Wilton Historical Society Is

Seeking Toys Made In Connecticut

WILTON — The small state of Connecticut was the leader in early 19th Century industrialization. Central Connecticut and the towns along the Naugatuck and Connecticut Rivers, the birthplace of clock making, tin making and Hitchcock chairs, were the center of the beginning of mass production.

With the development of brass making and an improved transportation system based on canals and railroads, the stage was set for the making of consumer goods that would radically change the homes of New England.

From these early industries sprang commercial American toy making. During the 18th Century the children of Connecticut had the simplest of playthings, usually made at home. During the 19th Century, American industry provided a wide array of manufactured toys for boys and girls.

An exhibition opening later this spring at Wilton Heritage Museum will trace the development of toys from handmade to factory made. It will concentrate on toys made in Connecticut, though some toys from other locales will be included.

With the help of a few “angels” — Stuart Horn, Steven and Leon Weiss and Richard Mueller — the historical society is building a significant toy collection with an emphasis on those made in Connecticut. For this special exhibition, the society is seeking loans from collectors and dealers of toys made by such makers as George W. Brown, J&E Stevens, Merriam Company, Gong Bell Company, Ives, A.C. Gilbert and the N.N. Hill Brass Co.

Examples of clockwork toys, including automatons and “walking dolls” are being sought. In addition, something from the Character Toy and Novelty Co. of South Norwalk, as well as a Raggedy Ann and Andy, even though they were made by the Georgene Novelty Company of New York City are desired. Raggedy Ann and Andy were created by author Johnny Gruelle, who lived in Wilton, for his daughter Marcella, prior to her death.

All items loaned to the museum are fully insured and handled in a professional manner. All items will be protected in display cases. The museum is climate-controlled and fully secured. The exhibition will run from mid-April until July 15.

Contact Marilyn Gould, museum director, at 203-762-7257 or marilyn@WiltonHistorical.org for further information.