JACKSTRAWS - The set of jackstraws shown in the photographs was made by the great-grandfather of a Hollis resident.  He lived in Portsmouth and carved about 100 jackstraws, pegging them all together with friction fit.  Included are shovels, axes, other farm tools including an orchard ladder and some tools which may have been associated with fishing, e.g. canoe paddles and other paddle.  Each type of tool has several varieties within it.

Jackstraws were played like contemporary pick up sticks.  All the pieces were held in one hand and dropped in an irregular circle.  You can see this happening.  The players in turn tried to remove one piece at a time using thin crochet hooks.  If the pile moved or even trembled the player lost his/her turn.  Those pieces successfully removed earned points, which are marked individually on each piece.  A hoe might be harder to remove than a shovel.  

How long do you think it took the great-grandfather to make this set?  They all fit (with the crochet hooks) into a hand turned one-piece wooden case with lid.  The jackstraws are shown lying on a drop leaf doll table made by the jackstraw ownerπs grandfather.

Jackstraws are a very old game, some say going back to Egypt.   A great deal of information on jackstraws is available on the world wide web looking under the word 'jackstraws'.
 

All pieces laid out in categories on doll table with holding case beside them	The antique drop leaf doll table
Ladder, rake, shovel, ax, and other pieces; see the points lettered on each piece.	Getting ready to play.

Move One?