Hobbies And Interests
American Spiritualism
Spiritualism in the United States began around the year 1848, when two sisters in New York allegedly contacted a spirit. Their claims started a national obsession that soon picked up interest in Europe as well. Early methods of contacting spirits began with writing messages which purportedly came from the spirit world. Baskets with pencils attached were often employed for this purpose. The basket method soon sparked the invention of the planchette, which legend says was invented by French medium M. Planchette. The tool was a three-legged, heart-shaped device with a pencil at one end.
Novelty Boards
Charles W. Kennard, owner of the Kennard Novelty Company, first marketed Ouija boards in Maryland in the 1890s. He said the name was derived from the Egyptian word for luck, claiming that the board told him the word. Ouija is not, in fact, the Egyptian word for luck, but the name has stuck with the device for over a century.
Talking Boards
Kennard's novelty business was not a financial success. After his financial backers withdrew, Kennard placed his manager William Fuld in control of the business. Fuld subsequently named his company the Ouija Novelty Company, marketing the Ouija as "Fuld's Talking Boards." Some of Fuld's success may be derived from the new history he began to market along with the renamed boards. He spread the story that the boards were his invention and the name Ouija came from two words meaning yes in the German and French languages.
Parker Brothers
The heirs of William Fuld ran the novelty company from 1927 to 1966, regularly offering new versions of the now-famous Ouija boards. In 1966, the company was sold to Parker Brothers. To this day, the well-known board game company continues to make and market Ouija boards.
Ancient Origins
According to some researchers, ancient Egyptians tied small rings to pieces of thread. The tool was then held over a table that was etched with markings. It was said that the device offered answers to questions as they were posed.