Vintage Toys Provide Joy
LOCAL HISTORIAN ENJOYS COLLECTING ITEMS HE LOVED AS A CHILD
Posted: December 25, 2011 at 4:42 a.m.
Bruce Fox, a toy historian and collector, shows off the first toy that started his collection, the 1960 Bouncy Racer, on Wednesday. Fox was working as a salesman in 1978 when he discovered the old toy on a client’s shelf and bought it for $1.20.
Few things in life equal the joy and excitement of a wide-eyed child opening his favorite toy on Christmas morning. Unless it’s an aging senior who rediscovered his youth through vintage toy collecting.
Toys and collectables fill the shelves at toy historian Bruce Fox's home on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011
AT A GLANCE
MOST POPULAR TOYS BY DECADE
1910-19: Raggedy Ann Dolls, Lincoln Logs
1920-29: Yo-yo, Madame Alexander Collectable Dolls
1930-39: Viewmaster, Betsy Wetsey Doll
1940-49: Tonka Trucks, Slinky
1950-59: Mr. Potato Head, Barbie
1960-69: G.I. Joe, Etch-a-Sketch
1970-79: Rubiks Cube, Strawberry Shortcake
1980-89: Cabbage Patch Dolls, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
1990-99: Beanie babies, Tickle-Me-Elmo
2000-09: Razor scooter
SOURCE: FORBES.COM
FAST FACTS
TOY TRIVIA
The word “toy” comes from the Old English word meaning “tool.”
It takes 62 feet of wire to make a Slinky.
The yo-yo is believed to be the second-oldest toy in the world.
Mr. Potato Head, made in 1952, was the first toy advertised on television.
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
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Business, Pages 11 on 12/25/2011
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