This is truly an amazing website! I was looking at another discussion group (on another site) that was trying to recall childhood games, and first thought was of Skelly! A little internet searching and VOILA! Here’s a whole discussion devoted to it. After reading through all the messages and memories, I guess it’s time I chimed in with what I can recall from the game in Baltimore, MD circa 1970-75. The board (drawn with chalk) typically occupied most of the street (within the bounds of cars parked on both sides). Plastic and metal twist-off caps were usually used; filler material of choice: asphalt, heated by a hot summer sun. A number of years ago, while in college, I asked my friend Nate about Skelly and what he remembered. I’ll never forget, he went to the blackboard during a study break and drew a complete Skelly board. If memory serves me correctly, it’s basically what McNally has, although I’m not recalling the trapezoids around the “13” (Must be gettin’ old ;-). Skelly tournaments were big stuff; winning one and you’d be the most admired kid for blocks.

I agree that today’s youth have really missed out on creative play. Playin “It” (tag), “Patty Cake” (Miss Mary Mack, etc.), “Jump Rope” (double dutch, etc.), “Marbles”, “Jacks” (those metal, 6 pointed stars used with a rubber ball) , “Hide and Seek” and others are becoming lost art forms. Not that I don’t mind some of the new games, but what happens when the power’s off? I’m going to do my best to try and save what I can for my kids to enjoy!