Milton Bradley, an influential figure in board games, shaped how people play and how kids were educated. The podcast delves into Bradley's journey, from creating 'The Checkered Game of Life' to educational innovations. It explores his struggles, triumphs, and legacy, highlighting the intersection of games, patriotism, and educational tools.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Milton Bradley revolutionized traditional board games, influencing global play and early education in the U.S.
Bradley's practical approach and innovation in game design led to the creation of 'Checkered Game of Life', a popular blend of chance and moral decision-making.
Deep dives
Early Life and Education of Milton Bradley
Milton Bradley, born in 1836, grew up in a modest family dealing with financial struggles due to a failed business venture. Despite hardships, he excelled in math and science, eventually enrolling in Lawrence Scientific School in 1854. Facing financial challenges, he sought work as a draftsman and began saving for tuition. His pursuit of education led him to start a job at the Wason locomotive car works, showcasing his determination and practical approach.
Milton Bradley's Venture into Lithograph Printing
After the closure of the locomotive car works, Bradley ventured into lithograph printing, seeing an opportunity in a niche business. He acquired a press, learned its operations, and established himself as a lithographer and publisher. With his keen business sense and resourcefulness, Bradley secured commissions such as designing showcase books, laying the foundation for his future success in the printing industry.
Creation of the Checkered Game of Life
Amid financial challenges and the onset of the Civil War, Bradley developed the 'Checkered Game of Life', offering a unique board game experience. The game, focusing on morality and personal choices, quickly gained popularity, resonating with players seeking a blend of chance and judgment. Bradley's innovative approach to game design set him apart and laid the groundwork for his future accomplishments.
Bradley's Contribution to Kindergarten Education and Legacy
Inspired by educational principles, Bradley shifted his focus to producing educational materials for children, aligning with the emerging kindergarten movement. By introducing innovative learning tools, including crayons and construction paper, Bradley played a pivotal role in shaping early education methods. His dedication to educational advancements left a lasting legacy, underscoring his commitment to learning and creativity.
Milton Bradley shaped not only the way people in the U.S. and around the globe play, but also how many kids in the U.S. were educated in their youngest years.
Research:
Adams, David Wallace, and Victor Edmonds. “Making Your Move: The Educational Significance of the American Board Game, 1832 to 1904.” History of Education Quarterly, vol. 17, no. 4, 1977, pp. 359–83. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/367865
Bradley, M. “Game Board. U.S. Patent Office. April 3, 1866. https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/21/56/40/6993536471b841/US53561.pdf
“Bradley’s Mechanical and Mathematical Institute … “ The Berkshire County Eagle. July 23, 1858. https://www.newspapers.com/image/532891626/?terms=%22milton%20bradley%22%20&match=1
“The Cars for Egypt.” Vermont Press. March 13, 1858. https://www.newspapers.com/image/547100306/?terms=%22milton%20bradley%22%20&match=1
“The Checkered Game of Life.” Hasbro. https://www.hasbro.com/common/documents/5b96f7161d3711ddbd0b0800200c9a66/858C69C319B9F3691003C63AB0E8078A.pdf
“The Game of Life: A 2010 National Toy Hall of Fame Inductee.” The Strong National Museum of Play. https://www.museumofplay.org/blog/the-game-of-life-a-2010-national-toy-hall-of-fame-inductee/
Hastings, C.C. “Paper Cutter.” U.S. Patent Office. https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/07/48/11/e31cbdcbdc7c2c/US1123190.pdf
Lepore, Jill. “The Meaning of Life.” The New Yorker. May 14, 2007. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2007/05/21/the-meaning-of-life
“Milton Bradley.” National Inventors Hall of Fame. https://www.invent.org/inductees/milton-bradley
Shea, James J. and Charles E. Mercer. “It’s All in the Game.” New York. Putnam. 1960.
Shea, James J., Jr. “The Milton Bradley Story.” New York, Newcomen Society in North America. 1973. Accessed online: https://archive.org/details/miltonbradleysto0000shea/page/n31/mode/2up
“WHISKERS FOR VOTES, OR WHY ABRAHAM LINCOLN GREW A BEARD.” Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. August 31, 2021. https://www.indianamuseum.org/blog-post/whiskers-for-votes-or-why-abraham-lincoln-grew-a-beard/#:~:text=Silly%20affection%20or%20not%2C%20later,trip%20prior%20to%20his%20inauguration