Through the years, the Freeborn County Historical Museum has been collecting toys of the past which have been donated by many people in the area. And for many years these toys were either kept in storage or somewhat distantly displayed in a locked room behind glass in the museum’s lower level.

Now this extensive collection has been relocated into nine display cases located on the main level of the museum, which is situated on North Bridge Avenue and next to the entry to the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Most of these toys are still behind glass. However, they’re more accessible for closer inspection, especially by people who want to revive memories of Christmas seasons of the past, and by the younger generation who may be curious about the popular toys of another era.

Pat Mulso, the museum’s executive director, said the new toyland display was created about a year ago. The area in the lower level was converted into a display area devoted to medical practices of an earlier era.

Mulso confirmed that there are nine display cases with a variety of older toys. Above the display cases and on the floor in this part of the museum are also sleds, doll baby carriages, wagons, several small chairs, a bicycle, tricycle and even a drum set.

There are many toy animals, toy trucks, games galore, very small dolls, two versions of Ouija boards, toy furniture, a small army of toy soldiers, toy pistols, wooden alphabet blocks, miniature animals, toy trucks and even a few steam engines. Among the branded items, some of which are still available in more modern versions, are Tinkertoys, Lincoln Logs, a Popeye pocket book and a Mickey Mouse toy.

None of these toys appear to be battery operated. Many are made of wood, cardboard, cloth materials, cast iron and tin plate. And, because they originated in another era, nearly all items in this extensive display at the local museum are American made.