BHS Store

All American Boy Art of Yo

Become a yo-yo master. Four Classic American Boys’ activities in this retro gift box. Rock Maple Yo-yo, matched & balanced and a 20 page handbook on history, yo-yo throws & tricks

10.00

9.00

All American Girl Wonderball

Learn to play Cat’s Cradle, make friendship bracelets, and more activities with a multicolored ball of yarn. First, unwind this Victorian gifting tradition to find treasures, charms and trinkets of the past. Handbook includes the history of the Wonderball plus games and activities.

10.00

9.00

Arrowhead replica

The bow and arrow and the spear were vital weapons for the Native American tribes at the time of the European settlements. Includes one newly knapped arrowhead or spear point made of chipped stone, plus a history insert.

2.00

1.80

Brown Bess dummy gun

The long gun popularly known as the “Brown Bess” was a standard civilian flintlock musket used in 18th century America and the primary firearm used by both sides in the American Revolution. These old long guns continued to see use well into the 19th century. This full-sized (approx. 46”) wood dummy gun is faithful to the silhouette and proportions of the historic firearm it represents. Includes a hanging tag with history. Sorry, this item is too large to ship. Delivery within Bedford only.

12.00

10.80

Colonial America Massachusetts Coins

Museum-quality replica coins include historical reference of each coin on the opposite side of the insert. Each coin is spin cast out of lead-free pewter.

7.00

6.30

Cup & Ball Toy

Toys of the cup & ball family had already been favorite childhood amusements for many centuries by the time of settlements in the North American colonies, and they have remained popular throughout American history. In simple cup & ball toys, the ball is tossed and caught in a cup on the end of a stick. Sound easy? It will keep anyone amused for hours.

5.00

4.50

Hand Propeller

Hold the stick between your hands, push one hand away from your body, and send the propeller flying through the air. Fun for kids of all ages. The wooden hand propeller is a favorite at picnics, on camping trips, and at family reunions. Handmade in the USA.

3.00

2.70

Jacob’s Ladder

The mysterious movement of this puzzling toy has fascinated generations of American children. Hold the top block and tip it forward to see each lower block in turn slide down the ribbons It still confounds us with its seemingly inexplicable motion.

6.00

5.40

Juggling Set

The history of juggling stretches back in nearly 3,000 years in time to ancient Egypt. Juggling became highly popular in America during the days of traveling circuses and was closely associated with clowns. Today, there are juggling associations, magazines devoted to juggling and open competitions. This is your chance to join the fun.

8.00

7.20

Lucet

A 6-1/2 inch lucet made of hardwood, cotton yarn for a beginner, illustrated instructions, and history. The directions in our kit show how this simple craft tool makes a single-strand, braided cord that was used in many Early American and Victorian-era homes. Use it to make the string bracelets that are so popular today.

9.00

8.10

Musket Ball

The smooth bore flintlock musket was widely used on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean in the 18th century. Loaded with lead balls commonly of .69 to .75 caliber, this firearm was capable of firing at a rate of 2 to 4 shots per minute, with limited accuracy. This musket ball, cast in lead-free pewter, closely approximates the original lead balls in size and weight. Comes with a history insert.

2.00

1.80

Paper Money of Colonial America

By the mid-1700s, faced with a shortage of coins, the British colonies were issuing their own paper currency. Elaborate designs on these bills were attempts to deter counterfeiting, a major problem in the colonies. This set contains 9 examples of American colonial paper money in high quality reproductions, packed with a history insert.

3.00

2.70

Peg Top

Adults and children alike have been fascinated with spinning toys since antiquity, and top games are seen in all parts of the world throughout time. At least five types of tops were known in England by the 16th century, including peg tops, whip tops, and hand spun tops. The “peg top” is the familiar turnip-shape top, set in motion by a wound string. This solid wood peg top is decorated with burned lines, and packed with a history and instruction insert.

4.00

3.60

Pewter Coin Whirligig

Simple whirling toys were mentioned in English literature as early as 1686, and would certainly have been as popular in early America as they were in Europe. This whirligig, packed with a history and instruction insert, is fashioned from our lead-free pewter reproduction of a Spanish milled dollar, a silver coin widely used in North America during the 16th through early 19th centuries.

3.00

2.70

Plastic Fife

A high quality beginner’s instrument, crafted of FDA approved black plastic, with short brass ferrules. Comes with an booklet of music, history, and instructions.

6.50

5.85

Rolling Hoop

Children have been rolling hoops from the time of the ancient Greeks through the hula hoop craze of the 1950’s. The early North American colonists brought this pastime with them from Europe; in the 19th century, both wood and metal hoops were favorite playthings. The hoops can be trundled along in solitary play or raced by any number of players. Made of solid native hardwood, 28” in diameter x 1 1/2” wide x 1/4” thick. Pushing stick and history card included. Sorry, this item is too large to ship. Delivery within Bedford only.

