Childhood Toys, Games & Treasures. (original) (raw)

Who has not watched a television episode of �American Pickers� or �Antiques Road Show� and wondered, pondered, whether any of the possessions of childhood would have any monetary value, beyond sentimental value?

My mother was pretty adamant that my ten-cent comic books of Superman, Archie, Red Ryder, and others could not be kept forever; and, thus had to be �removed� from my ownership. Who is to say that one of those issues would not be a treasure today in someone�s collection?

I do still have a top and marbles (agates, cat eyes, etc.) that were used in days of youthful play. Remember, too, wooden dominoes (not plastic), wooden yo-yos (not plastic), jacks, and pick-up sticks? It seems that I might still have one of those wooden yo-yos stashed somewhere among my keepsakes. My Red Ryder BB gun has long since been absent from my possessions. I do still have one red and white wind-up toy truck, manufactured by Courtland of Camden, NJ (don�t know the year made; and, it is missing the left rear wheel; and, yes, it has rust spots). But, who cares? It has a cherished spot on a cabinet top for display�

Other objects on display (or, collecting dust as my wife insists) include an Ansco 620 film �Readyflash� camera, a Silver Fox Anniversary (1905-1930) box camera (manufactured by the Fox Company in San Antonio, TX), and numerous �what-nots� from vacation trips. Pennants from places like Mt. Evans and Glenwood Springs, CO no longer seem to have a place of prominence; yet, when �uncovered� from places of storage, conjure visions in the mind of picturesque vistas and memorable trips. You can�t put a price tag on those, though.

© Bruce MartinThey Shoe Horses, Don't They?

January 10, 2013 Guest column
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