I am going to take a break from posting interviews this Wednesday. I want to give everyone the same exposure, and I have a feeling there’s a lot of people cooking today and not reading:-)
We’ll be back next Wednesday with more interviews.
Today, I was reading about how the game of Monopoly was created during the depression. You can read about it here.
The game was based on money, something that was in short supply at this time. It was also based on a dream that the creator of the game had – to go to Atlantic City. All the streets were named after streets there. Lastly, it was a distraction from the hard times – it offered some fun and escape in trying times.
Was it an instant success? Absolutely not! Charles Darrow, the man who created the game, made up a few copies by hand to pass out to some of his friends. He brought it to Parker Bros, who rejected it because it was too complicated.
Darrow persevered, raised some money and had some copies made and gave them to Wanamaker’s Dept. store in Philadelphia. It was a hit! Parker Bros. took another look at it, and now there are so many versions of Monopoly I can’t keep track.
What can we learn from this? That even in difficult economic times, inventions can be made and people can be successful.
Take a look around you. What are people struggling with? What do they need now? How can you help them? This could very well be the beginning of a great and successful business for years to come.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Laurie
That’s a very inspirational story.
Definitely goes to show determination pays off no matter what the economic conditions.
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for your comment. I was also inspired by this story when I read it. When we see what a huge success Monopoly is – I think there is a version of it for EVERYTHING! And to think, it was created during the depression.