Introduction: A Journey Through Crokinole’s History
Today, we dive into the fascinating origins of crokinole, a beloved Canadian tabletop game that has been played for well over a century. Originating in rural Canada in the late 19th century, crokinole has evolved from a modest pastime to a celebrated tradition enjoyed by families, competitors, and enthusiasts around the world. Along the way, we’ll explore how cultural influences and key figures helped shape the game’s development, and how it has endured through decades of change.
A Brief History of Crokinole
The history of crokinole is far from complete, with many unknowns still surrounding its origins. However, what we do know paints a vivid picture of its early days. In 1876, a craftsman named Eckhardt Wettlaufer built the first known crokinole board in Perth County, Ontario, as a gift for his son’s fifth birthday. Wettlaufer’s board remains the earliest confirmed version of crokinole in Canada.
Across the border, another crokinole board surfaced in the United States in 1880. Joshua K. Ingalls, an American, registered a patent for his crokinole board that year, sparking curiosity about whether he may have created his board even earlier. Homemade boards from the 1870s have also been found in Ontario, any of which could predate Wettlaufer’s creation. The origins are murky, but it’s clear that the game captured the imagination of both Canadians and Americans during this period.
There’s also a theory suggesting that crokinole might have been invented by Mennonite or Amish communities. Some skeptics argue that their strict views on games of chance would have made crokinole an exception, as it is a game of skill, not chance. This would explain why crokinole, known as "Knips-Brat" among German-speaking Mennonites, is popular within these communities.
The Canadian Identity: Is Crokinole Truly Canadian?
While crokinole is often thought of as a quintessentially Canadian game, its roots may stretch further back, influenced by games from southern Asia and Europe. Some believe that crokinole evolved from games like carrom, which originated in India and is still played in international tournaments. Games such as billiards, pool, snooker, and novuss also share similar characteristics with carrom. Could immigrants have brought these ideas with them to Canada, modifying the game into what we know as crokinole today?
Regardless of its true origins, crokinole has become embedded in Canadian culture. Many Canadians recall playing on homemade boards, whether passed down through generations or bought from local toy stores. The game’s design—combining elements of shuffleboard, carrom, and pitchnut—made it the perfect winter pastime for Canadian families, confined indoors by the cold.
Crokinole in the 20th Century: From Pastime to Competition
For much of the 20th century, crokinole remained an isolated but cherished activity. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that organized crokinole clubs and tournaments began to appear in Canada and the United States. The pivotal moment came in June 1999, when Tavistock, Ontario, hosted the first World Crokinole Championship (WCC). Tavistock, the birthplace of Eckhardt Wettlaufer, has continued to host this event annually, attracting participants from all over the world.
While crokinole tournaments blossomed in the late 1990s, the early 2000s saw a decline in interest, with tournament attendance dropping by 2014. But the game was far from forgotten. Thanks to dedicated enthusiasts and organizations like the National Crokinole Association (NCA), the game found new life. The NCA, alongside others like the Beierling brothers’ Crokinole Depot, helped reignite interest through tournaments, newsletters, and a strong online presence.
Crokinole’s International Renaissance
Thanks to the efforts of crokinole visionaries, the game's decline was short-lived. Although the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily paused clubs and organized tournaments, crokinole continued to thrive. Players and clubs from across the globe began registering on the Crokinole Connections Map, with locations spanning Poland, Germany, France, England, Spain, Réunion, Australia, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Portugal, Italy, South Korea, and more. Every week, new members join the growing international community, reflecting the game’s enduring appeal and global reach.
Artisans and manufacturers of crokinole boards are seeing increasing international demand, with companies like Tracey Boards, Muzzies Crokinole Boards, and Brown Castle Games shipping their products to customers around the globe. Online platforms such as Etsy and Amazon have further expanded access, offering crokinole boards with international shipping options. This global availability makes it easier than ever for enthusiasts everywhere to purchase and enjoy the game, contributing to crokinole’s growing popularity across borders.
What’s Next for Crokinole?
The future looks bright for crokinole. The annual World Crokinole Championship continues to attract global participants, and local tournaments are being organized in countries beyond Canada and the United States. Social media platforms and online forums provide a space for crokinole enthusiasts to connect, while companies like Tracey Boards and Crokinole Depot ship boards to players worldwide.
As crokinole continues to expand its reach, it’s clear that this once humble game has a global appeal. Whether you’re a competitive player or someone enjoying a casual game with family, crokinole remains a beloved pastime that has stood the test of time.
References
(Crokinole depot - https://www.crokinoledepot.com/
CrokinoleCentre - http://crokinolecentre.com/
Crokinole 101 - https://www.youtube.com/@Crokinole101
Tracey Boards - https://traceyboards.com/
Muzzies Crokinole Boards - https://muzzies.ca/
Brown Castle Games - https://www.browncastlegames.com/
History of The Game - https://www.pichenotte.com/history/
The All-Canadian Game: Crokinole - https://www.canadashistory.ca/explore/arts-culture-society/the-all-canadian-game-crokinole
Join the Discussion: Have you played crokinole before? Share your experience in the comments below!
0 Comments