The Cleveland History Center at the Western Reserve Historical Society has a special holiday exhibit that should enthrall a multi-generational family.
It features popular toys from the 1960-80s, the things that were on many kids’ Christmas and Hanukkah wish lists. Mom and dad, and grandma and grandpa, will be oohing and aahing when they see those familiar gifts, and kids will be reminded that their parents were once kids too – and maybe even be fascinated by some of these vintage items.
They include a Barbie and a Chrissy Doll and an original Cootie from the 60s, Star Wars action figures (still in high demand) and a Welcome Back Kotter figure with paper clothes from the 1970s, based on the popular TV show about a teacher who comes back to his old school to teach the troublemakers.” The 80s are represented by a Rubik’s Cube, a Cabbage Patch Kid and vintage video games (pictured), portending the future. There’s even a display of Cleveland-designed toys, including such American Greetings characters as Holly Hobbie and Strawberry Shortcake.
To create this show, the Western Reserve Historical Society partnered with Troy Schwartz of STAR POP vintage + modern in North Collinwood’s Waterloo Arts District, which specializes in buying and selling vintage toys, video games, records, trading cards and other pop culture items.
Western Reserve Historical Society