The Toys of Yesteryear Exhibit

On December 11, 2010 the wind was blowing hard and snow was spitting. The weather was frightfully cold outside the New Bloomfield Area Historical Society Building.

However, inside it was warm and cozy. A Christmas tree stood in one corner with old fashioned crocheted ornaments and snow flakes, garlands of popcorn and ornaments from the early 1930's hanging from the limbs. Antique toys surrounded the tree.

Another corner of the room featured an electric Lionel train with animated toys in the center of the oval track. One of those was a toy woodpecker sliding down trying to pick a hole in the metal pole it was on.

Standing on a display case in the back of the room was a tiny tree decorated with old Christmas post cards from the 1920's.

There were miniature tractors, old and new; sleds, spinning tops, an old German Accordion and a child's drum from the 1890's.

There were Barbie Dolls and a Barbie Limo. Porcelain headed dolls in their stately gowns, a red roaster and teddy bears of all sizes and ages.

Precious treasures from someone's past were everywhere.

Guests, who braved the cold to come, were served hot apple cider, steaming coffee and delicious Christmas cookies during their museum tour.

This special showing of toys, along with the other permanent exhibits makes it worthwhile to visit the museum. Be aware that the New Bloomfield area historical society will be closed throughout the month of January and will reopen on Saturday, February 05, 2011, except by request, call (573)-491-0180.

Dorothy Tighe