2018

There is something haunting and eerie about this strange, out of focus Christmas picture from the 1940s. Three kids, relaxed in a not-quite posed way, sit in front of a decorated tree. The girl on the right holds a faceless doll. The boy to the left holds a Swami Mystery Talking Board. Something resembling a teddy bear hovers behind all three although it's probably just perched on something to the rear. It's hard to make out figures in the back but with a little imagination, odd shapes become discernable. Is that a face, a floating face, just to the right of the teddy bear? Or, is that even a teddy bear? Maybe so, maybe not. To the best of my knowledge, this picture is an original and not retouched in any way. What do you see? –December 26, 2018

Did you turn your Christmas tree upside down this season? And why not? Everyone's doing it to protest the crass commercialization of the holidays. Not me though, because I have a Solstice bush, not a Christmas tree. Whatever. But here's a thought—while you are trying to figure out how to keep that big boy from tipping over, how about adding a planchette ornament from Middle of Beyond? That way you can see the ghost of Christmas Past plus maybe scare the Dickens out of your guests. That's what I call a holiday! –December 19, 2018

Q: What does a talking board planchette look like?
A: Just about anything as long as it slides to the letters and numbers. Here are six for your approval. They couldn't be more different or alike. Top row left to right.
• Ouija-Origin of Evil, Blumhouse Productions 2016
• Espirito-W.S. Reed Company, Leominster, MA 1891
• Jennifer Sager, replica of Elijah Bond's original patent 2018
Bottom row left to right
• William Fuld, Baltimore MD 1920
• Kennard Novelty Company 1891
• Paranormal Products 2004
–December 5, 2018

During the Second World War, Chicago was the epicenter for a new breed of cheap, colorful, and varied talking boards. Many were sold from the American Furniture Mart (666 North Lake Shore Drive) and packaged for novelty distributer Lee Industries and others. These new Ouija board variations flooded the market and were available from department stores and through mail order catalog sales. The big question is: who were the people responsible? We still don't know and it's one of our most enduring talking board mysteries. If the answer stays true to form, we're likely to find one or two forward thinking individuals behind it all. Until then, we can only speculate. –November 28, 2018

Yes-Yes, the happy spirit board advertises that you can talk with multicultural spirits according to the box illustrations. The makers of this interesting Ouija variation, (Corr Dis Inc., 1971) made a point of not leaving anyone out which is kind of forward thinking, don't you agree? Cool features on the board include a sponge rubber backing which keeps it from sliding plus two symbols appropriately marked to let you know whether you've got a good spirit or bad one. No more guesswork for the worried. Directions inside explain, "how the Yes-Yes Happy Spirit board really works" although it's exactly as you imagine: just like any other talking board. Now where do you suppose they got the idea for the board name "Yes-Yes?" Could it be a take on the name Ouija: Oui, French for "yes" and "Ja," German for "yes" even though we now know there is no connection whatsoever? Of course! –November 21, 2018

A meeting with Portland's City Commissioner quickly disintegrated when visitors saw what they thought to be a Ouija board in the office. "It was some sort of satanic, demonic game," said a North Portland resident. "It looked like we were interrupting a Ouija session. There were cards and little pieces." The game in question was actually Illimat, described on the website as "a classic card game with a dynamic twist" and had nothing to do whatsoever with the Ouija board. Regardless of the misidentification, the frightened constituents insisted the game be removed. Now you might think that this was just an overreaction from superstitious, uninformed people but it's a good reminder about how some perceive our Wonderful Talking Board. Since its introduction in 1890, the Ouija has found strong opposition from people with strong religious convictions and also by those who are spooked by death in general. The above story is characteristic of news reports since the very beginning. So the next time you read somewhere that the "Ouija was a harmless parlor game until the Exorcist scared everyone witless," you will know differently. It was born this way. The Ouija board, aside from countless beautiful interpretations and a rich history, comes with a dark, haunted legacy. That's why we love it and so should you. –November 14, 2018

Was the eBay seller joking describing this 1940s Star Gazer board as "Mint in box?" Maybe, because no one looking at this tattered and stained envelope wrapped in twine could ever imagine this for anything than what it appears: an interesting but thrashed flea market find. Unopened perhaps after all these years? It's unlikely given that that the planchette is missing. Even so, another picture shows the board with a crushed corner peeking through the paper. "Mint in box" means 'In perfect condition" with no imperfections or wear. This is not that. The seller goes on to say that this board is "impossible to find" which is simply not the case as any polling of talking board collectors would discover. Although this may be a questionable description for a board on eBay and you might come to that conclusion almost immediately, you need to be aware that sellers routinely describe damaged boards as being "in wonderful, original condition." Should this prevent you from bidding? No, of course not. If you see something you like, go for it. Just look carefully and know what you are getting. And don't be shy about asking for better pictures. –November 7, 2018

Actress Victoria Justice asks if you "wanna play" which is a fun way to express yourself this Halloween, don't you think? So, how might you express yourself through the Ouija board? Maybe by planning a fun séance, dressing for a Ouija party or gathering with friends to discuss the art and rich history of the talking board. Or maybe you just think that they are a curse on humanity and will steal your soul. If so, you need to take a breather and pick up on the latest and greatest from the Talking Board Historical Society. You'll find out that there is more to the Ouija board than is dreamt of in your philosophy. Have a look around! Also visit us at TBHS.org. –November 31, 2018

