Family Pastimes games are the inventions of Jim Deacove. Jim started making co-operative games for his own family, and was encouraged by friends to make more.

The Deacove family was and is no different from others. Sharing toys, helping mom and dad and being kind to others are values taught in all homes. To find games which help reinforce such sharing attitudes, however, is very difficult. Thus, Jim and Ruth felt the need to create some.

The “hobby” became a small business in their home over four decades ago (1972). Slow but steady growth in sales required moving the business into a cottage. With the addition of new games and greater interest by the public, a switch occurred. The family moved into the cottage and the business occupied the two stories of the old farm house. A new workshop was built in 1984 to replace the old farm house, destroyed by a terrible fire in October 1983.

Offset presses, silkscreening equipment, table saws, various other woodworking tools and an assortment of old and new machines provide the technology. The Deacoves, some local people and an eager bunch of students each summer provide the labor. The format is kept simple but attractive. The games are made in small quantities, as a labor of love.

Are We Green?

Yes.

For 40 years plus now I have used eco-friendly materials in making my games. I have the safety lab tests from the best labs. All the appropriate Choke Test certificates for very small parts. I use 100% recycled pasteboard, water based glues, non-toxic paints on my wooden pieces, soy-based and latex inks on recycled papers, corrugated containers from recycled papers, recyclable shrink film and even take care to pack shipments with materials that I secure from local retailers who are happy that I will honor the oft forgotten third R and that is to Reuse.

Jim