5 Important Moments In Shuffleboard History
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Time to read 2 min
Table shuffleboard history begins with a bit of a mystery: no one knows the exact origin of the game, but we do know that it began gaining ground in Great Britain during the 1500s. Modern shuffleboard tables are most likely descended directly from a game called "shove a penny," a name that accurately describes the game's play. As the precursor to today's shuffleboard tables, the English upper class played "shove a penny" (originally called "shove-groat" and later "shovelboard") on enormous tables, sometimes as long as 30 feet in length. Pennies and other coins would be shot down the table in an attempt to get them as near to the end without falling off. Sound familiar? Check out these five classic moments in shuffleboard history that helped to define the game as we know and love it today.
Five Important Moments In Shuffleboard History
Henry the VIII: The First Shuffleboard Celebrity
The upper class was not the only one that loved shuffleboard. History shows that the game was beloved by peasants as well and found fans of all ages. Gambling on the game was common, so it's no surprise that one of the first references to shuffleboard comes from the Royal Privy Expenses of 1532. Henry VIII is recorded as having lost 9 pounds to Lord William. Even though King Henry could play whenever he liked, he decided that the "commoners" and soldiers could not. Therefore, he banned shuffleboard, citing it as too distracting. This did not curtail the game, and it actually fell out of favor in high society instead. The time was ripe for shuffleboard tables to make the leap from the parlor to the tavern.
2. Shuffleboard Comes To America
English settlers brought shuffleboard to America, spreading knowledge of this simple, fun, and competitive game as they traveled along the coast. Arthur Miller gave shuffleboard its first literary mention in his 1692 play The Crucible with the following line: "In 1692, there was a good supply of ne'er-do-wells who dallied at the shuffleboard in Bridget Bishop's Tavern." This also marks the first recorded mention of shuffleboard in the New World! Although the presence of shuffleboard tables in bars gave the pious ammunition against the game, its growth could not be stopped.
3. Shuffleboard On Trial
In New Hanover, Pennsylvania, "The State vs. John Bishop" had to decide whether shuffleboard was a game of chance or a game of skill. The distinction is important for determining whether the game can be played at bars without a gambling license. Luckily for all the shuffleboard patrons in the 19th century, the judge ruled that shuffleboard was definitely a game of skill.
4. Prohibition Hits Hard
Unfortunately, shuffleboard's popularity began to decline in the early 20th century. Due to Prohibition, taverns and saloons across the country were forced to close down, leaving shuffleboard tables to gather dust. With Prohibition repealed and the Great Depression on the horizon, people would soon need another outlet. Shuffleboard began to rise in popularity again.
5. The Resurgence
In the 1940s and 1950s, shuffleboard reached its highest level of fame yet, especially with tables like the Rock-Ola. National shuffleboard tournaments began to convene, with the largest featuring over 500 teams. Not only is the game fun and surprisingly challenging, but shuffleboard history is rather interesting as well. From the palaces of England to the bars downtown, shuffleboard tables have provided people with hundreds of years of enjoyment. You can have that same enjoyment in your own home with any one of the fine, handcrafted tables available at McClure Tables. Photo Credit: Chest of Books
