LETTER : Origins of the Monopoly board
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr Geoff Kiss
Sir: Apparently, Charles Darrow had about as much claim to have invented Monopoly as William Friese-Greene did motion photography ("Mayfair, mortgaged for pounds 200 - and go to jail!", 17 May).
Forms of the game were known in Atlantic City, but the principle was established at least as early as 1904 when "Landlords" was marketed by Elizabeth Maggie Phillips.
There is also, aligned with Monopoly in the Museum of Childhood, a 1913 board game (manufactured by Newbie Games of Dumfries) named "Brer Fox an' Brer Rabbit", which has Gaol in one corner, contains Chance, railway stations and features property improvement.
I notice the board used to illustrate your article on 1930s costs is post-railway nationalisation ... unlike my own version which, although post-war, places stations firmly in the private hands of the London & North Eastern Railway Company. Will they now become RailTrack?
It is odd to note that the Electric & Water companies have ceased to be the anachronism which they have been for a generation!
Yours faithfully,
GEOFF KISS
Brighton
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments