Kim Kovel

As summer winds down and a new school year begins, it's time to take on some intellectual challenges. That doesn't mean giving up fun and games. Some of the earliest manufactured toys, dating to the 18th century, had educational purposes. These included "Sunday toys" that taught Bible stories or imparted moral lessons. Other toys and games helped children practice subjects like arithmetic, spelling, and geography.

As summer winds down and a new school year begins, it’s time to take on some intellectual challenges. That doesn’t mean giving up fun and games. Some of the earliest

BOX OUT TIP TIP: Look at the pegs on old furniture when you can. Old pegs are usually straight and sometimes have a small notch at the top to let

For as long as we have had classrooms, teachers have played many roles in them. This is especially true in the one-room schoolhouses that American students attended from the late 18th century up to, in some areas, the mid-20th century. Teaching in a one-room schoolhouse meant running an entire school, from lighting the stove in the morning to cleaning and closing down the classroom after school. And just like today, the teacher's day didn't necessarily end with the school day. The schoolhouse often doubled as a community center, hosting events and performances that the teacher planned and managed.

By Terry and Kim Kovel It's not just a classroom cliché to say that math is everywhere, from planning a budget to decorating a room.

Arthur J. Nash worked for the Thomas Webb & Sons art glass factory in his native England, but didn't do his best, most innovative work until he came to America. His glassmaking expertise made him a perfect fit for the Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company, founded in 1892.

Labor Day is a great time to take a look at the tools and trades of yesteryear. Some of them are still around. For example, an H. Gerstner & Sons oak machinist's chest from the early 20th century sold for $512 at an auction by Eldred's. H. Gerstner & Sons is still operating, although it is now called Gerstner.

Labor Day is a great time to take a look at the tools and trades of yesteryear. Some of them are still around. For example, an H. Gerstner & Sons

Labor Day is a great time to take a look at the tools and trades of yesteryear. Some of them are still around. For example, an H. Gerstner & Sons

"Castillo" is one of the most famous names in Mexican silver. The four Castillo brothers, Antonio, Jorge, Miguel, and Justo, founded their workshop, Los Castillo, in 1939.