Things Found 'Round the Toybox Quiz

Answer: It is not known for sure

There are many theories as to the origin of this classic toy. One of them is that it became popular in 15th century England where it was based on the "Punch" puppet of "Punch and Judy" fame. Another theory states that the term "Jack" was a reference to the devil and early models were said to have contained a man with a devil trapped in a boot.

It is known that there were wind up toys in ancient Greece which possibly contributed to this toy. It is known that they became popular in Germany after a 16th century clockmaker made one for the son of a local prince.

The Cockney tune "Pop Goes the Weasel" has been a popular melody for these toys for many centuries. The exact origins of this toy will probably never be known. What is known, is that this toy has provided children with hours of fun for hundreds of years.

Answer: Dreidel

A dreidel is a type of spinning top and can be made of many different kinds of materials, even though wood is the most popular. One Jewish legend tells the story of how Jews hid in caves attempting to learn the Torah. Dreidels became popular toys used to keep children occupied while adults and adolescents were engaged in learning Jewish theology.

This toy has been used by people of all ages for centuries. This type of spinning top is used to play a game that involves the symbols painted on each side.

Answer: Clue/Cluedo

The popular board game Clue originated in Leeds, England in 1949 and was originally known as Cluedo. No matter which name you use, the object of the game is to figure out which of the characters is a killer. You must also figure out which room the act was carried out in and which of the weapons, seen in this image were used.

This classic detective game provided children with hours of fun, while teaching them to think logically and deductively. It should be noted that variations of this game are produced all over the world with minor changes from the original.

Answer: Her brother

At the time of her creation in 1915, Raggedy Ann was used as a symbol by the anti-vaccination movement. American writer Johnny Gruelle (1880-1938) who lost his 13 year old daughter Marcella shortly after she was vaccinated for smallpox. While the exact cause of her death will never be known, her father blamed the vaccination.

The doll was created in 1915 and was followed by a children's book entitled "Raggedy Ann Stories" in 1918. In 1920, another book entitled "Raggedy Andy Stories" was published and introduced the world to her brother, named, appropriately, Raggedy Andy.

Answer: False

The idea that the yo-yo was an Aboriginal weapon is false. Nor did it originate in New Guinea or the Philippines as is sometimes reported. In fact, the yo-yo is thought to have originated in China. The first time the yo-yo was mentioned was in Greek writings from around 500 B.C.

While they are made of a variety of materials today, original yo-yos were made of wood or terra cotta. Today, there are yo-yo contests all over the world and the tricks being performed with this simple toy are truly amazing.

Answer: Hobby-horse

The hobby-horse has brought hours of fun to children for centuries. It is sometimes referred to as a cock-horse or a stick-horse, and was a popular toy before the advent of the modern automobile. This once-common toy is a simple stick with a stuffed fabric head, usually of a horse. (Surprise!) Some of the more elaborate ones would have small wheels at the bottom to make riding more realistic. Adult size hobby-horses have been used during religious celebrations in some areas of India for centuries.

Answer: False

There are many names for this game/toy including jacks, knucklebones, dibs, and batu, but it is not known as jills. This playground/yard/sidewalk game is played by bouncing the ball and picking up the jacks in a prescribed order while the ball is still in the air.

The game is believed to have originally been played using the ankle bones of sheep, which are also known as astragalus. Variations of this game have been played all over the world for many centuries.

Answer: Backgammon

Believed to have originated in Asia over 5,000 years ago, the game of backgammon has been played by innumerable generations of children and adults. After the board is set up, each player rolls their pair of dice and moves their pips the required number of spaces. Both are attempting to get their pips off the board first.

This deceptively simple game is actually a very complex battle of strategy, logic, and luck.

Answer: Spirograph

Created by mathematician Bruno Abakanowicz in the later part of the 20th century, the original Spirograph was originally used for calculating an area delimited by curves. In 1965 the Spirograph was exhibited at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair where it was a hit.

The Spirograph consists of round plastic gears with teeth on the inside and outside. By sticking a pen in the holes on the gears and spinning the gears around each other, beautiful designs like those seen in the image could be made on paper.

Answer: Clackers

Clackers were simply two balls that were attached to each other by cords connected to a tab or knot. By making a simple up and down motion, the two balls would swing up and down making a loud clacking noise when they met at the 6:00 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions. It was that simple to drive your parents crazy with a loud clacking noise that could go on for hours.