The Museum has an impressive collection of antique children’s dolls and toys. Prior to the mass production of these items, dolls were often made from materials found around one’s home. Dolls are classified based on the material used to construct the head rather than what is used for the body. These categories include wood, cloth, China, and bisque, which is a type of porcelain. One of the oldest artifacts in the Museum is a wooden doll named Abbie that was made in 1745. With the development of the Industrial Revolution, manufacturers began to mass-produce toys, making them more available across the country. Stores in rural areas like McMinn County advertised toy trains, rocking horses, marbles, and tea sets. Bring your young ones to the Museum to learn about the history of these artifacts and see how they differ from the toys they use today.
