In doing some research about Play-Doh (why? see below), I ran into a book that took me back to my letters to Santa. I also learned there was a museum installation that toured the US based on this book titled Kid Stuff: Great Toys from Our Childhood. What fun! What memories!
Does this description of the museum exhibit make you miss your toys? Read the toy list and see what you remember. After I read it, I remembered listening for sleigh bells as I drifted off to sleep on those few December 24ths when I still believed. From the Web site of The Berkshire Museum:
The overall design of Kid Stuff captures the flavor and sensibility of the 1950's and 1960's. ... Beginning with a giant game board spinner and an introductory text, the Kid Stuff sections are:
Go To Your Room (Magic 8 Ball, Whee-Lo, Labyrinth, Slinky, Silly Putty, Magic Slate, Wooly Willy, Raggedy Ann & Andy)
Can I Try? (Nerf Ball, View-Master, Etch A Sketch, Duncan Yo-Yo, Spirograph, Mr. Potato Head, Colorforms)
That's Not Funny (Adams gags: joy buzzer, spilled ink, whoopee cushion, snake-in-the can, etc.)
I'll Never Ask For Anything Else (Lionel Train)
Don't Make A Mess (Magic Rocks, Crayola Crayons, Play Doh, Easy-Bake Oven, Ant Farm)
Go Outside and Play (Flexible Flyer, Balsa Planes, Frisbee, Radio Flyer Wagon, Wiffle Ball, Tonka, Hot Wheels)
It's My Turn (Twister, The Game of Life, Monopoly, Candyland, Go to the Head of the Class, Chutes and Ladders, and other classic games)
I'll Trade Ya (Pez, Matchbox)
Wanna Play Dolls? (Barbie and G.I. Joe)
Look What I Made (Lincoln Logs, Lego, Erector Set, Tinker Toys)
Each toy is represented by vintage examples; in most case, there are multiple examples on display showing the evolution of the toy or diverse models.
Designed to engage both adults and children, Kid Stuff includes the following kinetic installations, participatory experiences, and other nifty displays:
Click to read the rest. Bonus: For some facts about Play-Doh, Mr. Potato Head, Monopoly, and Super Ball, read "Small biz: Toy design contest worthy of Play-Doh and Aristotle" (ColoradoBIZ Magazine).
Why was I researching Play-Doh? Because of the neuroplasticity of our brains, I often talk about brain sculpting and once in a while say that our brains are somewhat like Neuro-Doh or Neuro-Play-Doh. I am going to use real Play-Doh in one of my upcoming Brains on Purpose™ programs.
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