NOW THAT CAUCUSES and primaries have kicked off, this seems a fitting time to share photos I took a few months back at Faribault’s Central Park. But first the back story. Randy and I sometimes walk in and around this block square park and into adjacent neighborhoods for exercise. Occasionally while crossing through Central Park, I’ve noticed miscellaneous items left there, like abandoned boxes of food, articles of clothing, even Play Doh slime. I would pull out my smartphone and document my finds.
On the frosty morning I spotted play money scattered across the grass and a board game atop a picnic table, I took extra time to investigate. I found a political version of Monopoly, Hasbro’s House Divided. Who knew? But I suppose given the political scene in this country, the constant bickering between parties, this should not have been a surprise. Let the board game company make money on the division within our nation.
The game features “Executive Power” and “I Voted” cards and rules that allow players to buy states, earn votes and collect rent while on the campaign trail to the White House. That’s a simplified summary.
Now, I loved Monopoly as a child. Randy played the game with our kids, often sprawling across the living room floor on Sunday afternoons. By that time I had no interest in the game. And I have no interest in playing House Divided Monopoly. There’s enough division and chaos in the real world of politics to focus on it in a competitive board game.
I’m already weary of the current presidential campaign, and it’s only just begun. How many months until the election?
TELL ME: Have you played this version of Monopoly? If yes, what are your thoughts on the game?
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NOTE: I don’t want the comments section to turn into a space for heated political debate and discussion. That is not my intention. As always, I reserve the right on this, my personal blog, to publish or not publish comments.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
first of all, like you, I loved playing monopoly for endless hours as a child, but have no desire to play as an adult. I’ve played with my grandies on request, but it’s not a game that they choose often. this version, almost seems set up for conflict, and I can see why they marketed it in light of the last number of years and the political climate. symbolic that you found it left there and money blowing around the park.
sometimes people leave things in a park to share with others, I used to leave books that I’d read and enjoyed on park benches for others to pick up and enjoy, maybe someone who didn’t have a lot of disposable income, but enjoyed reading, or a mother taking a break from walking her baby, a student, etc., to the wonderful little libraries found in neighborhoods now. in one of the parks by my house, people leave toys and vehicles in the sandbox for others to share and play with and I love that.
We are on the same board game when it comes to Monopoly. I watched an interesting public television documentary on the game the other night. It was actually invented by a woman, but under a different name. I digress.
Yes, I think some things are assuredly left in the park to share. I just found the in-progress Monopoly game an oddity. How wonderful that you leave books and others leave toys.
yes, it makes you wonder about the story behind it
Like you, I am also weary of the political scene already. I’ve never seen this version of Monopoly. I find it odd. As a kid, we used to have half the neighborhood gather around the dining room table playing Monopoly.
It was a really popular game for sure.
Audrey I am so pleased to hear you are doing better after surgery. My 2 grandsons and I play NFL Jr. Monopoly. They love it and this Grandma makes them happy!
Oh, Bev, I can just picture you playing NFL Monopoly with your grandsons and them loving it. Thank you for your encouragement to me post-surgery.
I’ve not seen this version, but we have several alternate versions available in BC including a local one related to my town.
I’ve seen the local ones here, too, perhaps 20 years ago.
Oh my……
That’s an appropriate reaction.
I didn’t know this version of monopoly existed. Interesting find just sitting in a park. I often wonder why people leave such things just sitting around. Maybe they were born in a barn
I haven’t heard the “born in a barn” phrase for a long time. You made me laugh.