Something From Nothing


Seaside Frolics By James Elder Christie, 1877.

With all of the chimney work and outdoor chores around the house, Tim does not have much time for fun and games. He also has little means for them. Too poor to buy any of the newest toys, he and his friends will make something up themselves to play. After spending long hours during a hot summer day working, they might run to the pond in the evening, strip down their clothes, and jump in to be refreshed. When they can find a ball, they enjoy kicking the ball around in a game that will later lead to "football" (or American soccer). As most young boys do, Tim knows how to be mischievous, and will occasionally sneak out to make a bonfire in a field with the other boys in the town.

For other lower-class boys like Tim, they seldom had material items to play with and few entertainments of their own. They were left to their own imaginations to find activities that were fun and sometimes a little roguish. Boys would light bonfires, steal a scare-crow from a field, or run through out the village blowing on cowhorns in the evening. 19 Boys would kick a ball around in the churchyard or in the middle of the street.


Although these boys did have the creativity to think up such activities, it was rare that they even found the time or energy to. Whether working on a farm or in a factory, most children labored from early in the morning until dark, when all they could do was sink into their beds. Some of the lower-class children did not even have shoes, and had to run around in their bare-feet.


As some of the lower-class children grew up on farms, animals were always around and enjoyed by children. Although they were not exotic creatures, sheep, goats, pigs, hens, ducks, and especially dogs and cats would be enjoyed by all. 20

Children playing at Whip-tip By William Hamilton.





Brother Its My Turn to Ride Now By Studio Wreford, 1789.





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