The board games here represent the importance of the railroad as an efficient service in mail delivery, exemplified by “The Limited Mail and Express Game” from 1894 by Parker Brothers. It shows the advancement in mail service from stagecoach to rail. Colorful box covers were the draw and the McLoughlin Brothers from New York were the pioneers in color printing technologies. Active between 1858 and 1920, they published childrens’ books and board games. In 1920 the corporation was sold to Milton Bradley and Company.
Milton Bradley Company, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, started producing board games in the 1860’s, which became its ultimate success. Throughout its 150 years the company published games such as “Battleship” and “The Game of Life.” By 2009 Hasbro had acquired the company and later Parker Brothers. Founded by George S. Parker around 1883, the toy and game manufacturer published more than 1,800 board games including the famous and still popular “Monopoly”.
Milton Bradley Co., The Game of by Mail, Express, or Accomodation Train, 1894.
Osher Artifact Collection.
www.oshermaps.org/map/37033
Parker Brothers, Train for Boston, 1900.
Osher Artifact Collection.
www.oshermaps.org/map/37017
Milton Bradley Co., The Smashed Up Locomotive: A Mechanical Puzzle for Boys, circa 1880.
Osher Artifact Collection.
www.oshermaps.org/map/37001
Parker Brothers, The Limited Mail and Express Game, 1894.
Osher Artifact Collection.
www.oshermaps.org/map/37032
Milton Bradley Co., The Fast Mail, 1930.
Osher Artifact Collection.
www.oshermaps.org/map/36989
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McLoughlin Bros., The Locomotive Picture Puzzle, 1897.
Osher Artifact Collection.
www.oshermaps.org/map/36969
Milton Bradley Co., The Overland Limited, 1935.
Osher Artifact Collection.
www.oshermaps.org/map/37026
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The Embossing Company, Double Nine Express Dominoes, 1910.
Osher Artifact Collection.
www.oshermaps.org/map/36854
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The Embossing Company, Double Twelve Express Dominoes, circa 1920.
Osher Artifact Collection.
www.oshermaps.org/map/36855
