Hello and welcome to an exclusive showing of the Museum of Curious Toys & Games. Each item featured in this unique collection represents a questionable moment in the development of toys and games throughout history.
Featured Item: The “Funny Face” Board Game
Whitman was a board game company that was founded in 1916 as a subsidiary of Western Publishing Company. In 1968, Whitman had the crazy idea to make the “Funny Face” board game — screenshots from which you see here. In 1979, Mattel purchased Whitman and they were eventually phased out. Lucky for us, “pieces” of this terrifying clown face game still live on.
Nothing Creepy About These Missing Eye Sockets. No, Not At All
Nightmare-Inducing? Eye Ear You!
Step Right Up! Spin to Win…a Clown Nose and Other Clown Body Parts…Shudder
The basic premise of the “Funny Face” board game is pretty easy. Players must use a spinner to make a complete clown face before your opponents are able to do so.
The game was widely available in the 1960s. It would be interesting to know who came up with the various clown characters — so we can sure them forever. What were they thinking?
Just joking The clown characters are incredibly expressive, odd, scary and almost psychedelic in their characterizations. Take, for example, the clashing patterns of their bowties, hats, feathers and flowers. Note the odd colors of those clown ears — yellow, blue, pink. Note the hat designs, also very expressive, quirky and unique.
Have a game or toy you think belongs in this collection? Please feel free to get in touch and let me know.
Tags: #boardgames #vintage #clowns #funnyfaceboardgame
Also published on Medium.