This 1940s J.M. Simmons Ouija with the black cat and witch is a classic Halloween board. The horseshoe symbol replaced a swastika during the war years to avoid association with Nazi Germany. The swastika previously appeared on many fortune telling games as a symbol of good luck. This "horseshoe board" is the rarer of the two. Simmons was a scrapper and famously sued William Fuld for $50,000 claiming that Fuld had falsely claimed patent rights to the Ouija name. Known as "The King of the Ouija Boards," he was also quite outspoken, frequently deriding people for buying his boards, calling them "fools." "People will believe anything," he said while advertising: "THE MYSTERIOUS TALKING BOARD. Many scientists claim that this board does not answer questions from an unknown power; that its animation "flows" from personal magnetism. Spiritualists claim that invisible spirits guide its movements, a superior intelligence ruling our future. Whether you accept one theory or the other, the fact remains that you can have endless entertainment with the OUIJA BOARD. It holds you spellbound with its answers. The OUIJA BOARD has baffled the greatest minds." –November 24, 2018

Halloween Ouija boards: Sometimes simple is better as we see here with Terry Lambert's handmade Phantasm (2001) talking board. The crisp lines and clean looks really make this a standout and who wouldn't think twice before touching that wicked looking planchette? You might lose a couple of fingers! Overall, it's a great example of what can be achieved with a little imagination. –November 17, 2018

Now that October is upon us, it's time to share my favorite Halloween talking board and that would be Black Jack with the Hackle Back by the remarkable illustrator Kipling West (manufactured by Portals to the Beyond 2001) Kipling did several Ouija boards in the late 90s and Portals sold two: Black Jack and Picket Moon. Small and large versions were available. They quickly became collector's items and rightfully so. Fun trivia: the name "Black Jack with the Hackle Back" is a name idea inspired by my kitty (at the time) "Blackjackthekingoftheseawhosdancinwithme." Try to say that a few times out loud if you are so inclined. –November 10, 2018

Just prior to the Denver Helen Peters Event, the Talking Board Historical Society directors met at the famous Stanley Hotel for a visit and posed in front of room 217, otherwise known as the Stephen King Suite. It was in this room that King got inspiration for his book, "The Shining" and that a hotel maid had an unfortunate accident involving a gas leak and a lit candle, which, as the story goes, obliterated a part of the hotel, and landed her in the lobby. It's serious, haunted, creepy stuff. According to legend, the maid is still there although King is not, thankfully. Shortly after the TBHS visit, suspicious rumors began to circulate of a new (old) picture appearing in the hallway on the second floor. Not that we believe unsubstantiated stories. That would be crazy. –November 3, 2018

At the History Colorado Center last weekend, Jennifer Sager presented the Talking Board Historical Society with this amazing, historically accurate reproduction of the original Elijah Bond Ouija board in honor of the Helen Peters Memorial Event. On the back is the original patent in sharp detail for reference. Jennifer and her husband Kip put everything they had into this board answering finally the question, possibly, as to why we've never seen an original. The planchette, with its flat legs, makes it almost impossible to manufacture and the illustration with the characters shaking hands may have been beyond the logical capabilities of stencils for mass marketing at the time. Nevertheless, here it is in all its glory and exquisitely crafted at that. If you don't know Jennifer, she is one of the preeminent talking board artists of our time. She draws talent from some magical wellspring forbidden to us mere mortals. In addition, her woodworking skills are superb, and her boards easily surpass the finest wood boards to come from the original factories. Thank you Jennifer! Check out her website: http://www.fortheseekers.com /index.html –September 26, 2018

The Helen Peters Nosworthy Memorial Event this weekend was a huge success! The Talking Board Historical Society would like to specifically thank all of you who made this happen. Without our contributors, sponsors, and significant others who helped, this wouldn't have been possible. To you attendees at Fairmount Cemetery and at History Colorado Center, thank you also and we hope you enjoyed the show. It was wonderful meeting all of you! –September 25, 2018

It's not too late! Join us this weekend in Denver as we celebrate the life of Helen Peters Nosworthy, the "mother" of the Ouija board. See picture for details. TBHS.org –September 19, 2018

Strike up a conversation day or night with our stunning Talking Board Historical Society pin. People will say, "Is that like a Ouija board?" And that means that you can get into "that" conversation, which is always fun because some will find you suddenly more interesting, while others will be creeped out. Who doesn't love that, particularly around this time of year? You'll also be contributing to the Talking Board Historical Society, our non-profit group who will be sponsoring an event honoring the "mother" of the Ouija board on the 22nd of this month. You are all invited to Denver, by the way. Learn more and buy your pin (it's not expensive) at TBHS.org. -September 9, 2018

"Never drink alone again," says Evil Spirits Distillery. They aren't fooling around with this Evil Spirits vodka, which is guaranteed to give you a whole new experience with the Ouija board even though we discourage drinking and boarding. And that's because other than "coming from a dark place" that could "only come in exchange for diabolical favors," Evil Spirits vodka is also "hallowed by stones from Poenari Castle." Poenari Castle is otherwise known as Castle Dracula the home of Vlad Tepes (aka the Impaler), but then you knew that, didn't you? Oh, you didn't? The things they don't teach in college these days, but never mind. Don't get stuck. I can explain it over our next Ouija session and I hope you'll drink to that. Evil Spirits vodka is only available in Canada for now. Anyone up for a road trip? –September 5, 2018

