliber muzzle-loading rifles and rifle muskets designed to fire the revolutionary Minié ball. Named for its inventor, Claude-Étienne Minié, this conical bullet greatly improved accuracy, range, and ease of loading—marking a major development in the history of military technology and playing a key role in mid-19th century warfare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"599\" data-end=\"864\"\u003eOur Minié ball reproduction is cast in Vermont from lead-free pewter, carefully made to approximate the size and weight of original examples. Each piece is packaged in a poly bag with a history card, making it ideal for educational programs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDO NOT USE THIS ITEM AS AMMUNITION OR WITH FIREARMS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg height=\"23\" width=\"44\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0607\/0766\/8168\/files\/triangle_480x480.png?v=1643661764\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWARNING  CHOKING HAZARD\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e SMALL PARTS\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eNot for children under 3. Recommended for adults and children aged 8 years and above.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cowings Mill: Retail Outlet of Cooperman HistoryLives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49211830370594,"sku":"636","price":6.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0905\/9919\/4914\/files\/reproduction-minie-ball-cast-lead-free-pewter.jpg?v=1775063744"},{"product_id":"tin-penny-whistle","title":"Tin Pennywhistle in Key of D – Traditional Folk Instrument","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTin Pennywhistle in Key of D – Traditional Folk Instrument\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe penny whistle is a simple folk instrument that has been part of American musical culture for generations\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e - in early America and in Civil War times, along the overland trails to the Pacific, in early 20th century urban neighborhoods and rural households, and now today in any place where people get together for music and companionship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe handcraft our tin penny whistle here at our Vermont shop in the traditional conical design, with a lead-free solder seam and a wooden plug, and package it in a poly bag with a history and instruction card. This whistle is in the Key of D.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg height=\"23\" width=\"44\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0607\/0766\/8168\/files\/triangle_480x480.png?v=1643661764\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is a musical instrument, not a toy. Recommended for adults and children  aged 8 years and above.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cowings Mill: Retail Outlet of Cooperman HistoryLives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49211848458530,"sku":"701","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0905\/9919\/4914\/files\/traditional-tin-penny-whistle.jpg?v=1775059040"},{"product_id":"game-of-jacks","title":"Game of Jacks in Leather or Cotton Pouch","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"206\" data-end=\"596\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTraditional Game of Jacks, Cast in Lead-Free Pewter, Cotton or Leather Pouch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"206\" data-end=\"596\"\u003eThe Game of Jacks is a classic early American skill game with roots in much earlier times. Before the advent of rubber balls, players used small animal bones or stones, tossing one piece—the “jack”—into the air while quickly completing a sequence of moves before catching it again. Simple in concept yet challenging to master, the game builds coordination, timing, and dexterity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"598\" data-end=\"932\"\u003eOur Game of Jacks set is handcrafted in Vermont and includes 10 large jacks cast in lead-free pewter. To reflect both historic and modern play styles, the set also includes a wood ball (for traditional, non-bouncing play) and a rubber bouncy ball for contemporary gameplay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"934\" data-end=\"951\"\u003eSet Includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"1146\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ndqhrh\" data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"985\"\u003e10 lead-free pewter jacks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"qdmvlz\" data-start=\"986\" data-end=\"1027\"\u003e1 wood ball (historic-style play)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1x0pacm\" data-start=\"1028\" data-end=\"1056\"\u003e1 rubber bouncy ball\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"13loqnh\" data-start=\"1057\" data-end=\"1093\"\u003eHistory and instruction card\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"12vt45p\" data-start=\"1094\" data-end=\"1146\"\u003eChoice of leather or cotton drawstring pouch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1148\" data-end=\"1318\"\u003eIdeal for families and educational programs, this set brings a timeless game into the present with both authenticity and versatility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg height=\"23\" width=\"44\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0607\/0766\/8168\/files\/triangle_480x480.png?v=1643661764\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWARNING  CHOKING HAZARD  Toy contains small parts and small balls. Not for children under 3. Recommended for adults and children aged 8 years and above.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cowings Mill: Retail Outlet of Cooperman HistoryLives","offers":[{"title":"Leather Pouch","offer_id":50481590796578,"sku":null,"price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Cotton Pouch","offer_id":50481590829346,"sku":null,"price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0905\/9919\/4914\/files\/game-of-jacks-pewter-set-leather-pouch.jpg?v=1775056087"},{"product_id":"set-of-4-wands-for-game-of-graces","title":"Game of Graces Wands - Set of 4 Tapered Wands","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGame of Graces Replacement Wands, set of 4 tapered 18\" wands\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis set of hardwood tapered replacement wands for our Game of Graces includes 4 of our 18\" long wands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1511\" data-start=\"1483\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1509\" data-start=\"1487\"\u003eSafety Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1573\" data-start=\"1512\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"23\" width=\"44\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0607\/0766\/8168\/files\/triangle_480x480.png?v=1643661764\"\u003eNot for children under 3. Recommended for ages 8+ and adults.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cowings Mill: Retail Outlet of Cooperman HistoryLives","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51450108707106,"sku":null,"price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0905\/9919\/4914\/files\/game-of-graces-wands-set.jpg?v=1775143259"}],"url":"https:\/\/cowingsmill.com\/collections\/a-nation-comes-of-age-1865-to-early-1900s-period.oembed","provider":"Cowings Mill: Retail Outlet of Cooperman HistoryLives","version":"1.0","type":"link"}