Our Past Is Present December 19, 2017

December 19, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

Today’s story is a virtual walk through a toy department in 1930.  Few people can resist

looking at or playing with toys.  “No matter how gray your hair,  put on your old bonnet or hat

and spend an afternoon among the toys.  It will make you feel at least ten years younger.”  Thus

read an article in the “Junction City Union” of December 17, 1930.  The author continued “that

many toys were similar to those of the winter’s childhood days.  However, he noted that

electricity had changed toys more than any other one factor.  Toy percolators, stoves, irons and

washing machines were toys that could be operated just like mother’s and were now in

abundance.  Boys could enjoy an electric train.”  However, it was noted that youngsters still

enjoyed the drums, skates and balls which their fathers cherished during their earlier years. 

Dolls were quite evident clothed with fine dresses and came with trunks, and dresses for

Christmas in 1930.

            Take some time to walk through the toy department this season and reflect on past gifts

you may have received and compare those with toys found on the shelves today.

            Another visit you will want to make is to our Museum to see the items we have in our

Gift Shop that would be special to anyone interested in Geary County history.  We are open

Tuesdays through Saturday from 1 until 4:00 PM and located at the corner of Sixth

and Adams Streets in Junction City. 

            This has been “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.