In February, 1891, the first few advertisements started appearing in papers: “Ouija, the Wonderful Talking Board,” boomed a Pittsburgh toy and novelty shop, describing a magical device that answered questions “about the past, present and future with marvelous accuracy” and promised “never-failing amusement and recreation for all the classes,” a link “between the known and unknown, the material and immaterial.” Another advertisement in a New York newspaper declared it “interesting and mysterious” and testified, “as sProven at Patent Office before it was allowed. Price, $1.50.”
What a fantastic read, thanks for finding and posting this! I've always been fascinated by Ouija boards, and the rest of the occult, supernatural, unexplained phenomena etc, although I've never used one. For that matter I haven't seen one in person either, but then again they were never as big a 'thing' in Australian social circles/history. The article mentioned they're for sale in board-game aisles, is this still a thing today? i.e. could I walk into a Walmart, KMart etc and pick one up? Part of me has been tempted over the years to try using one, one day. My sister and I have both had minor events that can't rationally be explained, and we're both open-minded on these topics. A few years ago when I last spoke to her about Ouija boards, she wanted no part of it whatsoever, and left me with a pretty good summation: if something happened, and a 'door' was opened that you could no longer close, then what? What say you Hubski? Has anyone had positive/negative/unexplainable experiences, or thoughts in general towards use of Ouija boards?
I used one before, at my old apartment. Apparently a ghost of a little girl answered some questions we asked. I still believe it was just unconscious movements of those involved, but my only advice would not to use it in your own home. Whether real or just a psychological 'trick' it may still give you or a loved one fear.
That sounds like good advice to me. It's amazing the tricks your mind can play on you if you give it a bit of a script to work off of. When that "little girl" answered via the Ouija board, did the board spell out things elaborately or just answer "yes" and "no" type questions? Also, if the piece moves, does it essential mean someone is intentionally being a jerk and making it do so or is it actually difficult to keep it still? If you can't tell, I've never actually used one. Thanks.
Here's an old magic trick: you'll need a mark, seated across from you at a table small enough that that you can comfortably reach each other by leaning across. A card table, coffee table or bar is ideal. You'll also need a small collection of objects, not too large to spread them all out in front of you, not much smaller than your hand. A dozen or so playing cards are ideal. Have your mark pick one of the objects, without indicating which. Arrange them in a line between you, so that you can place your hand above each without overlapping any other. Have your mark hold your wrist loosely as you (slowly) pass you hand over each object. You may have to make a couple of passes, but invariably the mark's grip will tighten when your hand is over their object. It's the easiest trick I know, and maybe the only one where there isn't actually a trick involved. You just have to create the right mood, and the mark does the rest without realizing it. Ouija boards are the same deal. You don't need someone intentionally being a jerk to get an answer, you just need someone who really wants to get an answer.Also, if the piece moves, does it essential mean someone is intentionally being a jerk and making it do so or is it actually difficult to keep it still?
This was a great read, something I had never considered. I love when they go to the patent office and the patent officer makes them test the product by guessing his name. Awesome stuff, great marketing! Cool history, thanks for posting.