by Thomas A. Gray

Toys elicit strong responses from children and adults alike. For adults, memories of simpler times seem to rush forward with the recognition of a familiar toy from one's past. Toys are also valuable artifacts that shed light on the attitudes of past societies. As the first objects to which children are exposed, toys are a window through which we can see the evolution of childhood over time, how different cultures educated and prepared their children for adulthood, and the levels of craftsmanship attainable by artists and artisans in a particular place and time.

The Old Salem Toy Museum exhibits an exquisite collection of toys from the third century through to the 1920s made in Europe, Britain, and America. At the core of the museum are toys owned and played with by Moravian children who lived in the Salem, North Carolina, area during the 1800s.

This catalog presents a survey of the Toy Museum's significant collection. Informative essays and captions written by the museum's cofounder provide context for the objects and captivating photographs bring the collection to life.

2005; Softcover: 66 pages.
99207