Here's a Ouija rule that we can absolutely agree with: Ouija boards, dirt bikes and cemeteries don't mix. Tulsa police officers found a Ouija board in a teenager's backpack after he tried to escape apprehension on his dirt bike. He explained that he was trying to contact "dead relatives" with friends at Rose Hill Cemetery (3.7 stars, Yelp). The bike was a 2017 SSR Motorsports model, newspapers reported, as if that were an important detail. The boy was taken into custody on a charge of evading arrest. Kids: listen up. If you get caught with your Ouija board in a cemetery after hours (it happens to the best of us) just explain the situation and be nice about it. Unless you've been rowdy, toppling stones, or some other stupid, drunken behavior, chances are you'll just be asked to leave, or in the case of a curfew violation, be released to the custody of your parents. Never try to escape by running (cops just love that) or on your dirt bike. That's a great way to lose a piece of expensive machinery and possibly kill yourself or someone else. To you adults who hate teenagers and just must reply with comments, remember: you were once teenagers, too. Since they are not fully formed, we cut them some slack. Kids do stupid things Just like adults sometimes. –August 22, 2018

What would this be? The power of three? Charmed is back and ready for a reboot with a brand new cast according to the CW. As someone who watched the original series with his daughter, I might have a look, but this time, since she's grown and gone, I can bail without repercussions if it turns into a stinker. Neat looking Spirit board as you can see in the preview. Notice how I avoid bringing up Tony Stratton's all wood burl Spirit Board from the original series for comparison. Oh, I did. It remains to be seen which board is the better actor. Anyway, if you are at all interested, it premieres Sundays this fall. –August 15, 2018

If you like Winning Moves/Hasbro's latest deluxe Ouija board, maybe it's time to accessorize! Spencer's and Spirit Halloween have you covered this year. Pictured are four goodies to get you started — seven, if you count the drawer pulls separately. Top left: Ouija blanket. Top right: Ouija candy jar. Lower left: Ouija pillow. Lower right: Ouija symbol drawer pulls. Lots of other Ouija related merchandise available, too. spirithalloween.com/ –August 7, 2018

So, you're visiting Baltimore's historic Green Mount Cemetery. Who are you going to see? John Wilkes Booth? Johns Hopkins? Joseph E. Johnston? There's a lot of Johns there but if you're like dozens of other yearly visitors, first on your list is most likely to be Green Mount's most popular destination, the gravesite of Elijah Bond with his iconic Ouija board headstone donated by the Talking Board Historical Society. It's the cemetery's most requested gravesite and that's something we never expected; yet it is. It resonates in a way unlike any other because it is so unusual. To say that we're proud of the achievement would be an understatement, but hold on. We're doing it again. This September, the Talking Board Historical Society will hold a celebration and unveil a Ouija themed monument in Denver to honor Helen Peters Nosworthy, affectionately known as "the mother of the Ouija board." Why is this significant? For two reasons: she was pivotal to the Ouija story's beginnings and her rediscovery finally answers one of the Ouija boards best kept secrets: what does the name "Ouija" really mean? That's a question that's been plaguing us for over 120 years. If you thought it was "Yes Yes" that's a "No No." Now here's the best part: you too can participate and become a part of history at this unusual event. Learn more about the Ouija board than you ever wanted to know, buy Ouija boards and Ouija themed goodies, enter to win an antique talking board, plus toss the most ridiculous questions you can think of to the world's leading talking board experts. No waiting in lines for autographs from bored movie stars either. We promise you that. For more information: tbhs.org/events –August 1, 2018

Come one, Come all! The Talking Board Historical Society, a non-profit group dedicated to preserving the history, magic and lore of the famous Ouija board is announcing a celebration of the life and the unveiling of a monument honoring Helen Peters Nosworthy who is affectionately known as the "mother" of the Ouija board for her part in naming the now iconic American game. She was also responsible for convincing an official at the Patent Office to issue a patent after an astounding demonstration that amazed everyone present. Nosworthy lived in Denver with her husband and is interred in Denver's Fairmount Cemetery. The TBHS will conduct the ceremony and unveiling at Fairmount Cemetery, 430 S Quebec St, Denver, CO on Saturday, September 22nd - 10am to 11am. It will be open to the public. A $5 donation is requested. This will be followed by a lecture and exhibition of rare and unusual Ouija boards dating from 1890 to the present day at History Colorado Center, 1200 N Broadway Denver, CO - 1pm to 4pm. TBHS members will be there to visit and answer questions no matter how out of this world. Light snacks, cash bar, Ouija related items available, admission $30, limited seating. For tickets to this truly one of a kind event go to: TBHS.org/events –July 26, 2018

