The Christmas Waits

Parker Brothers Pastime puzzle cut by #754 in the 1940's.  Interlocking, cut along color lines with 36 figure pieces. Waits or Waites were bands of musicians in Medieval Europe, generally funded by town councils or local rulers to provide music or lend dignity to official functions (or as watchmen marking the passing of the night). Such bands functioned for hundreds of years until the civic structures they supported became obsolete. In Britain all such bands were disbanded in 1835, but the name became associated with groups of singers/musicians touring people's houses over the Christmas period - Christmas Waits.  Thanks to a kindly web surfer for this info!  Life was colder and harsher back in the 19th century.  Unknown artist.