Item HT 4667 Parlour Game - 'Chook-Chook', circa 1930

Summary

Alternative Name(s): Card Game

Parlour game titled 'Chook-Chook, based on the production and marketing of eggs. The game comprises a deck of 49 cards, instructions, monthly price list, "setting cards', scoring card and original box. The game explains that it is 'virtually a business trading account between players, their stock being various being various breeds of fowls, the eggs from which at varying prices count in the competition; the player who makes the most money during 12 months being the winner...'

The manufacturer is unknown. It was available for sale in Australia, and probably the United Kingdom (the donor was an English migrant). It was advertised in The West Australian, 30 December 1927, p.13 - described as a 'splendid educational game for growing children', available at Foy & Gibson's for 1/6 per pack. It was later advertised in The Argus, 11 June 1949, p.14 - described as the 'splendid educational parlour game. Interesting, instructional and amusing', available at at Robertson & Mullens Ltd, Stationery Department, 107-113 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, for 3/3 plus 3d for postage.

Physical Description

Parlour game comprising a deck of cards, instructions, monthly price list, "setting cards", scoring card and original box. 49 cards with decorative blue and white back (floral design with two large butterflies and four smaller butterflies).The opposing faces of the card have a variety of images including 'A Goose' and 'Water Glass Tin' but the majority have information about the monthly egg production, by the dozen, of specific types of hen (i.e. Langsan Hens) for a whole year. The pictures comprise simple black and white renderings. Both the Price List and Score Sheet are both printed on yellowing paper. The 'Price List' has information on one side only whilst the 'Score Sheet' has printing on both sides (Players/Months/ Hen types in tabulated format). There are also 12 'Setting Cards' which have a similar appearance to the main deck although they are smaller in size and have a red, geometric design back. Small 4 page (8 sided) booklet with blue ink printed on green coloured paper. On the front cover there is an illustration of a Hen with three chicks but the remainder of the booklet is pure text. The wirtten instructions comprise a list of directions on how to play the game and the significance of each card.