Review: Winning Moves/Hasbro Ouija Board Deluxe Version for 2018. Who doesn't get excited when Hasbro releases a new Ouija board? I know I do especially when it's an instant classic like this one is bound to be. Check out the absolutely gorgeous retro design. It's something stately, something mysterious, and something dark all rolled into one. What makes it a deluxe edition? Well, for one thing, it's paper over hardboard and has substantial weight and thickness, unlike the standard lightweight cardboard versions. This kind of construction in a production board is something we haven't seen in years. No one will call it flimsy. The message indicator is wood - light plywood to be exact, with no plastic anywhere. Finally, the beautiful artwork extends to the very sturdy box that is reinforced with strong internal supports insuring that no matter what you stack on top of it (within reason) it's not going to crush or sag. It will be safe for years to come. But how well does it work? In a word: beautifully. The perfectly proportioned planchette has just the right weight and feel to compliment the board. Kudos to the designers who took the time to actually test this talking board set instead of just slapping something together for the sake of being different or thematic. An added surprise is that the planchette makes a satisfying "swish" sound as it slides smoothly from letter to letter. It's so Hollywood you'll hardly believe it and is nothing short of wonderful. In every way this board is a keeper. It's beautiful, atmospheric, and it works superbly. Yes, it's the same size as other Hasbro Ouija boards so if you're in the "size matters" crowd, you can start grumbling now. No worries, though. Size doesn't matter here. $35 - at some Spencer's stores now. –July 22, 2018

People instantly recognize this iconic William Fuld Ouija design because it's the one that defined the Ouija board for well over sixty years. What you may not know is that it first appeared on Fuld's Mystifying Oracle before it did on the Ouija. This early 40s version is remarkable not only for its large size but for its beautiful bird's eye maple wood construction. There is no paper here. Also notice the angled corners on the board plus the nice wood planchette. Shortly thereafter to cut expenses, the company switched to paper on hardboard both for the Ouija boards and Mystifying Oracles. The design layout endured for the Ouija board until 1999 when Hasbro removed all William Fuld branding and switched to the smaller glow-in-the-dark version. –July 11, 2018

Check out this petition to make Toys R Us stop selling Ouija boards. Elizabeth Galbraith writes: "Ouija boards are not toys they are dangerous objects that can bring about harm. Children are innocent and would think this as a game but it could affect their childhood in a disastrous way. Thousands of reports have been made all over the world that playing with ouija boards has caused people to be killed or placed in mortal danger. This is children we are talking about do we really want them caught up in something they don't understand that could ruin their lives????" Pictured is Hasbro's deadly weaponized AR-15 style pink Ouija board for girls. Three years, 16 supporters. Petition closed. –July 7, 2018

A "deluxe wood" Parker Brothers Ouija board? Yes, indeed. Parker Brothers acquired William Fuld in 1966, ramped up production, then launched a strong advertising campaign resulting in the Ouija board briefly outperforming their best selling game Monopoly. A year later they issued this beautiful honey blonde Deluxe Wooden Edition Ouija board. It was the first production all wood Ouija with this design since the 1940s when William Fuld switched to paper on hardboard and outsourced manufacturing to cut costs. Not surprisingly, buyers valued these deluxe Parker Brothers boards higher than the others and kept them more as collectibles. Many survive today in fine to mint condition. They sell regularly at auction sites averaging in the $100 range. –June 26, 2018

You've got a wonderful old handmade talking board and need information. We're supposed to be the experts. What do we know and what can we tell you? Let's find out.
Q: What is my old handmade talking board worth?
A: It's worth whatever the market dictates and what you are willing to pay. There are no set values for old folk art talking boards. Some go cheap and others command ridiculously high prices. Our advice is to buy it if you love it but be careful. Buyer's remorse can be a problem if you make a mistake you can't live with. We've seen this happen before. It's never pretty.
Q: When was my handmade board made?
A: Without proper provenance (background) or chain of custody to research it's impossible to know. We isolate information into three categories: what we know, what we don't know, and what we speculate. Opinions are pretty much worthless and you always need more than speculation. If people tell you differently, cross them off your "experts" list
Q: My antique dealer says it's from the 1920s.
A: Funny about that. When we nailed down the dates of the many factory production talking boards we researched, we discovered that antique dealers, who were dating them to sell and for insurance purposes, were wildly off the mark - sometimes by ten to thirty years. It wasn't their fault. They were guessing because they didn't have accurate information nor did they know anything about talking boards. Also there were those making obvious rookie mistakes like confusing patent and trademark dates for production dates.
Q: But my antique dealer was trained by the best. He can examine a board and tell you exactly when it was made.
A: Assuming his super powers would allow him to date the board to a ten year period by analyzing wood glue, veneer, construction methods or some other highly suspect method, that still wouldn't tell us when the artist hand painted the board. One doesn't guarantee the other. You could have a 1920s board with 1960s artwork. Also beware talking boards that are intentionally made to look old. There are quite a few out there. We see people get fooled all the time.
Q: My folk art Ouija board has the date written on the back.
A: Well that's a start but not a finish. It might be a birthdate or date received while messaging or something other entirely. To assume and insist that it is the board's production date is what we call "wish fulfillment," You believe what you wish because you're too invested emotionally or financially not to. Just because we need a board to be something doesn't mean that it is. Also, lose the attitude if someone tries to smarten you up. They are just trying to make you a better, more informed consumer. Don't shoot the messenger.
Q: So now what do you think of my board?
A: It's a nice piece of folk art based on the Ouija design. Beyond that, we can't help you. But do check back because we discover new information all the time. Something may surface that will be informative about your board.
Q: You have no idea what you're talking about. I know what I know!
A: Oh, OK. If you say so. I admire your confidence. Peace. –June 20, 2018

