Image
Children take part in a lolly scramble (where sweets are thrown for the participants to catch) at a Gisborne children's party in 1902. In the 19th century children's birthdays began to be observed for the first time, a reflection of the increasing importance placed on childhood as a special time of life. Parties such as this one tended to be held in well-off households, but the custom gradually became widespread.
Using this item
Tairawhiti Museum, Te Whare Taonga O Te Tairawhiti
Reference: WFC-1-4-3869
by William Crawford
Permission of Tairawhiti Museum, PO Box 716, Gisborne, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.