M A H J O N G

Traditionally, leisure activities have always been identified with the "leisured" class, an exclusive group of individuals who could afford to forgo work for play. However, as the early nineteenth century came about, the role of leisure and recreation in American society became increasingly important. An eroding old work ethic, as well as the deterioration of job satisfaction, led many to look toward personal fulfillment in leisure activities. Increased free time, rising incomes and the popularity of the automobile also contributed to the growth of leisure activities.¹

As time progressed, America sought comfort in a wide variety of leisure activities and with the coming of each decade, a new recreation craze emerged. Diablo was the fad in 1907, ping-pong in 1913, mahjong in 1923, miniature golf in 1930 and Monopoly in 1940.²

Of particular interest, was the mahjong craze of the 1920's. This game hit America with such force that at one point, it seemed like the country would be forever engulfed in mahjong fever.³ Although its popularity did decline after the late 1920's, its presence was, nevertheless, still existent. Mahjong remained a rather eminent form of leisure activity throughout the 1930's, 1940's and even in the present era of 1996.

Among the followers of mahjong was the Greenbelt Community. Although a majority of the people I talked to were not mahjong players, a few were. According to Israel Markfield ⁴, a pioneer of Greenbelt, his late wife Peg enjoyed mahjong as a leisure activity (more is said about mahjong and Greenbelt in "mahjong in the 1920's-1940's" below).

In the Greenbelt Museum located in Greenbelt, Maryland, a old mahjong set can be seen. It is located on the chest in the child's room on the second floor.

For more information about mahjong, read on...