Highlights Archives
Discover Madison's Cribbage History
Cribbage was invented by Sir John Suckling (1609-1642), an English author, playwright, lyric poet, and member of Parliament. Joe Petrus Wergin of Madison, Wisconsin, organized the game for American national and local tournament play, and the Madison Cribbage Club became the first organized club in the United States in 1979. Currently more than 10,000 people across the nation participate in organized cribbage.
Each February a national cribbage tournament is held in Reno, Nevada. The tournament draws more than 1,000 players and is named the "Joe Petrus Wergin Open." Wergin also served as director of the American Cribbage Congress. He lived in Madison and passed away in 2005 at age 98.
On Saturday, January 20, 2007, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Wisconsin Historical Museum on Madison's Capitol Square presents Madison Cribbage — We're #1. Members of the Madison Cribbage Club will display old cribbage boards, discuss the game's origin, and demonstrate the game. Cards and boards will be available for those who wish to play, with club members standing by to instruct as needed. The program is free with admission donation to the museum of $4 per adult, $3 per child, and $10 for a family. Admission is free for Wisconsin Historical Society members.
Before or after the program, plan some extra time to see the popular exhibit Toy Stories, a historical look at popular toys and games from the 1940s to the present, including some with intriguing Wisconsin connections. For more information, call 608-264-6555.
:: Posted January 18, 2007
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