Monopoly 70th Anniversary Edition
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the world’s most popular board game, Hasbro introduced a new collector’s edition of their classic Parker Brothers game, Monopoly.
The Monopoly 70th Anniversary Edition captures the glamour and distinctive style of the 1930’s by making the familiar elements of the game bigger, better and more luxurious. For example, the popular tokens from the classic Monopoly game have taken on a new style. The Race Car has become a stretch Roadster and the old Shoe is now an elegant High Heel. The hotels and houses are bigger and better, too. Each game includes 12 unique hotels and 4 distinctive house designs.
"The Monopoly game has always been about having fun and the excitement of striking it rich," said Mark Blecher, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Hasbro Games. "The special 70th Anniversary Edition lets you and your family indulge in the highlife without breaking the bank."
Origin of Monopoly
In 1934, the thought of a life of riches seemed unimaginable for many Americans. That same year an unemployed heating sales representative from Philadelphia submitted an early version of the game to Parker Brothers. The country was in the middle of the Great Depression, and Charles Darrow saw the allure of a game that offered everyday Americans the chance to “own it all.”
But after testing the game, Parker Brothers turned down the submission, citing “52 fundamental playing errors” in the game. Undaunted, Darrow produced the Monopoly game on his own. With the help of a friend, he sold 5,000 handmade sets of the game to a Philadelphia department store. Sales sky-rocketed.
But Darrow couldn't keep up with demand, so he re-approached Parker Brothers. After quickly reconsidering its earlier view of the game, Parker Brothers acquired the rights to the Monopoly game early in 1935. By Christmas that same year, Monopoly reigned as the best-selling game in America.
Where to Find the Game
You can find the Monopoly 70th Anniversary Edition in local toy stores
or purchase on-line from Amazon.com.
Or you can play Monopoly 1935 1st Edition, which nearly reproduces the original design and adds a Monopoly Memories booklet containing historical references about the 30's and the Monopoly game's origin. Purchase on-line from Amazon.com.
ADSW offers this game in association with Walmart and Amazon.com, and receives a small commission on sales referred to them.
Created Sunday, May 22, 2005; Modified Sunday, September 23, 2007.
