Stereoscopes

We are now in the middle of the winter and are probably board to death! However, did you ever wonder what did our Victorian ancestor's do for entertainment? Well, one way they entertained themselves was by using a "Stereoscope".

The stereoscope was the first view master. You could explore, in 3-D, places you would never be able to visit. You could explore different historic places, exciting events taking place all over the world, different cities and countries....almost anything you could image. There were many other slides being produced also. They had entertaining plays being played out on the slides and people's imagination could expand more than anyone could dream of. Salesmen would go door to door selling the stereo view cards for people to purchase. You could even have personal slides made up of your home or family.

The stereoscopes were produced in many different styles and materials. Most were made out of wood. Some were very fancy and made out of embossed metal and other materials. They had different sizes of stereoscopes. The most common one is the handheld version. But, they also produced library styles which were put on a library table or desk and could also be converted to a handheld model. Many people collect stereoscopes and stereo views. We have even come across, recently, kits that you could put together to make your own handheld stereoscope. This collectible is still great family fun. Image, you and your family could be doing the same activity, looking through a stereoscope, as our Victorian ancestors did over 100 years ago, and still being entertained. Please re-visit the "Journal" for the March/April issue where we will take a look at the stereo views.

Stereograph Card -England