12.00

10.80

Roy Toy Log Cabin Playset #6

Made in the USA since 1930, these Log Building Sets are still made of real wood and are some of the most versatile building pieces around. This kit includes 73 pieces.

12.00

10.80

Tin Whistle

Handcrafted tin pennywhistle is made in the traditional conical design,12” long, with lead-free solder seam and wood plug. Key of D; packaged in a poly bag with music, history, and instruction sheet.

5.00

4.50

Clothing for Ladies and Gentlemen of Higher or Lower Standing

“A working pamphlet to aid the imitators of New England citizens of the eighteenth century.” Compiled by Marjorie Hicks, Minuteman National Historical Park. “The purpose of this pamphlet is to assist 20th Century people…to construct the proper costuming” for re-enacting the 18th Century. With sketches to aid in design. 34 pages.

3.00

2.70

Colonial Times A to Z

Delightful text and colorful illustrations highlight colonial life from clothing accessories to the various trades performed in the 18th century. Activities such as matching illustrated shop signs to their trades is a fun way to learn. Readers will learn about apothecaries, education, outbuildings, wigmakers, and more. 32 pages.

8.95

8.06

Great Colonial America Projects You Can Build Yourself

Introduces readers ages 9 and up to colonial America through hands-on building projects that use common household supplies. From dyeing and spinning yarn to weaving cloth, from creating tin plates and lanterns to learning wattle and daub construction, readers will have a chance to experience how colonial Americans lived, cooked, entertained themselves, and interacted with their neighbors. 118 pages.

14.95

13.46

The American Boy’s Handy Book

Written by the founder of the Boy Scouts, Dan Beard. Full of indoor & outdoor activities for boys circa 1880. How to make kites and fishing tackle, an aquarium, a telescope, a hut, 10 kinds of boats, bird calls, squirt guns, and much, much more for both boys and girls. Has been described as “the perfect survival manual.” 441 pages.

12.95

11.66

The Field and Forest Handy Book

Written by the founder of the Boy Scouts, Dan Beard. Full of outdoor activities circa 1880. Designed to make girls and boys feel at home in nature. Projects for everything from building kites, birdhouses, and snow houses; to how to pack a horse, to making moccasins, build piers, boats and sleds; to camping and camp cooking, and much, much more for both boys and girls. 428 pages.

14.95

13.46

The American Girls Handy Book

Written by the founder of the Campfire Girls, Lena & Adelia Beard. Full of indoor & outdoor activities for girls circa 1880. A magical cornucopia of craft projects, devices, toys, gifts, dolls, recipes, decorations, perfumes, wax and clay modeling, painting, games of all sorts, and much, much more that can be enjoyed by both boys and girls. 474 pages.

12.95

11.66

If You Lived in Colonial Times book

If you lived in colonial times, what kind of clothes would you wear? Would you go to school? What would happen if you didn’t behave in school? What toys did you have? How did your house look inside? What did you eat? Answers to these and other questions give kids a clear view of early American life. 80 pages.

5.99

5.40

If You Lived at the Time of the American Revolution

If you lived at the time of the American Revolution, would you have seen a battle? Who were the Patriots? What clothes did year wear then? How did you get news about the Revolution? How did the Revolution change people’s lives? Answers to these and other questions give a kid’s-eye view of this fascinating period of American history. 80 pages.

5.99

5.40

Old-Time American Flag Stickers

Reproduced from rare turn-of-the-century illustrations, 28 full-color images depict an abundance of American flags, Revolutionary War soldiers, George Washington, and eagle and much more. Add a patriotic touch to stationery, packages, notebooks, posters and more with this handsome collection.

1.50

1.35

A Visual Dictionary of a Colonial Community

This colorful dictionary is a treasure trove of illustrated for readers of all ages. Topics include colonial houses, a plantation and its outbuildings, wood and metalworkers and their tools, shops and shopkeepers, transportation, the apothecary, milliner, wigmaker, and many more. 32 pages.

8.95

8.06

Mob cap

The traditional girls’ and ladies’ cap, worn alone or under a bonnet. Adjustable drawstring, one size fits all.

4.00

3.60

Tricorne hat, child’s, small, gold trim

This 18th century reproduction Tricorne Hat derives its name from its three distinctive corners. Made of black felt with gold-colored trim. Hat opening measures 6 inches from side to side and 7 inches from front to back.

10.00

9.00

Tricorne hat, child’s, large, white trim

This 18th century reproduction Tricorne Hat derives its name from its three distinctive corners. Made of black felt with white trim. Hat opening measures 6.5 inches from side to side and 8 inches from front to back.

15.00

13.50

Bedford Flag postcards

A full-color image of the Bedford Flag on a 4” x 6” postcard.

0.25

0.23

Bedford Flag, desktop size

Miniature replica of the revered Bedford Flag, 4” x 4”, with flagpole and base, suitable for use on desk or tabletop.

4.00

3.60

Bedford Flag/US Flag stickers

Peel-off sticker with a handsome image of the Bedford Flag superimposed on an American flag, 4” x 6”.