Games, Hobbies, and Pastimes of the Wilson Era December 10, 2006

Celebrate President Woodrow Wilson’s 150th birthday! Meet Wilson and his wife Edith and learn how Prohibition caused Americans to seek a variety of new leisure activities during the Wilson era.

Drink To Your Health!
The 18th Amendment outlawed the sale of alcohol. Sip a cup of lemonade and ask a temperance activist why she supports Prohibition.

Play Games Galore!
The card games Pit, Rook, and Flinch were popular during the Wilson era. Try a puzzle or build with TinkerToys or Lincoln Logs, both created during Wilson’s administration.

Unravel Puzzling Patents!
An increase in technology during the early 1900s resulted in an explosion of newly patented items. Play the Patent Puzzler game, featuring patents found in the holdings of the National Archives.

Plant a Victory Garden!
Mrs. Wilson and many American families planted Victory Gardens to help the war effort. Join the effort—decorate a garden stake and take seeds to plant in the spring.

Laugh at Silent Shorts!
President Wilson often invited friends to his home to screen silent films. Join the fun today by viewing some favorite comedic shorts of the Wilson era. Buster Keaton stars in One Week (1920), Cops (1922), and The Balloonatic (1923). (Each film 20 min.)

Activities are free and open to the public.

Official Website: http://www.archives.gov/calendar