The Jigsaw Craze: A Historical Perspective on a Timeless Pastime
In the midst of the Great Depression, a peculiar phenomenon emerged in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, captivating the hearts and minds of its residents. Jigsaw puzzles, a pastime that had been around since the 18th century, suddenly became the talk of the town, with an almost feverish enthusiasm. This article delves into the fascinating story of how a simple game of fitting pieces together became a cultural phenomenon, offering a unique lens into the societal challenges of the era.
The Sault Daily Star, a local newspaper, reported on the surge in popularity of jigsaw puzzles, noting that hundreds of these puzzles were arriving in the city each week. Factories in Guelph and Kitchener were working around the clock to meet the demand, a testament to the sudden and widespread interest. Stores, eager to capitalize on this trend, increased their stock, with some even offering puzzles as incentives for candy purchases. Barnes Drug Co., for instance, provided a discount on puzzles if customers bought their Smiles 'n Chuckles Chocolates, while Economy Stores handed out free 75-piece puzzles with every tin of fluffo pastry shortening.
By February 21, 1933, an impressive 2,500 to 3,000 puzzles had been sold in Sault Ste. Marie, a figure that stood in stark contrast to Sudbury, where only about 1,000 puzzles had been sold. This disparity suggests that Sault Ste. Marie was quicker to embrace the trend, highlighting the city's unique response to the economic hardships of the time.
The popularity of jigsaw puzzles during the Depression was not coincidental. With unemployment and financial strain prevalent, people sought affordable and engaging activities to distract themselves from their struggles. Jigsaw puzzles, with their ability to provide hours of entertainment at a low cost, became an ideal escape. As one Sault Star article humorously pointed out, the puzzle craze was keeping people off the streets and diverting their minds from the grim realities of the Depression, even if temporarily.
The craze extended beyond individual homes, with social activities centered around puzzles emerging. The Navy League Hall hosted a puzzle contest on March 3, 1933, where participants formed teams of four to tackle specially imported puzzles, each taking an hour and a half to two hours to complete. The fastest team to finish won prizes, and the event included a buffet lunch, all for a mere 25 cents. This event not only showcased the competitive spirit of the community but also served as a fundraiser for the Navy League, demonstrating the dual nature of the puzzle craze as both a social and a charitable endeavor.
However, not everyone was swept up in the jigsaw fever. A writer for The Wagin' Tongue, a column in the Sault Star, mocked the obsession, warning that the puzzle craze would lead to the neglect of business, meals, sleep, and even basic hygiene. The writer humorously exaggerated the effects, suggesting that the puzzle mania would ultimately solve the Depression, a sentiment that highlights the absurdity of the situation and the writer's skepticism.
The jigsaw puzzle craze of 1933 was more than just a passing trend; it was a reflection of the societal challenges of the time. It provided a temporary escape from the harsh realities of the Depression, even if it was just for a few hours. The puzzles became a symbol of resilience and creativity, showing that even in the face of adversity, people found ways to amuse themselves and connect with others.
Today, jigsaw puzzles continue to be a beloved pastime, though perhaps not with the same fervor as in 1933. The story of the Sault Ste. Marie's jigsaw craze serves as a reminder of the power of simple pleasures and the ingenuity of human creativity, especially during times of hardship. It invites us to reflect on how pastimes can become cultural phenomena, offering both entertainment and a unique perspective on historical events.
