Block Building - Not Just For Kids

Anchor Stone Building Blocks (Anker-Steinbaukasten) were a popular German construction toy, at their peak from roughly 1884 through World War I.  Building block sets were intricately packed in wooden boxes with drawings and layer construction plans, and distributed in a progressively more complex graded level scheme. They were available up through 1963, when the factory was closed by the German Democratic Republic. Made and expertly marketed by a company founded by Friedrich Adolf Richter, they were the Lego of their day.

Thankfully, through efforts of enthusiast Georg Plenge, Anker blocks resumed manufacture in the 1990's, and sets are once again available using the same block composition, plans and numbering scheme.

The benefits of block play for children are numerous and well known. Blocks provide learning opportunities in a variety of constructive multidisciplinary activities. Blocks are frequently a young child's first exposure to units and math. Early scientific concepts such as volume, weight and gravity are experienced through block play, and children learn to classify and label. Children can build their creations from scratch, as well as tear them down, giving them complete control over the creative process. In a group setting, block play projects present opportunities to experience collaboration and conflict resolution.

For adults, building something from a set of Steinbaukasten provides a mindful, focused retreat from daily life. The old-world architecture of the Anker blocks (churches, cathedrals, castles) are appealing and a restful antidote to the digital onslaught and information overload of our typical lifestyles. Here is a picture of me and my father-in-law, Milton Ellis, at 1:30 in the morning well after everyone else had gone to bed. We had to finish that building! (The Hunting Lodge from set 18A.)

My father and my uncle both had quite a number of these sets, which are now in my possession. I have also been augmenting my collection with new sets, as the sizes and plans are all fully compatible and integrated. I try to do at least one major building project per year, sometimes around Christmas time.

This is the Castle on the Lake from set 26A:

An aerial view of my building area shows two tables to hold all of the blocks, and the first few layers of the Castle underway. Earth Quake simulation is provided by wooden flooring in the room.

Part of the beauty in the Steinbaukasten designs is the intricate nature of the sub-structures and building features. Stairways, towers and arches frequently offer interesting inner construction design, and external ornamental touches.

And of course - what fun is a big empty building no matter how cool it looks? We can never resist populating a finished building with figures, both handmade and found:

 

Resources

George Hardy's Site

The Ankersteinbaukasten Company

Chris Baldwin's Toy House