A Time Before Television

Have you ever wondered what people did with themselves in the evening before the invention of the television or even radio? While doing some research I came across this article in the "Children's Corner" section of an 1889 magazine called The Farmer's Advocate. This picture is from the December issue, and it accompanied a rather lengthy article on how to put on your proper shadow puppet theatre, including various sound effects aimed to please your younger siblings.



The caption reads, "Fun for Christmas Evenings." So, I'm guessing that this was only done as a special treat? The shadow puppets are labeled from top left to right- The bird on the Wing; Pussy-cat; The Wolf; The Angry Swan; The French Soldier; The Jockey on Horseback; The Greyhound; The Soldier Laughing; The Elephant. I have no idea if some of these configurations are even possible.