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PAYSON — A new exhibit at the Peteetneet Museum in Payson promises to take visitors back to a bygone era of unfettered youth.
The Toys of Yesteryear display features playthings from the first part of the 20th century, brought in by local historical society members. The exhibit, on display now through the end of of the year, features three large cases full of antique dolls, cars, games and other nostalgic toys.
Gloria Barnett grew up in Payson and still lives there with her husband, also a Payson native. The idea for the exhibit came to her while she was going through some treasures she saved from her childhood. She has preserved a doll she received for Christmas in 1942 – it’s still in pristine condition.
“My doll came to me when I was 11 years old,” Barnett said. “Every little girl wanted that doll and we’d all look at it on the way home from school.”
Barnett and her fellow historical society members all brought in relics from their childhood for the exhibit, which is currently on display in Payson.
“We have a doll in there from everyone in the historical story,” Barnett said.
She said the exhibit will appeal to visitors of all ages; young children will especially love the large metal cars and the delicate dolls on display behind the glass.
“This is stuff we remember,” Barnett said. “There’s jacks, the metal jacks that kids don’t play with much anymore, and cat’s eye marbles, the big ones.”
Barnett said the toys on display were made during an era when things were built to last. A set of cowboy gear made out of heavy leather sits under the glass, complete with chaps and spurs. The set belonged to Barnett’s oldest son and was given to him in 1955.
“They don’t make toys like they used to,” Barnett said.
Toys of Yesteryear is on display Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m and will run through Christmas until the end of the year at the Peteetneet Museum located at 10 N. 600 East in Payson. For more information about the museum and cultural center visit the museum’s website.
