Drop by the Lynchburg Museum in December to see a special display of vintage toys from different eras of our city’s history. The mini-exhibit will open on Friday, December 2, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. It will remain on display through Saturday, December 31. The Museum’s regular open hours are Thursday–Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sunday 12–4 p.m., and Monday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Both the December 2 reception and month-long exhibit are free and open to the public.

This holiday exhibit will showcase a variety of the Lynchburg Museum’s best toys, including McWane family paper dolls from around 1900, a toy fire truck and chief’s car, and a miniature Thornhill wagon made in Lynchburg. Many of the toys were originally purchased at beloved local stores like Bragassa’s on Twelfth Street and S. O. Fisher on Main Street.

Toys are part of the magic of the winter holidays. Children look forward to discovering the offerings of new toys that come with the season, following the tradition Sears began with its first Wish Book in 1933.

More than trivial play things, toys also foster imagination and can even inspire a child’s future career. Lynchburg native Vincent “Squeek” Burnett (1913–1989) spent his early years flying a toy airplane before becoming a World War II aviator, flight instructor, and nationally recognized aerobatic pilot.

Do you have a favorite antique toy connected to Lynchburg? Do you have a special memory of Bragassa’s, S.O. Fisher, Kaybee Toys, or another local toy store? If so, please let us know. The Lynchburg Museum is always interested in learning more about the history and material culture of Central Virginia. Call (434) 455-6226, email museum@lynchburgva.gov, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@LburgMuse).

Stamped metal toy fire truck with plastic extension ladder, c.1950
Gift of Shirley Lewis
2009.40.1