During the height of the depression, on February 6, 1935, the Monopoly® Board Game we play today was first published commercially by Parker Brothers in Salam, Massachusetts. On that day the game went on sale in stores nationwide. Monopoly  is now published in 41 languages and sold in 103 countries.  An estimated 500 million people have played the game, an estimated 200 million sets have been sold worldwide and more than five billion little green houses have been "built" since 1935.

 Monopoly may be the most collectible board game in history, as hundreds of editions have been published through the years. Many major U.S. cities and universities have their own special themed editions of Monopoly, as do the NFL, Coca-Cola, Betty Boop, the Simpsons, Elvis Presley, NASCAR and many others.  The most expensive version of the game was produced by celebrated San Francisco jeweler Sidney Mobell. Valued at $2 million, the set features a 23-carat gold board and diamond-studded dice!

To celebrate the introduction of the Monopoly board game to the general public, on February 6 beginning at 10:00 a.m., Spectrum Generations Coastal Community Center located at 521 Main Street in Damariscotta is hosting a Monopoly board game day marathon.  Catch-up with a group of friends, bring your most unique, oldest, craziest monopoly game board to the Center and play the game that has been a household favorite since 1935. 

According to official Monopoly marathon records the longest game ever played lasted 1,680 hours (70 days); the largest indoor game was122 x 122 feet; the smallest game was1 square inch; a game played in a bathtub lasted 99 hours (4 days 3 hours); and one played in a tree house lasted 240 hours (10 days). The Center’s marathon challenge for February 6th is to bring together as many different Monopoly game boards as possible.  For participants who bring a unique or oldest monopoly board game with them the event is free, although the Coastal Team would appreciate a donation to cover the cost of the snacks and beverages which are provided.  All others $5 participation fee in support of 

Center programs and activities. You don’t need to be a Monopoly Geek to participate.  The Center’s Monopoly Board Game Day marathon is open to community members across all generations.  Come and have fun at this mid-winter cabin fever reliever. Remember Monopoly!  The original game of high finance is still as fun to play today as it was when you were a kid.