Anne Williams has one of the world’s largest collections of jigsaw puzzles, with about eight thousand puzzles, which she has been collecting for about twenty-five years. On Monday, October 14th, she showed Martha several of her favorites and talked about the history of jigsaw puzzles.

Early jigsaw puzzles were teaching tools for children. After the Civil War, many puzzles were made for preschoolers to help them to recognize important people, patterns, colors, and sizes, and to work on problem-solving skills. The first American puzzle maker is believed to be Andrew Goodrich, a New York publisher who started making them in 1815; he pasted engraved maps onto wood and cut them. Puzzles weren’t made for adults until around 1908, when they were used as party games and for hobbies. They were also used as advertisements and greeting cards...

View the story in it's entirety by linking to: www.marthastewart.com

October 2000
J. C. Ayer & Co.'s Newly Redesigned Website Offers
Expanded Gallery and Makes Ordering Easier

J.C. Ayer and Company announces our newly redesigned web site at www.ayerpuzzles.com, which offers more information on our hardwood jigsaw puzzles in an easier-to-use format.

The redesigned Ayer web site - in our trademark blue and gold color scheme - features more photos of our puzzles, including Haitian originals on-line for the first time. Also, the puzzle gallery now displays both thumbprint and enlarged photos of all puzzles in our standard collection.

We've compiled all our custom puzzle information in one spot, too, so you'll have an easier time choosing the best image for the results you want.

On our home page, you'll see extras such as the latest puzzle in our standard collection and a puzzle showcase, which will feature a different fine art reproduction every quarter. Keep your eyes open for interesting puzzle trivia appearing throughout the web site.

Visit the web site and order a custom puzzle before November 15, 2000, and receive a 10% discount

 
June 2000
Ayer Puzzles Support Public Television
Bidding High for Ayer Puzzle

Jim Ayer's hardwood jigsaw puzzle - one of two donated to WGBH-Boston - drew a great response from bidders during the Channel Two Auction, held from June 2nd to June 10th.

Featuring a reproduction of the painting "Bess O'Daniel's Garden" by Florida artist Anne Shreve, the puzzle was included in the Two Collection, an assortment of items and artwork donated to benefit public television. Bidders responded to the quality craftsmanship of the Ayer puzzle. One of the few items to receive an overbid, the puzzle was sold for 103% of its retail value. Most items in the Two Collection were sold for 60% of their retail value. These results speak volumes about the widespread appeal of Jim Ayer's hardwood jigsaw puzzles.

The Channel Two auction raised over $2.4 million for public television. The WGBH-Boston 200 Sweepstakes, a charity raffle, is scheduled for October. This fundraising effort will include Jim's other puzzle, "Blue Table," which also features a painting by Anne Shreve. The sweepstakes is expected to bring in another $200,000 for public television.

 
October 1999
Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Custom Puzzles -- A Unique Way to Celebrate an Ancient Rite of Passage

J.C. Ayer and Company, manufacturer of hardwood jigsaw puzzles, announces a new addition to its custom puzzle line: Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah puzzles.

Add a unique twist to your child's right of passage with a custom-made puzzle featuring a favorite photo. Choose from a staggering array of figure pieces that reflect your child's interests and personality. Share the fun with your guests by assembling the puzzle during the celebration.

Jim Ayer has created several Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah jigsaw puzzles and all have received rave reviews. For more information on custom puzzles for special events, call J. C. Ayer and Company at (781) 639-8162, or visit us at www.ayerpuzzles.com.