122: A CARNIVAL GAME MODEL OR SALESMAN'S SAMPLE CIRCA 1915

This miniature model represents an attraction from Kansas City's Fairmount Park called AND HER NAME WAS MAUD.

The life-sized 'One Ball' game was manufactured and operated by showman H.H. Ragan in Kansas City's Fairmount Park circa 1907, as shown in an albumen photograph mounted inside the lid of the replica's carrying case.

H. H. Ragan was a Kansas City entrepreneur who is also know to have operated ILLUMINATED TOURS at the Music Hall in Kansas City as early as 1886. These magic lantern slide shows projected images of far-away lands and American landmarks for 50 cents per person. No small amount in 1886. There is some evidence that Ragan also operated the Fix-it Shop pictured in another image included here. Reference was found listing his address as 59th and Troost.

An ad in the Kansas City Star Sunday, July 28, 1907, page 30 reads: GIRL TO WAIT TABLE; four dollars board, room and washing; Good place; come Sunday morning. Maud Machine Fairmount Park. H. H. Ragan.

With Ragan's full-sized attraction, and the miniature model, a successful strike on the face of the bewhiskered gentleman seated below would release Maud the Mule to wildly kick up her heels and startle her handler. This miniature working model is constructed from found wood crates decorated with printed paper graphics and hand painted details. The figures are carved by hand. The outside of the case is decorated in hand drawn graphics of Maud and the other players. Various period original photographs are included.
Measures 16 x 20.75 x 4.5 inches.
Very good working condition, noting the effects of age, storage, use and environment as expected in the form of minor age splits and losses.
$400 - $600