Trip to the Delaware County Historical Society

 Club members Lenny Bram, Steve Clay, Cecil Johns, Paul Pennock, Ron Grady, Russ Frye, Bob Chapman, Tony Micciulla, and Chuck Philips visited the hostorical society to see the exhibits on the World Wide Games company and John Robinson wood carver.

World Wide Games was a remarkable small woodworking business in Delaware, Ohio, that manufactured handcrafted wooden games from around the world. Founded in 1953 by husband and wife Warren and Mary Lea Bailey, the company grew from a home-based operation into a nationally recognized supplier of recreational and educational games. Its products were especially popular with schools, churches, summer camps, YMCAs, and families.

The business expanded from its original home workshop to a larger building on Route 37 in Delaware. At its peak, it employed approximately 10 people and maintained a showroom where visitors could try the games.

In 1986, after 33 years, the Baileys sold World Wide Games to S&S Arts and Crafts. Their daughter, Linda Johnson, continued overseeing manufacturing at the Delaware facility for another 12 years.

John Robinson, wood carver.

John Robinson was a talented English-born woodcarver, artist, and craftsman who settled in Delaware County, Ohio, in 1833. Before immigrating to America, he and his brother Samuel operated a successful woodcarving business in London, specializing in elaborately carved and gilded picture frames, mirror frames, and architectural ornamentation.

According to historical accounts, their craftsmanship was so highly regarded that they contributed decorative work to Windsor Castle during renovations between 1826 and 1831. After a fire destroyed their London workshop in 1832, Robinson moved to Ohio, where he continued producing ornamental woodcarvings for homes and public buildings. His work reportedly included pieces exhibited at the Ohio Statehouse. Robinson was also an accomplished painter and naturalist. His remarkable career illustrates the artistic skill and craftsmanship that early European woodworkers brought to central Ohio.