"To disprove the Ouija board, blindfold the sitters," skeptics assure us. Indeed, this seems to be the gold standard of unscientific tests to debunk what is happening during a Ouija session. Problem is, this test is not only flawed, it's lazy thinking and I'm going to tell you why. Imagine for a moment if I were to say "bicycles don't work" then went on to prove it by chaining one to a fence. Ah, but you say: It's not the same. Yes, it is. If you consider, as some claim, that the entities, whatever they might be, need your eyes to see the board and hands to deliver messages while you are in a light state of possession, you can see why the blindfold cripples your session. Even if you reject that as unlikely, you can understand why the test is flawed. You've interrupted the mechanism of action with the blindfold much as I've done by locking up your bike. Sorry, but either way, you're not going anywhere. This isn't to say that the Ouija board isn't scientifically testable using proper analysis and imagination. It's certainly possible, but not by the blindfold method. The lure of the Ouija board is that it is mysterious and magical. Absence of evidence is what makes it fun and exciting. And while extraordinary claims may require extraordinary evidence, there is simply no point here when much of it is willing suspension of disbelief for the sake of enjoyment. It's not rocket science. Just don't make big decisions depending on what it tells you because the Ouija isn't always truthful. Hopefully, you know that. –June 13, 2018

From the creative spirits at Traina comes Deadlines, a charming, marketing themed talking board complete with box and laser engraved planchette. The clever game overview states: "Even the most courageous marketer trembles at the deafening passage of time, as fickle stakeholders and stifling indecision chip away at the certainty of completion. Where can one turn for inspiration? The answer is at your fingertips!' Very clever! Use it for any of your life's perplexing decisions too. Lorem ipsum! –June 6, 2018

Don't you just love technology? Take a look at this beautiful laser engraved cherry talking board from Spitfire Labs. Central to the design is a death's-head hawkmoth surrounded by some of the most detailed work I've ever seen on a board. Form follows function perfectly with the letters and numbers placed within easy reach of the planchette. There is no awkward twisting of the indicator or falling off the board to plague you while getting messages. On the backside is an invocation or protection spell, I'm not sure which, to keep you safe. It's in Latin and you're welcome to try to translate it if you're brave enough. Say it out loud. It sounds very Supernatural.
Exorcizamus te,
omnis immundus spiritus,
omnis satanica potestas,
omnis incursio infernalis adversarii,
omnis legio, omnis congregatio
et recta diabolica.
Ergo, draco maledicte.
Ecclesiam tuam securi tibi
facias libertate servire,
te rogamus,
audi nos
Did you know that death's-head hawkmoths scream when threatened? I'll bet not. How would you know that? –May 30, 2018

Paranormal Activity! Who doesn't love movie boards like this replica set from the popular 2007 film? If you were wondering what happens to the original movie boards we can tell you that it can be just about anything. Some end up in private collections and others are lost, destroyed, or stuck in limbo until some lucky soul finds them. If you are fortunate, you might find one on eBay. Ok, maybe not so fortunate because you'll end up spending a fortune as movie and talking board collectors drive the price completely out of reach. The alternative? If you have a favorite movie board, look for a replica at a reasonable price. That goes for your Witchboards, Charmed boards, Paranormal Activity boards or just about any other board you can think of. Not only will they be good for your collection, but they are likely to increase in value as they become rarer, as they inevitably will. Paranormal Activity board by Anunnaki Studios. High Performance Board Planchette by Paranormal Products. –May 23, 2018

People sometimes look at this mid 20th century enamel children's table and think it's a Ouija board even though the children playing in the corners and the circus theme might be an easy giveaway that it's something else. "Imagine marketing these things to children!" they say, shocked. Wait a minute, friends. Tables and boards like these once were commonplace to help kids learn numbers and letters. It's a teaching table. Now you know your ABCs. Next time won't you sing with me? –May 16, 2018

Touching knees during a Ouija session once was a thing as demonstrated in this Time/Life photo series from 1944. As Ouija mogul William Fuld once explained, it was to “draw two people using it into close companionship and weave about them a feeling of mysterious isolation”. It’s definitely one way to get more intimate with your partner, if not the spirits. Interestingly, with all the “rules” on how to use the Ouija board and what to do and what not to do, knee touching is never mentioned anymore. This is because marketers, who once sold the Ouija as a portal to romance first and the spirits second, no longer do that. Not that you can’t do it if you want to. Give it a try. We need more knees touching these days, don’t you think? –May 9, 2018

In 1944, Life Magazine staff photographer Wallace Kirkland (1891-1979) staged a series of stills featuring young women using a William Fuld Mystifying Oracle. One of the stranger photos was this industrial setting with a machinist in the background operating what appears to be a huge wheeled press. Never was there a more unlikely location for a Ouija session, unless of course, it was to speak to the Ghost in the Machine. -May 2, 2018

Your first response might be: Why is this a question? Why would anyone want to bleed on a Ouija board and why is this even a good idea? We’ve all seen it on TV. The actor slices a hand with a dirty dagger (a terrible idea) then squeezes blood on whatever it is that is going on below. Something magical happens, usually having to do with waking an evil creature or bringing the dead to life. You’re wondering if you do the same during a Ouija session if it will somehow enhance your experience. Ok, maybe not you personally because you are looking at me sideways, but enough people do wonder to make this a real question. Whether you’re a casual user influenced by movies and television, or a seasoned sorcerer experienced in blood ritual, I’m going to tell you why this is not a good idea. The short answer is that bleeding on your board is not going to do anything. Aside from the mild psychological thrill of mutilating yourself, your actions are not going to bring you any more success than if you’d kept to candles and soft music. Field reports and years of experience tell us this. I know the allure this might have for some of you, blood having magical properties and all, because without it we die, but save the stitches for remodeling the bathroom or something constructive. Besides, blood on a Ouija board is unsanitary and tends to diminish the value although I do confess that I once sold a blood soaked board to a spook house in New Orleans for big bucks. The original owner disappeared under mysterious circumstances from a locked room after a weeklong Ouija session. Moral of the story: Don’t let that happen to you.

