The Air at the Top of the Bottle

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Children’s Card Games (23)

September 5th, 2008 · 4 Comments

nosey.jpg

We haven’t broached the many versions of “Old Maid” yet; it’s time we did.  This one came from Parker Brothers.  I’d like to know when, but they won’t tell me.

Old Maid was always an odd game.  The implied message is that you will become an Old Maid if you don’t pair off; but the Old Maid never looked unhappy with her lot, and the other characters only paired off with themselves, which doesn’t sound too thrilling.  If I were Nosey Newser, I’d prefer another face on the pillow.

The anonymous artists seem to have enjoyed coming up with different characters and Old Maids for the game.  For your heightened pleasure, I’ll also include the Old Maid for each deck, so you can compare.  Here’s this one (please pardon the wrinkle; the Maid is Old).

oldmaid1.jpg 

(Posted by Doug Skinner) 

Tags: Card Games · Ephemera

4 responses so far ↓

  • 1 elena // Sep 5, 2008 at 4:18 pm

    she actually looks a lot more fun than the nosey newser…..

  • 2 Lisa // Sep 6, 2008 at 1:16 pm

    She does. More like a free-wheeling fabulous fifty-something, back when people in their 50s were considered ‘old.’

    He looks a little like Mike Smith, actually.

  • 3 mamie // Sep 18, 2008 at 10:50 pm

    She looks like one of those really smart, but girlish ladies. I hope so much that she was happy!

  • 4 Gail // Oct 1, 2008 at 9:22 pm

    a good illustration of someone full of herself without being a heterosexual doormat. Even though she’s considered to be an “old maid”, she ain’t no grandma with granny glasses, knitting a smelly sweater. I’d bet she’s had a few (of everything) and she hasn’t even troubled herself with a divorce. whatta gal…….