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Meet Milton Bradley: The Man Behind the Iconic Games We Love

Dwight Bell

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Published in Who Was Milton Bradley? (Who Was?)

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In the world of board games, few names hold as much weight as Milton Bradley. The founder of the eponymous game company, Bradley is credited with creating some of the most beloved and enduring games in history, including The Game of Life, Candy Land, and Chutes and Ladders.

Who Was Milton Bradley? (Who Was?)

by Kirsten Anderson

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
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But who was Milton Bradley, the man behind these iconic games? What drove him to create such lasting and entertaining experiences? And what is the legacy he left on the board game industry?

Humble Beginnings

Milton Bradley was born in 1836 in Fairfield, Maine. His father was a farmer and his mother a schoolteacher. Bradley grew up in a modest home and attended the local schoolhouse. As a child, he was fascinated by games and spent many hours playing with his siblings.

In 1856, Bradley moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, to work as a clerk in a dry goods store. It was there that he met his future wife, Mary. The couple married in 1859 and had four children.

A Passion for Games

Bradley's passion for games continued to grow throughout his adulthood. He spent many hours playing chess, checkers, and other board games with his family and friends. In 1860, he invented his first game, The Checkered Game of Life. The game was a hit with his friends and family, and Bradley soon realized that he had a talent for creating games.

The Birth of Milton Bradley Company

In 1867, Bradley founded Milton Bradley Company in Springfield, Massachusetts. The company's first product was The Game of Life, which was an instant success. The game was simple to learn and play, and it quickly became a favorite of families across the country.

Over the next several decades, Bradley continued to create new games, including Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, and Perfection. His games were known for their high quality, educational value, and fun factor. Bradley's company also published a number of popular children's books and magazines.

A Legacy of Fun

Milton Bradley died in 1911 at the age of 75. By that time, his company had become one of the leading game manufacturers in the world. Bradley's games have been enjoyed by generations of families, and they continue to be popular today.

Bradley's legacy extends beyond the games he created. He is also credited with helping to popularize the idea of board games as a form of family entertainment. Bradley's games were designed to be fun and educational, and they helped to make board games a staple of American homes.

Milton Bradley was a true pioneer in the board game industry. His games brought joy to millions of families, and they continue to be enjoyed by people of all ages today. Bradley's legacy is one of innovation, creativity, and fun. He is a true icon of the board game world, and his games will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Image Credit: Library of Congress (public domain)

Who Was Milton Bradley? (Who Was?)

by Kirsten Anderson

4.9 out of 5