Board shown: Ouija-Parker Brothers, Hasbro, ToyCo, Buenos Aires, Argentina 2012. It looks nice with the red, doesn’t it? –April 25, 2018

Is your Ouija board haunting you? Maybe you have a bad feeling after a scary session. Could be that you think, because you read social media, that the board is like some kind of a spooky sponge that doesn’t quite release whatever it is that it absorbs when you play with it. Or maybe you were excited to win a hugely overpriced “haunted Ouija board” on eBay only to be freaked out now that it’s in your house, exuding haunt effluent or whatever, all over your bedroom. You’re sure it’s the board because nothing has gone right since the day you got it. No matter. You can send it to us and be done with it altogether. It’s a public service we provide at the Talking Board Historical Society and we like to remind you of it occasionally particularly since there seems to be a lot of you concerned lately. But we know what you’re thinking: you’re worried for our safety so why put us in harm’s way? Thanks, but you won’t. Together, we collectively own thousands of talking boards. Thousands. We suffer the same ills most humans do but don’t blame our boards any more than we’d blame our telephones for toxic telemarketer calls from the “IRS” threatening to arrest us unless we wire money to an offshore account. And the horrible haunted boards that people send us sit on our shelves just as quietly as do our peaceful boards, amazingly enough. Not that a “real” haunted Ouija board doesn’t exist somewhere. When we find one, you’ll here about it here first. That we promise. –April 18, 2018

You have questions: What are the Ouija people doing? What do the images mean? Do they have any significance beyond the design? It’s pretty simple really and we’re glad you asked. That’s a séance going on. Two people of different genders are touching a message indicator in anticipation of answers from beyond the grave. Influencing the situation, with her hands hovering above the board, is a spectral creature with long, flowing hair. Over her shoulder is a ghostly, disembodied head. There is a misty substance surrounding the session to add to the mystery. It’s a message to you that if you put your hands on the planchette—that’s what we call the heart shaped indicator that comes in the box, that some pretty weird things will occur. Presumably, you know what a Ouija board is, so you know you’re very likely going to be talking to the dead, or maybe not, but anyway you slice it, things are about to get weird. That’s the point and the fun of it.

The Ouija people were iconic images on William Fuld talking boards from the 1930s until Hasbro completely changed the design in 2013. William Andrew Fuld, son of William Fuld, first introduced the séance design in advertisements in 1917 and on his 1930s electric Mystifying Oracle (right). It was pretty striking and left little doubt as to what the alphabet board was designed to do. Later versions appeared on subsequent Mystifying Oracles and on the Ouija board that we are all familiar with. So successful was the image in “getting the message across” that it endured for over 80 years. –April 11, 2018

In the 1940s, novelty companies liked to portray the magic of the Middle East on taking boards. Check out this colorful Lee Industries Mecca Answer Board as an example. We live in different times and it’s unlikely that any design department would green light this layout today. In case you are under thirty, that’s a magic lamp the mystic on the flying carpet is holding—not a bomb. –April 4, 2018

What does the Ouija board say about you? Just answer this one easy question to find out:

1. I believe Ouija boards are _____________.

Answer with a word, a sentence, a paragraph, an essay, or whatever comes to mind or feel free to create your own narrative with a rant, a YouTube video, or webpage if the spirit moves you. When you are finished, look at the results. There you have it. That’s what the Ouija board says about you. Who doesn’t love magic? #ouijawillbewhatyouwantittobe –March 28, 2018

A question we frequently hear is, “what do the sun and moon on the Ouija board mean?” One might reasonably question whether they have meanings other than the words “yes” and “no” printed on either side because if you know anything about symbols you know that the sun and moon can be powerful characters. They may symbolize day and night, enlightenment and ignorance, Yin and Yang, positive and negative, polar opposites—the list goes on. So, what do Ouija historians know about their meanings on the board? It may come as a surprise to learn that Elijah Bond, the original patentee, described the symbol on the left side of the board as a full moon and not the sun at all. In fact, it was only until years later that the full moon became the sun and we don’t know why precisely other than maybe it seemed the obvious thing to do. But why these particular symbols? What were Bond and friends thinking? Astrological perhaps?

