The traditional games of New York City are one of the notable aspects of
New York City's culture; many of them were brought over by the diverse mix of immigrants that settled in New York City, particularly from Europe.[1] Many of these games used
street furniture and other features of New York City's high
urban density and were therefore also played in other cities of the United States. Most of these games have declined or disappeared in the modern era.[2][3][4]
Traditional games historically played a significant role in street life in New York City. During the 1900s, efforts were made to push children away from the dangers of street traffic and towards playing on newly built
playgrounds, with the objective of avoiding certain unwanted behaviors (such as spreading glass so that cars couldn't drive on the streets). Another hope was to improve immigrant assimilation, which was considered important during a large wave of
immigration to the United States.[5] There were also concerns of children being liable to become criminals or mingle too much with adults.[6] "Play streets" were also implemented, closing off certain streets to allow children to safely play in them.[7][8]
Double Dutch is a game in which two long
jump ropes turning in opposite directions are jumped by one or more players jumping simultaneously. It is believed to have originated among
Dutch immigrants in New York City, although it has been a popular school playground game for much longer than that in the Netherlands, and is now popular worldwide.[9] While it had long been a popular street activity for African American girls in New York City,[10] the modern sport of Double Dutch originated in the early 1970s with
NYPD officers Ulysses Williams and David Walker, who formalized the rules for competition. The first official competition was held in 1974. Competitions in Double Dutch range from block parties to the world level. During the spring of 2009, Double Dutch became a varsity sport in New York City public high schools.[11]
In the early 1980s, Double Dutch was strongly associated with New York
hip hop culture.[12] It has also been recognized as an element of the genre by notable MCs such as
KRS-One.[citation needed]
Skully (also called skelly, skellies, skelsy, skellzies, scully, skelzy, scummy top, tops, loadies or caps) is a
children's game played on the streets of
New York City and other urban areas.[13] Sketched on the street usually in chalk, a skully board allows a game for two to six players. A sidewalk is sometimes used, offering greater protection from vehicular traffic; however, the asphalt on a typical city street is smoother and provides better game play than a bumpy concrete sidewalk.
Stickball is a
street game similar to
baseball, usually formed as a
pick-up game played in large cities in the
Northeastern United States, especially
New York City and
Philadelphia. The equipment consists of a
broom handle and a rubber ball, typically a
spaldeen, pensy pinky, high bouncer or
tennis ball. The rules come from baseball and are modified to fit the situation. For example, a
manhole cover may be used as a base, or buildings for foul lines. The game is a variation of
stick and ball games dating back to at least the 1750s. This game was widely popular among youths during the 20th century until the 1980s.
Popular in New York, especially among poor Jewish children who could not afford bats or baseballs, historian and baseball enthusiast
Stephen Jay Gould referred to it as "the canonical recess game",[20] and in The Boys of Summer baseball writer
Roger Kahn described how when he grew up it was a boys game, as the girls played "slapball".[21]
Stoop ball (also spelled "stoopball") is a game that is played by throwing a ball against a
stoop (stairs leading up to a building) on the pavement in front of a building.[31][32] Historically, it has been popular in
Brooklyn and other
inner cities. In
Boston, the game is known as "Up-Against." In
Chicago, the game is known as "
Pinners." In Chicago's Bridgeport area the game is called "Three Outs". The game is also known as "Off the Point".[33] It first became popular after
World War II.[34]
Ringolevio (also spelled ringalevio or ring-a-levio)[35] is a children's
game which originated in the streets of
New York City, where it is known to have been played at least as far back as the late 19th century.[36][37][a] It is one of the many variations of
tag.[38] In
Canada, the game is known as Relievio, a name which was also used in
Boston and
Ireland in the 1950s. It is also, in some places, known as coco-levio.[39]
^See this journal article, published in 1891: Stewart Culin (1891) [Jul-Sep, 1891]. "Street Games of Boys in Brooklyn, N. Y.". The Journal of American Folklore. 4 (14): 221–237.
JSTOR534007.
^"The hi-spy class includes, among many others, ringalevio (Brooklyn name)" Dunn, Robert (June 1904),
"Games of the City Street", The Outing, 44 (3): 275–276
^ Before the first World War, one of the greatest games kids played was Ringolevio. In front of the Grace Church on East 92nd Street and Church Lane, each weeknight we formed a circle of 10 or 12 of us in two teams. The ones who went to hide would then try to sneak back without being caught by one of the guardians of the circle. If a boy managed to get in without being caught, he would yell, "Ringolevio!" and free everyone that had previously been caught. This went on until about 9 p.m. when we had to go home. Denton, John (2006-11-23).
"Playing Ringolevio In Front Of Grace Church". Canarsie Courier. Brooklyn, New York. Archived from
the original on 2015-09-23.