Manual Training Toys for the Boy's Workshop

Manual Training Toys for the Boy’s Workshop was originally published in 1912. After a short introductory section on basic woodworking and shop tools, the book offers 42 shop projects. Each project comes with a cutting list and dimensioned drawing, and all date from the early part of the 20th century (many, no doubt, are from the 19th century). Many of these projects are toys that require some skill in woodwork but they are not too difficult for boys and their dads to do together. When the book was first published it was dedicated to “the boy who likes to tinker ‘round,” so it was really written with the thought that the boys could make these projects without adult supervision. Many of the projects would now be considered nostalgic reminders of a time when things were much simpler and boys were trained to use tools and make things that would be at times useful, and always entertaining. This was a time long before text messaging and video games. Projects include a Fourth of July or New Years eve rattle, a cannon that shoots marbles, a kite string reel, a pop-gun and whistle, a bow and arrow, a sword, a magic box, and 35 other fun things for boys to build.