One interesting theory is that because they were Masons and the sun and moon are common Masonic symbols, often seen in the same configuration (see insert), that they co-opted them to the Ouija board. That doesn’t explain Bond’s original full moon description so that’s an unanswered question. What are we left with beyond that? Not much without further historical information. Maybe in the end it isn’t all that complicated. When your planchette goes to the “Yes” and the sun position, it means the signs are favorable. In other words: YES. When the planchette travels to the “No” position and the crescent waxing moon with the star, it means the signs are not favorable: NO. –March 21, 2018

Sometimes collectors like to display their planchettes in bookcases or other narrow shelves separate from their boards. The question always is how to stand them properly—a challenge because of the different sizes and particularly the legs, which can be long or short. Here is one simple solution. Use an adjustable cell phone stand. It holds the planchette perfectly at any angle and is just about invisible underneath. Your viewers will appreciate a description added to the base. This you can easily do on your home printer using white ink on a transparent label. Just trim to fit. –March 14, 2018

Got any favorite Ouija board movies? Ones you love or hate? Filmmakers like to make a big deal of movies based on “real stories” like a couple listed here. Does that make a difference and if so, why? How do you define “real” as far as movies are concerned? Where’s the line between fantasy and reality for you? –March 7, 2018

How hot do you like your pizza? Available for a Halloween special at Hell Pizza Canada was this Ouija pizza box (designer, Craig Fleisch) that you could operate with a pizza slice assuming you had the interest and one left over after stuffing your face. Could this possibly work? Yes, most certainly. As the box says, “bring some after-life to your party!” Whether the after-life happens depends on a variety of factors including how you swing on the matter but there is no doubt that you could get the slice to move with a little patience, which puts to rest one of the most common questions we get: “will my homemade talking board work as well as a real one?” It will and maybe better if you are invested enough to make one. If a pizza box works, yours certainly can too. If you were wondering, these pizza boxes are no longer available after the closure of Hell Pizza due to, as they advertised, “an act of God.” After looking at the mixed Yelp reviews we’re more inclined to think it might be for other reasons. -February 28, 2018

Back in 1968, if you wanted to record your Ouija session there were few options. Most likely you used a reel-to-reel recorder or if you happened to have one, a new Compact Audio Cassette machine. Filming with either 8 mm film or Super-8 was out of the question for anything longer than a few minutes for most because of the cost of film and developing. A session like this one recorded July 28, 1968 lasting almost an hour had to be audio only much like today’s podcasts, which is kind of interesting since they are so similar other than the fact that we now carry our players in our pockets. Unfortunately, we have no information on this family recording other than the voices on the tape and we will warn you, it’s a little tough going at times. Did they encounter any demons? You could skip 52 minutes in and see. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. –February 22, 2018

Last week, I posted a collection of Angel boards for your appreciation. Some of you were unmoved commenting, “Show us something scary.” Up for the challenge, I’m nothing if not obliging so here are six of my favorite atmospheric boards. Why these in particular? Follow along and I’ll explain.

Upper left: Ouija-Kennard Novelty Company 1890. This granddaddy of them all, Charles Kennard’s Ouija before the “registered” and “trademark” printing is a huge, heavy, thick monster that commands immediate respect when you hold it. I’ve never handed this to anyone who didn’t spend a few moments in wide-eyed appreciation. It’s a classic for a very good reason. It’s the Ouija board that set the stage for all the others.

Upper Center: Dellamore Dellamorte-Carnivalia 2015. It’s all about contacting the dead, right? Of course it is. Check out Chas Brogan’s cemetery art themed talking board with that freaky winged skull at the top. No way you’re not going to be reminded of what you’re attempting as you’re moving the planchette over the tombstone below. There aren’t many boards this atmospheric, of that you can be sure.

Upper right: Calling Cthulhu Mystical Summoning Board 2000. You like Lovecraft, don’t you. Cthulhu (who lies sleeping) kind of freaks you out but you’re feeling brave. Go ahead and call him. Yeah, we thought so. Is it the human sacrifice on the board? The shining trapezohedron? The dreaded Yellow Sign? The Necronomicon? Maybe you have second thoughts about slimy monsters coming for you after one of your ill-advised incantations. No matter, you fools. This is truly a board “that should not be” and you “might not be” should you try to use it.

Lower right: The Mystic Skull Talking Board-Vampirahna 2005. You don’t want to be spending a lot of time staring at this tattoo flash art board from Vampirahna. Why? Because the design will drive you absolutely insane. And that’s the perfect state of mind you want to be in to summon your favorite demon, isn’t it? Try to deny it. Go ahead. You can’t. We’re on to you.

Lower center: Schreck Dark Ouija-Rick Schreck 2006. You want evil demons, wicked symbols and a board that can only be described as super creepy? Of course you do and that’s because you’re one of those people who knows that “evil” is “live” spelled backwards. You’re clever that way. This board is the one for you because in addition to your devils and evil symbols, you’ve got the one and only board that does the Baphomet justice. Or, perhaps I should wink evilly, put my arm around your shoulder, and say “just us?”

Lower right: Ouija-Ediciones Iberoamericanas Quorum, Spain c. 1980. Can those Spaniards make a creepy Ouija board or what? You better know it. The more you look at this board, the more you become aware that really, really, bad stuff is going on in the background. All the while that scary sun, moon demon creature is watching your every move for reasons you can’t even begin to fathom. You can’t stop looking, much as you try. What does it want? Why, it wants YOU, Silly.

