American Folk Toys,
Games, Crafts & Music

In early America, childhood was a somewhat serious time of life, a preparation for the adult world, and most toys, books and games were designed to acquaint children with household tasks or teach them moral lessons. Although a few wealthy families purchased expensive, imported, European toys, most American children depended on family members to craft dolls, wooden toys and games. Dolls were made from cornhusks, rags and other household items. Leftover wood and string were used to make spinning tops.

Children did many household chores in those days, such as carrying wood, husking corn, gathering berries, leading oxen, carding wood, gathering eggs, and churning butter. When children weren't doing chores, their parents sent them to school.

When children had time to play, they enjoyed the same games that their parents and grandparents had played when they were young. These games helped children learn skills that they would need later in life. Games taught children how to aim and throw, how to solve problems, how to do things with their hands, and how to follow directions and rules. They also learned to be kind, to wait their turn, and to use their imagination.

American Folk Toys, Games, Crafts & Music is a historically based company founded in 1988 and dedicated to the preservation, nurture and development of traditional American folk toys. What began as a fascination with traditional Appalachian folk toys has now evolved into a broader collection of toys, games, crafts and music that represent almost all regions and time periods of American history. Beeline Publications is very pleased to bee able to offer you this selection from their highly successful line of products.

Use the menu bee-low to view items that interest you. We Bees suggest you print out the Order Form now so that you can write down the items you wish to order. We Bees accept bank checks, money orders (American Express & Western Union only), cashier checks, and credit cards (MasterCard & Visa). See Ordering Info for details and other important information.

Please do not hesitate to write us if you have a question or need assistance placing an order. You can also send a fax to 1-812-332-0998 or call us any time of the day at 1-812-339-4500 and leave a message. Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (Central Standard Time when Daylight Savings Time is in effect).

Teachers & youth leaders: We offer an educational discount when you order 12 or more of the same item for teaching purposes.

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