By: Michelle Jones, Follow South Jersey Corresponding Writer
SALEM, N.J. — The Salem County Historical Society and Museum has a vast collection of artifacts and art work that will take any visitor on a unique journey through the eras of Salem County. However, one of the most interesting, if not playful, exhibits would be the museum’s collection of children’s toys.
If you have ever wondered what types of toys children played with from the late 1700s to the mid 1980s, visiting the Toy Exhibition Room at the museum is a must see.
The museum has quite a variety of children’s toys from board games, wagons, dolls, and trains. The oldest toy in the collection is “Melinda,” a delicate peg wood doll that was handcrafted. She can be found wearing a colonial dress and apron with a dainty painted face. Another very interesting doll comes from the 1930s and is called the Topsy Turvy Doll. A Topsy Turvy doll traditionally, when held in a particular position, would be either an african american baby or a caucasian baby. This doll was believed to have been originally designed by enslaved African American women, many years prior, to prepare their daughters for a life of duality.
As for toys that young boys would like, the museum has many. The oldest wheeled toy in the society’s collection is a handcrafted wooden wagon built in 1870 by Ethan Reeves of Bridgeton. There is also the “Sea Dust” truck. This truck was constructed by Ralph Ernst Magill for his son. Since Magill was serving in the navy, it would only be fitting that he would paint “Sea Dust” on the side in honor of the Navy’s newsletter at the time.
Perhaps one of the most unique and contemporary of all of the toys on display is called The Game of Historic Salem. This board game features the names of vendors, companies, and patrons of Salem City in the 1980s, with some businesses still here today.
Along with the above featured toys, you will find approximately 95 other toys such as children’s furniture, stuffed toys, kitchen sets, and musical instruments on display.
It is truly a treat to see such a varied collection of unique children’s toys and furniture in one exhibit space. In fact, the museum even has scavenger hunts set up for adults and children alike.
Visiting the museum is easy. The Salem County History Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The admission is $5 per person, or $35 for an annual member’s pass. Visitors can even schedule private tours of the collection at no additional cost.
The museum is located at 83 Market Street in Salem City. For additional information please feel free to call 856-935-5004 or visit their website at http://www.salemcountyhistoricalsociety.com.
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