Check Out Classic Toy Exhibit at Elmhurst Historical Museum Beginning April 26

What do the following have in common: Operation, Beanie Babies,Tinker Toys, Radio Flyer Wagons, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, and Lincoln Logs? 

The answer is that they are part of a long list of toys or games that were invented or produced in the Chicago area. Chicago’s imprint on the world of toys has resulted in the creation of some of the most iconic playthings of all time, and today the Windy City is largely acknowledged as an international epicenter for toy invention and production.

So who are these clever toy makers and how did toy invention become a Chicago specialty?  Where do these innovators get their creative ideas, and how do they turn them into popular toys? Visitors to the Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 East Park Ave. in Elmhurst, will find out when the exhibit Toys in the ‘Hood moves in from April 26 through Sept. 18.

Toys in the ‘Hood is the brainchild of Lance Tawzer, curator of exhibits at the Elmhurst Historical Museum. Tawzer is in the business of making history subjects engaging and appealing to a broad audience, and he has tackled diverse topics such as comic books and magic in recent summer exhibits. This year, it’s all about toys.

“Toy and game invention has strong Chicago roots and this presents an interesting concept for an exhibit because there’s a very colorful and eclectic history,” said Tawzer. “When I started researching the idea and realized how many iconic toys were invented in Chicago, the ball started rolling. I soon found that I had to narrow the scope of the exhibit to tell a cohesive story, so we are focusing on the classic concept of toys and on the invention process which has evolved into big business in the Chicago area.”

Tawzer is collaborating on the exhibit with Tim Walsh, author of the book Timeless Toys: Classic Toys and the Playmakers Who Created Them. “Tim brings an insider’s knowledge to the exhibit as he is a toy inventor himself,” said Tawzer. “He produced a documentary called Toy Land that shows how toys come to market today which will be featured in the exhibit. Our goal is to have fun with the exhibit and entertain, but most of all to enlighten and teach a little history in the process.”

Some of the themes featured in the Toys in the ‘Hood exhibit include:

• Lincoln Logs: The son of a celebrity steps out of the shadow to create America’s national toy
• Radio Flyer: The American Dream comes true for an Italian-born cabinet maker
• Tinker Toys: A stonemason and a stockbroker team up to create a toy icon
• Marvin Glass & Associates: The Chicago company that invented the business of toy invention
• Duncan Yo-Yo: Chicagoan Donald Duncan turns a Filipino folk toy into a worldwide phenomenon
• Beanie Babies: The 1990s hysteria of Tyco’s cuddly characters and the creator behind the craze

The exhibit will incorporate multi-media displays, and Tawzer plans to have a number of hands-on stations where museum visitors can test out toys. “Our intent is to make this an interactive learning experience and to really explore the invention aspect of toys,” said Tawzer. “One of my favorite artifacts is the original prototype for the game Operation, which was invented by John Spinello who brought the idea to the Chicago toy making legend, Marvin Glass. It’s fascinating to see this early prototype that grew into a game that’s been loved by generations. I’m creating a life-size version of the game that will be a fun interactive within the exhibit.”

Tawzer pointed out that the Elmhurst Historical Museum’s summer exhibits usually draw the largest crowds of the year, and that this summer should be no exception. A number of fun events and programs are planned throughout the summer including a Toy Fair Extravaganza on June 26, a toy-themed weekly drop-in craft program for kids on Tuesdays, a Young Inventors Challenge Workshop, and lectures for adults throughout the summer months.

“This is the type of exhibit that adults enjoy as much as kids and my hope is that people are inspired to return for multiple visits,” Tawzer said. “You just can’t go wrong with toys, and I’m looking forward to watching this exhibit come to life.”

 “Toys in the Hood” will be on display April 26 through September 18, 2011, and admission is free. Elmhurst Historical Museum is located at 120 East Park Ave. in Elmhurst, IL, 60126. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. For the latest information on programs and events and details on the exhibit, go towww.elmhursthistory.org.