‘Playthings Of The Past’ At Betts-Sturges-Blackmar House

WILTON — Toys, trains, dolls, and dollhouses enjoyed by children of generations past are on exhibit at Betts-Sturges-Blackmar House, 224 Danbury Road/Route 7, until January 28.

Wilton Historical Society is continuing its long tradition of exhibitions of objects of childhood put together by volunteer toy curator Mary Lou Logan. Ms Logan brings to the historical society’s presentations a lifetime of experience as a collector, restorer, and lecturer in the field of dolls, dollhouses, and toys. She has assembled over the years an important permanent collection for the society, one of the largest in the state in a small museum.

For the third year, several members of the society, all avid toy train men, have put together an array of trains of many gauges, both running and stationary. The highlight is a running large gauge circus train set up with a new layout, buildings, and props including a circus, Ferris wheel, station, church, and inn. Stationary trains include examples from the largest to the tiniest gauge covering several decades of time and include “streamliners” from the 1930s and 1940s.

Model buildings include the Cannondale station still standing and being used in the Cannondale section of Wilton and a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. Everyone who has ever felt the allure of model trains will be drawn to this colorful exhibition which includes examples of Lionel, Flexible Flyer, Ives, and others.

Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by toys of the 20th Century, mostly from the 1920s through 1950s. In addition, there are several dollhouses and a magnificent “Humpty Dumpty” Schoenhut circus. The significant private collection includes dozens of animals and figures, all fully jointed and posed in many positions, dating from 1905 to 1925.

Steiff animals fill one large case including a large kangaroo, an alligator, a family of “Jockos,” a huge preying leopard, and a riding seal. A group of Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls created by John Gruelle of Silvermine fills another showcase. Also featured are 19th and early 20th Century dolls, a barn filled with animals, and teddy bears playing cards.

Another local connection is Uncle Wiggley and Nurse Jane, created by Howard Garis as a syndicated comic strip in the 1930s. Along with dolls and china is an original drawing of the comic strip that featured these characters. The artist’s grandson, Brooks Garis, is a resident of Wilton.

The exhibition and gift shop are open to the public Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 4 pm, and Sunday, 1 to 4 pm. For information, call 203/762-7257.