Games

Before entering the work force at the age of seven, a child's world was filled with recreational activities and playtime. There were a number of games and past-times which were popular during this era. Some of the most well-liked games of French society have been carried over into the 20th century.

Many games in Louisbourg were played by both young boys and girls. Some of these included nine-pin bowling (jeau de quilles), cards, hoops, lotto, bean bag tosses, jump rope, hide and seek, and fencing or sword fighting. There were many boardgames played by children. Interestingly, badminton was a game that existed in French society and has continued today as an enjoyable sport. Many simple games involved rolling down a hill or riding a toy horse. Some children enjoyed singing, dancing, and playing with musical instruments such as drums. Others would be creative and devote time to making crafts.

A young male might have fished off a wharf or whittled (carved) wood to amuse himself. Toy windmills were a popular toy. Girls frequently played with dolls. An upper class female might have participated in lace-making which was a popular past-time. Jeau de Paume was a popular game in which children would toss a ball onto the roof of a building and whosever name was called had to attempt to catch it with their apron or hat.

Many children enjoyed games of tag and Blindman's Bluff. Blindman's bluff was a game where a particular individual was blindfolded and placed in the centre of a group of people. The blindfolded person would try to touch another player, while the group attempted to avoid being caught. Once an individual was caught, the blindfolded person had to identify him or her.

Adults also succumbed to pleasurable activities. Although gambling was illegal, many adults participated. Billiards and dominoes were other popular games played. Chess was a game played only by men since it represented a game which utilized military strategies. Checkers, lotto, dominoes, solitaire, and nine-pin bowling (jeau de quilles) were played leisurely. Trique-Trac was a game which was played on checkerboards. A popular choice of entertainment were card games such as faro and war.

How have many of these games are still a part of your culture?