Take American biscuits, let them dry out for a couple of days, and you have a substitute for conkers or a small ball for cannon. Or use them to prop up a short table leg. Biscuits are wonderful when fresh and hot. The dough can be stored in the fridge overnight or frozen for short periods; but the biscuits are never as good as freshly made.
I tend to agree, gnomad, some form of scone was probably the origin back before the 17th C and the recipe brought to America by early colonists. Hmmm- very easy to make and cheap. Prison and shipboard use for enforced migrants sent to the colonies?