Checker board made of wood, and painted black, green and cinnamon.

The modern game of checkers originated in Europe about the beginning of the twelfth-century, using the playing pieces of medieval backgammon, the board of chess, and the number and movement of pieces from the " jeu du moulin". The pieces took the name of the queen in French medieval chess, the "fers", and the game was known as "fierges". Later the chess queen was called "dame" and French checkers became the "jeu de dames" as it is known today.

Originally the capture of pieces in a checkers game was optional, as in chess, but in the sixteenth-century, compulsory capture of pieces was introduced. Any piece which neglected to make a possible capture was 'huffed' or removed from the board. The new game, which included the huffing maneuver, was called "jeu forcé", the old game being referred to as the "jeu plaisant". Modern English draughts is this same "jeu forcé'" and was taken by British settlers to North America, where it became known as checkers. (Author: Frederic V. Grunfeld. "Games of the World", New York: Ballantine Books, 1975, p.84-87) (French Canadian)

Red model truck, MAC 1952 transporting a sea elephant, with a keeper standing next to it, feeding it fish. There are two characters inside the truck cabin. (French Canadian)

Parcheesi board from the late 19^th century. It has a black background, with five circles separated into four sections of yellow, orange, pink and green colours.

Parcheesi is believed to have originated in India in the 6^th century and later spread around the world by traders and travelers.  It is now considered to be India's national game.  The name pachesi comes from the Indian word for 25, the highest throw that can be obtained from markers or dice used in the game.  Parcheesi is an Amercian version of the game invented in the 1860s and today manufactured by Hasbro Toys.
(French Canadian)

Hand-made wooden toy cart, painted red, with four wheels. (French Canadian)

Hand-sewn jacket for a doll, made of wool and linen. (French Canadian)

Toy sewing stand. Needles and thread were stored in the two drawers. (French Canadian)

Carved wooden toy horse attached to a base with four wheels. Its ears and mane are made of leather and its tail is made of white hair. (French Canadian)