Toys Kids Played With In 1880s Texas by Caroline Clemmons

 

As Christmas approaches, I always remember the anticipation I felt waiting for the Sears Christmas Catalog to arrive. It promised a world of colorful, brand-new toys—and hours spent flipping its pages fed my childhood imagination. That memory made me wonder: what toys did children in 1880s Texas look forward to each year, long before glossy catalogs and department store windows? 

Childhood in 1880s Texas: More Chores Than Play 

Our modern idea of childhood as a time reserved for school, play, and daydreams didn’t truly emerge until after World War II. For families on the Texas frontier, children were expected to pitch in with work as soon as they could walk—gathering eggs, carrying water, helping in the fields, and tending younger siblings. Playtime happened after chores and, for many, toys were handmade or passed down, not bought from a store. 

Toys of the Frontier: Creativity Over Consumerism 

In the 1880s, most children’s toys reflected the world around them, their families’ skills, and what was possible with limited means. 

• Cornhusk Dolls: Girls often made dolls from twisted cornhusks, scraps of cloth, and bits of yarn. These simple toys were cherished and sometimes dressed up for holidays or special occasions. 

• Whittled Wooden Toys: Boys and fathers used pocketknives to whittle toy animals, spinning tops, or toy guns from leftover wood scraps. Creativity and resourcefulness were prized. 

• Rag Balls and Homemade Games: Fabric scraps became balls for tossing, and children played games like tag, marbles, or hopscotch drawn in dirt near the house. 

• Hoops and Sticks: Children raced with metal or wooden hoops and sticks, seeing who could keep their hoop rolling the longest. 

• Paper Dolls & Scrapbooks: When paper or catalogs were available, kids made paper dolls, decorated scrapbooks, or folded origami animals. 

• Musical Instruments: Simple flutes, harmonicas, or a homemade washboard let children entertain themselves—and sometimes their exhausted parents! 

Store-Bought Treasures 

Store-bought toys were rare, precious things—brought home after a long trip to town or given as special gifts for Christmas or birthdays. Families might splurge on a china doll, a kite, a harmonica, or a set of jacks. These items were treasured and taken care of for years. 

The Spirit of Play 

Even in homes with few resources, Texas frontier kids found ways to play—outside, using what was at hand. Their games and toys weren’t just for entertainment; they taught resourcefulness, cooperation, and creativity. I like to think of those cornhusk dolls or whittled animals as more than toys—they were the seeds of stories and traditions passed down through generations. 

As you enjoy the flurry of holiday shopping and the abundance of choices in catalogs and online stores, remember the simple joy of play with what you have. Sometimes, the best toys are the ones you create together. 

Happy holidays to you and your family! 

Adult Pastimes for Leisure in 1880s Texas by Caroline Clemmons

 When we picture life in 1880s Texas, it’s easy to imagine endless days of chores, cattle work, and tending the homestead. It’s true that work was a defining feature of frontier life, but adults in those days eagerly carved out time for relaxation and fun. After all, even hardworking pioneers needed a way to unwind, make connections, and add a spark of joy to daily routines. 

Social Gatherings and Community Events 

For most adults, leisure time meant gathering with neighbors and friends. Community socials—held at church, the schoolhouse, or someone’s barn—were the highlight of many folks’ weeks. Dances (“frolics” or “hoedowns”) featured lively fiddle music and plenty of home-cooked food, with couples twirling under lanterns until late. Quilting bees or barn raisings doubled as work and fun, offering a chance for conversation and camaraderie. 

Music and Storytelling 

Music was woven into the fabric of leisure life. Many homes had a harmonica, banjo, or fiddle, and impromptu jams were as common as the Texas breeze. Storytelling, too, was a cherished pastime: both tall tales and true accounts of pioneer adventures were shared around the fire, passing wisdom, laughter, and local legends from generation to generation. 

Card Games, Board Games, and Parlor Entertainments 

When work was done, adults enjoyed simple games—playing cards like whist, euchre, or poker; dominoes; or homemade boards for checkers. For more formal occasions, parlor games (such as charades or “blind man’s bluff”) brought neighbors together. Reading aloud from favorite books or newspapers offered relaxation and, sometimes, lively discussion. 

The Great Outdoors: Hunting, Fishing, and Horseback Rides 

Texas adults embraced the outdoors—not just for work, but for pleasure. Hunting, fishing, and horseback rides let pioneers reconnect with nature, test their skills, and find peace in solitude or the company of close friends. Picnics by the creek or “going visiting” to a neighboring ranch often involved a basket of treats and an afternoon enjoying the countryside. 

Clubs, Societies, and Civic Life 

As towns and communities grew, so did opportunities for organized leisure. Men’s fraternal lodges, ladies’ sewing circles, temperance societies, and literary clubs provided intellectual stimulation and a strong sense of belonging. Membership offered adults a chance to contribute, learn, and celebrate together. 

Reflection and Restoration 

Finally, frontier folks were skilled at finding smaller moments of relaxation: sipping coffee on the porch, listening to birds, or simply pausing to admire a sunset. Faith and personal contemplation were important, and many journals from the period mention prayer, reading, or letter writing as restorative pastimes. 

Final Thoughts 

While daily life in 1880s Texas required grit and resilience, adults still made time for fun, friendship, and creativity—and their traditions continue to inspire. As you pause for Thanksgiving this week, remember to take a moment to contemplate your blessings.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.