During the depression an architect by the name of Alfred Moser Butts was looking for a way to earn money. Interested in board games he wanted to make one game that encompassed all the aspects of popular games during that time. The first SCRABBLE games were handmade by Butts using his architectural designing equipment.
During the 1940’s he teamed up with entrepreneur James Brunot. Together they revised the game, then called “Criss-Cross Words” and changed the name to “SCRABBLE”. The name was trademarked in 1948.
With help from Macy’s department store, SCRABBLE was becoming a household name by the mid-50’s. The rampant popularity mellowed to an American classic. Today there are six versions of the SCRABBLE® crossword game. Original SCRABBLE, Deluxe, Travel, Junior, the Spanish version, and an electronic version for the new WindowsCE® format. Age appropriateness ranges from 8 on up for every version except Junior, which is aimed at children from 5-8. All games are designed for 2-4 players. Price is very reasonable for all of the board game versions, and it helps sustain the popularity of the game not only in the home...but also in the classroom.
In 1992 the National School SCRABBLE Program was initiated nationwide. Today over 10,000 classrooms participate in the program. It has been such a success that a School SCRABBLE Kit has been developed which contains 6 Deluxe games, a teachers guide, student tips, an Official SCRABBLE Dictionary, and an instructional video for $49.95.
One of the best things about the school program is that it introduces students to the National SCRABBLE Association. The NAS holds Scrabble tournaments in Canada and the United States. Last year there were 175 sanctioned matches, with over 200 clubs in Canada and the United States.
Membership in the NAS requires a yearly fee of $18 for United States members and $20 (USD) Canadian members. They provide a newsletter published 8 times a year filled with tips, word lists, and information on competitions. They help develop the National School SCRABBLE Program, and contribute to the National Campaign on Literacy. There are also skill development tools at the website http://www.hasbroscrabble.com/ptw.html
SCRABBLE® has maintained it’s popularity for over 50 years. It helps children and adults alike with their language, math, and planning skills. Most importantly organizations related to SCRABBLE are working to make community a better place, for adults and children, with introduction of such programs as the National School SCRABBLE Program.
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