Nathan Exposed » That Old Maid Is One Tough Broad To Find

That Old Maid Is One Tough Broad To Find

Okay, dear readers, I’m turning to you for your help. To the right, you’ll see a deck of cards called Old Maid. I got this photo from eBay. Made in 1978 by Whitman, my family has had a deck of cards like this for 30 years. A simple game it is, but it’s been a family tradition. My grandmother played it with my mother, my parents played it with their children, and now my niece plays it. This same deck of cards has been the center point of many family game nights over the decades.

As you’d expect, it’s finally showing its age by falling apart. We’ve looked at many other renditions of Old Maid, but none have ever been able to offer such a fun and colorful cast of characters as this deck did. None of them even come close. Silly and larger than life, these oddball cartoons bring back memories of childhood.

Earlier this month, during a spirited game with Mom, Rodney, my niece, and me, I noticed my Mom made a comment that she wished she could find another set like this, only in better condition.

I’ve scoured eBay every day since, hoping to find it. I came across two auctions, and lost both of them to last minute bidders. I have not seen another auction with these cards since. If I’d known those would be my only opportunities, I would have bid much higher.

So I’m asking you, my dear readers, have you ever seen this deck? Perhaps you have one, stowed away in some old attic, collecting dust. If you do, it would mean so much to my Mom if I could get her another set in better condition. A simple gesture, but it would ensure the family tradition could live on for hopefully decades more to come.

Anyone?