Dark History Podcast Summary Episode 146: Death by Ouija Board? Murder by Monopoly? The Dark History of Board Games

Hosted by Bailey Sarian and produced by Audioboom Studios, Episode 146 of Dark History delves into the sinister side of board games. From ancient origins to contemporary tragedies, Bailey uncovers how these seemingly innocent pastimes have been intertwined with murder, deception, and tragedy throughout history. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Introduction to the Dark Side of Board Games

Bailey kicks off the episode with a personal anecdote about encountering a Ouija board while preparing for Halloween, highlighting the season's influence on her fascination with the supernatural. This sets the tone for exploring the darker narratives behind popular board games.

Bailey Sarian [04:00]: "Turns out a ton of games we play today have weird and ancient origin stories... some of their stories end in murder."

2. The Ouija Board: From Spiritualism to Tragedy

Historical Origins:

• Spiritualism Movement: Emerging in the mid to late 1800s, spiritualism gained popularity as advancements in technology like electricity and the telegraph allowed quicker communication. The Civil War's massive casualties left many yearning to connect with lost loved ones.

• The Fox Sisters: Pioneers in spiritualism, the Fox sisters from New York conducted public seances, using methods like table turning and knocking noises to "communicate" with spirits. However, it was later revealed that one sister was inadvertently orchestrating the sounds, casting doubt on the legitimacy of their claims.

• Invention of the Ouija Board: In the 1890s, Elijah J. Bond, a lawyer, sought to create a tool for spiritual communication. By inviting his sister-in-law to name the board, they received the name "Ouija," a combination of "oui" (yes in French) and "ja" (yes in German). Despite the eerie nature of its name, the Ouija board quickly gained popularity.

William Fuld's Tragic Story:

• William Fuld, the patriarch who secured the trademark for Ouija, believed deeply in the board's powers. Relying on it for business decisions, Fuld met a tragic end in 1927 when he fell to his death while inspecting his factory—a fall he attributed to the Ouija board's instructions.

Bailey Sarian [20:30]: "A Ouija board and mistress made a grieving widow commit murder. And a Ouija board also told its owner to build a factory where he would fall to his death. Maybe it's demonic after all."

3. Monopoly: The Game of Wealth and Deception

Creation and Evolution:

• Elizabeth “Lizzie” Magie: Born in 1866, Lizzie was an outspoken feminist and entrepreneur who created the Landlord's Game in 1903. Designed to illustrate the injustices of monopolies, the game emphasized how the rich accumulate wealth at the expense of the poor.

• Charles Darrow’s Adaptation: During the Great Depression, Charles Darrow adapted Magie's game, adding visual elements and marketable pieces. He sold his version to local stores without securing a patent, leading to widespread imitation.

• Parker Brothers' Acquisition: Sally Barton of Parker Brothers championed Monopoly, leading the company to purchase Darrow’s version. However, disputes arose when Parker Brothers discovered the game's true origins. They negotiated with Lizzie Magie, offering a nominal sum and empty promises, effectively eclipsing her contributions.

Tragic Incidents Linked to Monopoly:

• 1992 Murder in Pennsylvania: Two friends, Michael and Mark, clashed over the Monopoly racecar piece during a drunken game night. The dispute escalated when Mark, in a fit of rage, shot Michael with a bow and arrow, leading to Michael's death. Mark was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Bailey Sarian [45:15]: "A Ouija board and mistress made a grieving widow commit murder. And a Ouija board also told its owner to build a factory where he would fall to his death."

4. Yahtzee: The Elite’s Game with Dark Undertones

Origins:

• 1954 Invention: Yahtzee was created by a Canadian couple who originally named it the Yacht Game. Designed for exclusive yacht parties, the game was quickly commercialized by a board game entrepreneur, renaming it Yahtzee and spearheading its mass production.

Notable Crime Linked to Yahtzee:

• 2011 Murder in Minnesota: Tamara Lee Mason was found dead in her backyard, with authorities uncovering that her son, Jacob, attacked her with a plastic bag and a belt after she insisted on playing Yahtzee. The coerced participation in the game night led to Tamara’s tragic death, with her brothers later being convicted as accessories.

Bailey Sarian [1:05:30]: "In 2011, 49-year-old Tamara Lee Mason's body was found buried in her own backyard... a dice game invented on a yacht went wrong."

5. Reflections: The Dual Nature of Board Games

Bailey contemplates the inherent nature of board games as both sources of entertainment and catalysts for human emotions. She emphasizes how competitive environments can exacerbate personal conflicts, sometimes with deadly consequences.

Bailey Sarian [1:12:00]: "Board games have an interesting legacy. Human beings have invented and played them for thousands of years. And at the same time... the word murder, and you're likely to get a result. Says a lot about us, huh?"

6. Teaser for the Next Episode: Vampires

As the episode concludes, Bailey hints at the next installment, which will explore the dark history of vampires, blending folklore with historical accounts to uncover the truth behind these legendary creatures.

Bailey Sarian [1:15:20]: "Next week we're getting spooky with one of my favorite topics. Vampires... we're gonna find out the real story behind the legend of the vampire. Are they real?"

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On the Ouija Board's Origin:

  Bailey Sarian [12:30]: "The board had spelled out O, U, I, J, A. And you're like, how do you pronounce this board? What?"

• Regarding Monopoly's Success:

  Bailey Sarian [38:45]: "The Parker Brothers ended up buying the copyright for Charles's Monopoly game from him, the Creator, for $7,000. Now, in today's money, it'd be like $161,000."

• On Yahtzee's Transition from Elite to Mainstream:

  Bailey Sarian [55:50]: "Yahtzee became a game that the everyman could play. Not just rich people on yachts."

Conclusion

Episode 146 of Dark History masterfully intertwines the fascinating origins of board games with their darker narratives, revealing how these games have been linked to human tragedy and moral lessons throughout history. Bailey Sarian's engaging storytelling, enriched with historical facts and compelling anecdotes, offers listeners a chilling perspective on the games many take for granted.

Stay tuned for the next episode, where Bailey will unravel the enigmatic history of vampires, blending myth with reality to uncover the truths behind these nocturnal legends.

Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisements, sponsor mentions, and non-content segments to focus solely on the episode's main narrative and discussions.