Sharon Historical Society Quarterly Meeting and Presentation

Business Meeting : 2-00- 2:15

Presentation: 2:15

Our Featured Presentation:

A Look at Early Childhood and the Evolution of Toys

The topic of the December meeting is early childhood through the ages. The period to be explored spans the 1600’s through the early 1900’s. Since we were all children once, it will be interesting to compare the beliefs and practices of today with those of the past as we examine how children were cared for, perceived, disciplined, shaped and by whom.  What can be agreed upon by historians is that prior to the 20th century American childhood as we know it did not exist. Or did it?

A great deal has been written about the life, struggles, and accomplishments of the adults who crossed the ocean to build a new world but of infant and early childhood life during colonial days little has been recorded. Do you know what percentage of the founders of Plymouth were children? Did that percentage rise in subsequent years? Was it only Puritan children who were populating the Massachusetts colony? Puritans considered it a sin to waste time, so did colonial children get to play? Did they have toys? Do you know what the “Satan the Deluder Act” was, when it was passed, and what it had to do with rearing children?

What were the main differences between the 17th and 18th century’s views of children and how they were to be raised? What impact did the Industrial Revolution have on children and women alike? Has the responsibility for child rearing shifted from parents to the government? How has play changed?

Did you have a favorite toy? What was it and why? Come and tell us about it, and perhaps get to play with some old-time classics.  In addition, check out the Gift Shop where you will be able to purchase handmade versions of old-fashioned toys, as well as their modern machine-made equivalents – just in time for Hanukkah and Christmas.

Our speaker, Claire Forman, was the Director of the Sharon Cooperative Nursery & Day School for over 30 years and has worked with infants and children in a variety of settings. After graduating from Massachusetts College of Art with a BA in painting, illustration and printmaking, she became a MA licensed teacher specializing in interdisciplinary education. She worked as a graphic designer and freelance illustrator while continuing her education at Aquinas College to become EEC Certified Director II and Lead Teacher Infant/Toddler. In the early 1980’s she became active in the Sharon Historical Society, and wrote a weekly column called “A Moment in History” for The Sharon Advocate. She developed a Social Studies program in conjunction with the Sharon Historical Society and the Sharon Public Schools. She remains active in the society as a member of the Board of Directors and developing educational exhibits and programs.