The Parker Brothers’ Grave

At Harmony Groves Cemetery in Salem, Massachusetts, lies the graves of George Swinnerton Parker (1867-1952) and Charles Belote Parker (1885-1961), the brilliant minds behind classic board games like Monopoly, Clue, and Sorry! Their influence on the gaming world went far beyond just having fun, as they were considered true visionaries.

One of their most fascinating and controversial creations was the Ouija board, a game that claimed to allow players to communicate with the supernatural. Originally invented by Elijah Bond in 1891, the Ouija board quickly gained a cult following. But, it wasn’t until Parker Brothers acquired the rights in 1966 that the Ouija board became a cultural phenomenon.

After securing the patent, Parker Brothers made the Ouija board a household name, captivating audiences of all ages. Suddenly, it was everywhere in living rooms, at parties, and even in movies; everyone had to have one. Even now, decades later, games made by Parker Brothers continue to bring joy and excitement to players all over the world.