You’ve probably seen the name at the bottom of a dusty old board in your attic. William Fuld. It’s usually stamped right there under the "G" or the "O," looking official and slightly Victorian. Most people assume he’s just some guy who invented a spooky game.
Actually, that’s not true. He didn't invent it. Honestly, the real story of the William Fuld Ouija board is way more interesting than the urban legends, involving a bitter family feud, a million-dollar empire, and a death so eerie it sounds like a bad horror movie script.
The Man Who Sold the Ghost
William Fuld was a Baltimore businessman through and through. In the late 1800s, he started as a varnisher and supervisor at the Kennard Novelty Company. He wasn’t a medium. He wasn't a "spiritualist." He was a Presbyterian who saw a massive business opportunity in the public's obsession with talking to the dead.
Back then, Spiritualism was huge. People were desperate to talk to lost loved ones after the Civil War. Fuld didn't create the board—that was Elijah Bond and Charles Kennard—but he was the one who turned it into a household name. By 1892, he was running the show. He was a marketing genius before "marketing genius" was even a term. He started putting his own name on the boards and eventually claimed he was the inventor.
It worked.
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That Infamous Family Feud
Business got messy. It usually does when there’s a ton of money on the line. In 1898, William went into business with his brother, Isaac. They called it "Isaac Fuld & Brother."
It lasted about three years.
By 1901, the brothers had a falling out so toxic it makes modern celebrity beef look like a playground spat. William kicked Isaac out and took sole control. Isaac, rightfully ticked off, started making his own version called the "Oriole" board. William didn't take that sitting down; he sued his own brother.
The legal war lasted for nearly two decades. The family didn't speak for almost 100 years. Isaac was so bitter he reportedly had his infant daughter’s remains moved from the Fuld family plot just so they wouldn't have to spend eternity near William’s side of the family.
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The Factory the Board "Built"
By the 1920s, the William Fuld Ouija board was a phenomenon. Fuld was making millions. He claimed the board itself told him to "prepare for big business."
He listened.
In 1918, he built a massive three-story factory on Harford Avenue in Baltimore. It was the height of his success. But this is where the story takes a dark turn. On February 24, 1927, Fuld climbed to the roof of that very factory to supervise the installation of a new flagpole.
He leaned against an iron railing. It gave way.
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Fuld fell three stories. He actually survived the initial fall, but as he was being rushed to the hospital, a bump in the road caused a fractured rib to pierce his heart. He died at the age of 56. The irony wasn't lost on anyone—the man who got rich off a "spirit board" met his end at the building the board allegedly told him to build.
Why the William Fuld Ouija Board Still Matters
After his death, his children took over. They kept the business alive for decades, honoring his deathbed wish never to sell the company. They eventually gave in and sold to Parker Brothers in 1966 (who then got bought by Hasbro), but the Fuld era is what defined the board's aesthetic and reputation.
What Most People Get Wrong:
- The Name: "Ouija" doesn't mean "Yes-Yes" in French and German. That was a later marketing myth. The board allegedly named itself during a session with medium Helen Peters. When asked what it meant, it spelled out "Good Luck."
- The Inventor: As mentioned, Fuld was the promoter, not the creator. He just held the most patents and trademarks.
- The Vibe: Before The Exorcist came out in 1973, the board was seen as a romantic parlor game. People played it on dates!
Actionable Tips for Collectors
If you're hunting for an authentic William Fuld Ouija board at estate sales or on eBay, keep these specific details in mind:
- Check the Patent Dates: Real Fuld-era boards usually list patents from 1891 or 1892. If it says "Parker Brothers," it’s post-1966.
- Look for the Baltimore Stamp: Fuld was proud of his Baltimore roots. The address on the board can help you date it (e.g., 909 East Pratt Street or the Harford Avenue factory).
- The "Mystifying Oracle" Variant: Fuld actually created a cheaper version of his own board to undercut competitors. These are rarer and highly sought after by collectors.
- Condition is Everything: These were made of wood and later heavy cardboard. Check the planchette (the pointer); if it has the original glass insert, the value jumps significantly.
The legacy of William Fuld isn't really about ghosts or demons. It’s about a man who caught lightning in a bottle and built a brand that has survived over a century of controversy. Whether you think it's a toy or a portal, you can't deny the guy knew how to sell a mystery.