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by Maxine Carter-Lome, Publisher
hile you might not recognize the name McLoughlin Brothers, or the names of their
books and games for that matter, chances are the colorful and dominant illustrations
Wthat defined their merchandise will look familiar, especially if you frequent antique
shops and shows, and follow specialized toy, game, and publishing auctions. From the mid-19th
until the early 20th century, McLoughlin Bros. was the foremost American publisher of
children’s books, and a leading maker of children’s games and toys. Today, the games, books,
and toys that enthralled generations of young children are back as collectibles, reminding us that
objects of inspiration and imagination are timeless, and always valued.

All in the Family
John McLoughlin, Sr. was an unemployed
Scottish coachmaker when he entered the New
York publishing industry in March of 1819. While
working for the Sterling Iron Company he met Antique 1889
Robert Hoe, who manufactured printing presses. McLoughlin
McLoughlin became interested in printing and Brothers
began working for the New York Times in 1827. In 2-puzzles-in-1
1828 he purchased a used printing press and type Farm Animals set
and set up his own business on Tryon Row in selling for
Manhattan. Here he wrote and published $199 on eBay
McLoughlin’s Books for Children, a collection of
semi-religious tracts.
In 1840, John, Sr. formed a partnership with
Robert H. Elton, a wood engraver, to publish toy
books, comic almanacs, and valentines under the
name Elton and Co. McLoughlin’s son, John
McLoughlin, Jr., had been an apprentice at the 1897 McLoughlin Brothers Little Folks Painting
firm of Robert H. Elton and when the senior partners Book, features chromolithograph illustration
for Elton and Company retired in 1850, John Jr. and this copy was untouched inside,
took over the firm. He changed the name to “John selling for $195 on rubylane.com

Cover of Ten Little N***ers published by McLoughlin
Brothers and sold for $375 at an auction in 2012;
another copy of the book sold that same year for $450
at a gallery photo: Liveauctioneers.com

At left: Illustration for the Improved Game Tiddledy
Winks, circa 1890
photo: The North American Tiddlywinks Association
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