The 1920s, often referred to as the "Roaring Twenties," stands as a remarkable decade marked by profound cultural and social transformations. It was a time when the world was witnessing a seismic shift in various aspects of society, from the arts and entertainment to economics and politics. Amidst this dynamic backdrop of change, table foosball emerged as a captivating indoor game that captured the hearts and imaginations of people not only in Europe but also across the vast expanse of the United States. In this blog post, we embark on a journey to explore the rich history of foosball during this exhilarating and transformative decade. It was a time when foosball, with its combination of skill, competitiveness, and companionship, established its place in the history of entertainment and amusement, leaving an everlasting imprint on the cultural tapestry of the era.
Alejandro Finisterre or Alexandre de Fisterra a Spanish poet, publisher, and anarchist is known as the inventor of futbolín, a Spanish variant of table football. His followers claim he conceived the idea while recuperating from injuries sustained in a Spanish Civil War bombing raid in a Basque region hospital, where boredom struck him, he persuaded a local carpenter named Francisco Javier Altuna to craft the inaugural table, inspired by table tennis. Supposedly, Alexandre patented his design later, but the paperwork vanished during a storm when he fled to France following General Franco's fascist coup d'état, an event that would later mark him as one of the first airplane hijackers in history.
Alejandro Finisterre
The debate about whether Señor Finisterre invented table football continues, but it's indisputable that the first patent for a game featuring figurines on poles was granted to Harold Searles Thornton, a devoted Tottenham Hotspur fan, in Britain on November 1, 1923. This concept later made its way to the United States through Harold's uncle, Louis P. Thornton of Portland, Oregon, who obtained a patent for it in 1927.
Unfortunately, Louis didn't achieve much success with table football, and the game faded into obscurity, with no one foreseeing its eventual popularity. Thornton's innovation marked the earliest official foosball table patent, distinct in embodying the fundamental features of modern tables. Inspired by a Tottenham Hotspur F.C. football match, Harold aimed to recreate soccer within a compact home setting, drawing inspiration from a matchbox. He envisioned a miniature soccer game where players controlled figurines on poles, mimicking the movements of soccer players on the field. The matchbox likely served as a reference for the size and scale of the game he wanted to create.
Thornton's design involved players attached to rods, each controlled by a rotating handle. This setup allowed for precise ball control, passes, shots, and saves, closely mirroring the dynamics of real soccer. The game was designed to be played on a small, tabletop surface, making it suitable for indoor use and recreation. He crafted the first rudimentary table football design, which he then shared with his enthusiastic uncle, leading to its introduction in the United States.
In 1927, Harold Thornton's table football game gained official recognition from the United States Patent Office, supported by thorough documentation, solidifying his status as the original foosball table inventor. His aim was to design an indoor miniature soccer game inspired by the popular parlor game "table cricket." Foosball's rapid and widespread popularity resonated with enthusiasts in Germany, France, Spain, and beyond, leading to adaptations and refinements to suit diverse cultural preferences as it crossed borders.
Part of Thornton’s original 1923 patent certificate clearly shows the rod and player formations.
The early foosball tables from the 1920s were markedly different from their contemporary counterparts. Crafted predominantly from wood, these tables featured hand-carved players, providing an aesthetic charm that continues to enchant collectors and aficionados today.
1. Simplicity and CraftsmanshipIn the 1920s, foosball tables were exemplars of craftsmanship. The figures, often artfully carved and painted, were operated manually. The simplicity of these early tables required players to master the art of precise ball control, making the game a true test of skill and finesse.
2. Mechanical MarvelsThe mechanisms of 1920s foosball tables were ingenious in their simplicity. figures controlled their teams using rods, with a rotating handle at each end. This design allowed for accurate passes, shots, and saves. It's remarkable how these early mechanical marvels laid the foundation for today's more intricate and automated tables.
3. Evolutionary InnovationsFoosball tables evolved during the 1920s. While wooden tables were predominant, materials like Bakelite began to find their way into table construction. These innovations improved durability while preserving the aesthetic appeal.
As foosball rapidly gained popularity during the 1920s, it became a prominent fixture in social settings. Bars, cafes, and arcades installed foosball tables, providing patrons with an exciting and competitive diversion. Its indoor nature meant that foosball could be enjoyed year-round, irrespective of weather conditions, making it particularly appealing in regions with harsh winters.
While foosball's invention and early popularity occurred in the 1920s, organized foosball tournaments as we know them today did not become widespread during that decade. The 1920s marked the emergence of foosball as a social and recreational game, primarily enjoyed in bars, cafes, and arcades. It wasn't until the decades following the 1920s that foosball competitions and tournaments began to take root.
In the dazzling tapestry of the "Roaring Twenties," foosball emerged as an unexpected star, capturing the imagination of people across continents. This simple yet captivating indoor game, born out of an inventive spirit and a desire for recreation, found its way into the hearts of many. In our journey through the history of foosball during this exhilarating decade, we've seen how it evolved from a novelty into a beloved pastime.
The birth of foosball, credited to both Alejandro Finisterre and Harold Searles Thornton, highlights the game's global appeal and the enthusiasm it generated among inventors and enthusiasts. The patent granted to Harold Thornton in 1927 in the United States solidified the game's place in history.
The design of foosball tables during the 1920s, characterized by simplicity, craftsmanship, and mechanical ingenuity, reveals the game's roots and its transition from a parlor novelty to a beloved indoor sport. These early tables, often crafted from wood and featuring hand-carved players, stand as a testament to the timeless charm of foosball's beginnings.
Foosball's integration into social and cultural settings during the era, gracing bars, cafes, and arcades, brought people together, providing an exciting and competitive diversion that transcended seasons.
Although organized foosball tournaments as we know them today did not emerge during the 1920s, this period set the stage for the game's competitive evolution in the decades to come.
As we conclude our journey through the Roaring Twenties and the world of foosball, we recognize how this seemingly simple game, with its rich history and enduring legacy, has continued to entertain, unite, and captivate generations. The 1920s may have been a mere stepping stone in foosball's evolution, but it marked the birth of a cultural phenomenon that would thrive and flourish for years to come, becoming a cherished pastime and an enduring source of enjoyment for countless individuals around the globe. Foosball, with its humble beginnings, remains a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring appeal of friendly competition and camaraderie.