So there you are, boys and girls. Pleasant dreams. –February 21, 2018

You want to contact the dead. What could possibly go wrong? Apparently nothing if you use an angel board because as everyone in the United States knows, angels provide guidance and protection except when they become prideful and get themselves booted. Regardless of your opinion or thoughts on that, there is no denying that these boards are beautiful. For your approval are six of the prettiest:

Upper left: Angel Guidance Board-J&J Inspirations 1995

Upper middle: Angel Spirit Board-Lisa Parker 2013

Upper right: The Guiding Light Angel Board-Guiding Light Products 2006

Lower left: Angel Light-Debi Yohn, Lisa Brabo 2006

Lower middle: Angel Guide 2015

Lower right: Angel Board-Angel Alliance Network 1995
–February 14, 2018

Ouija yearbooks? What’s going on and why would a distinguished Christian liberal arts college name a yearbook after the Ouija board? If you’ve been searching eBay for talking boards you’ve undoubtedly seen some listed and you might have questions.

Grove City College, located in Grove City, Pennsylvania, named their yearbook “Ouija” from 1912 to 1983. This is the official explanation: “During the early 1900s, the Ouija was a term frequently used by the literary world to refer to a work as an ‘inspired, channeled and guided piece of literature.’ Many literary journals and reviews used this title as well as Grove City College’s yearbook.”

This is an interesting spin but not very factual. During the 1900s the word “Ouija” was never a term frequently used by the literary world to refer to a work as an “inspired, channeled and guided piece of literature.” Furthermore, to say, “many literary journals and reviews used this title,” is not true either. So, what happened around 1912 that might have inspired the name if not this? Wars frequently fuel greater Ouija board popularity and sales but 1912 is too early for World War I. Pearl Curran, the prolific author and Patience Worth Ouija medium wouldn’t be popular until a few years later so that’s out. Looking back, we do see publications using the word “Oracle” however, and the title “Ouija” is probably a variation of that. This usage makes sense given the optimism yearbooks like to project, profiling as they do, students entering the future.

Why the change in 1983? Again, the official explanation: “The name change came primarily due to the resurgence of the board game and the negative connotations associated with conjuring spirits. Because of this, the College and student body decided to attach a new name to their book, a name (The Bridge) that would resonate with students and Grovers alike.”

Historically, we don’t see a resurgence of sales or negative press specifically about the Ouija board in the early 1980s but it is the period following the pop-occult explosion of the 1970s when the “Age of Aquarius” took a darker turn due to fears from religious conservatives. Especially concerning was the emergence of the “Satanic Panic,” a form of mass hysteria that beleaguered preschools and other organizations nationwide. This was not a good time to advertise your yearbook as the Ouija or anything else occult if you were a Christian institution. Of that, there is no doubt. Swapping the name “Ouija” for the “The Bridge” was a wise decision if not a cooler one. -February 7, 2018

“When using the Mystifying Oracle—extinguish all lights. Questions may be asked—and out of the darkness your answers are spelled out in tiny flashes of light. The effect is weird and mysterious as your destiny is flashed before you.” –Mystifying Oracle advertisement 1933.

In 2016, the SFO Museum created and hosted an exhibition of talking boards at San Francisco International Airport with the Talking Board Historical Society. Pictured here is William Fuld’s rare and beautiful tin electric Mystifying Oracle—one of the few to survive after the company scrapped them for metal due to poor sales during the Great Depression. The tremendously successful exhibition ran for six months and was viewed by thousands as they passed through the terminal. Despite hugely positive reviews, there were some concerns that the hundred plus talking boards, pictures and illustrations were the devil’s work. First responders reported only one casualty. You can see his lifeless body sprawled across the seating area if you look to the rear of the display case. -January 31, 2018

Need an excuse to collect talking boards? How about their beauty, history, complexity, countless variations, and fascinating stories? If that’s not enough, you can always take joy in the discomfort you cause others and who doesn’t like to do that? I know I do. Let’s face it, there’s nothing quite as affirming as the wide-eyed stares following the statement, “I collect Ouija boards.” Suddenly, everyone has opinions and I guarantee, you’ll hear them all. Some will be clearly wackier than your new hobby. Talk about conversation starters! On the rare chance that you are only familiar with Hasbro’s current Ouija board here’s a few of my favorite talking boards to inspire you. (Rear) William Andrew Fuld’s depression era metal Art Deco Mystifying Oracle masterpiece with its novel electric planchette. (Lower left) Ziva Rosen’s Ziriya Message board manufactured mid 70s by ES Lowe. (Lower right) Luna Lakota’s cemetery art Forever Spirit Board sold by Nemesis Now 2009. (Upper Right) Jennifer Kast’s beautiful handcrafted le Chat Noir Ossements 2012. –January 24, 2018

OK, so I know what you all are thinking after Oprah’s impassioned speech the other night at the Golden Globe Awards: will she run for president in 2020? Oprah says no, but Stedman says yes. Some of you are thrilled at the prospect while others of you are chilled to the bone. Maybe you want to check your Ouija board, which is where we chime in. Listen up: the Ouija board lies. Well, it doesn’t lie exactly, it just doesn’t always tell the truth, which you could say is the same thing as a lie being as how it is or isn’t, depending on how important accuracy is to you. Bottom line, and I know this is hard to internalize, is that you can’t believe everything the Ouija tells you. But this is good news, right? Now you get to wait until 2020 to find out the real way. Just like the rest of us. –January 10, 2018

What does the Ouija predict for 2018? We don’t know but it looks like this board is asking rather than telling. Hopefully the planchette will shift to YES and we’ll all have that beautiful night sky to admire by this time next year. Happy New Year and to that we might add, “eat your veggies.” Let’s give peas a chance. -January 3, 2018