udy Callahan: I was looking for someone that played “Potsy’. Have you learned anything more about how to play? I am putting together a book of GRandma’s Games for the young people to get them into activities that will give tham an opportunity to get some exersize and interact with their peers. I played it as an elementary student and it was my favorite game of marbles.
I used to play Potsy in about the 3rd grade – a long time ago – on the playground. We would dig one hole in the center and 4 holes on the corners, probably 2 feet apart. I don’t remember the rules and would really like to know so I can teach my grandchildren. I was really good and used to win the boy’s marbles all the time! Thanks to anyone that can help me. Judy
The game described as Hop Scotch we called Potsie. We played Hop Scotch on a grid of six boxes one above the other. Each box was the width of a sidewalk box. The idea was the same as Hop Scotch, but you had to hop the whole course. (No two feet down at any time). You turned around in the home box still hopping and picked up your “potsie” on the way back.
We called the game potsie in Queens in the late 40’s and early 50’s. I wrote a children’s story about something that actually happened to me. I used to play it with my cousin who is a boy and once humiliated him by announcing it in public. He still remembers being very embarrassed!
I remember “Heel” as someone earlier called it Potsie, six boxes, 3 and six were the “rest” boxes, I remember all of us going to the shoe maker begging for rubber heels!!! My gosh I thought we only played that!!!
Does anyone remember playing Giant Steps? And I had great fun playing punchball, red light green light, red rover, potsy, stoop ball, I declare war on …., hit the penny, hot potato and other city kid games. We really used our imaginations, got lots of exercise, and learned how to get along with others and organize ourselves. I feel sorry for the kids today. They are so programmed by adults.
Forget “Hopscotch” . . . it was only called “Potsie” in my neighborhood (Boro Park). We did have a name for our “marker” and I can’t remember what it was. Can someone help me? Stan