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Description

History SA's museums all have a collection of toys, documenting different aspects of childhood play. These collections include traditional dolls, teddy bears, toy trains, boats, blocks, model cars and tricycles. Often collected for the stories they tell of the children who owned them, other toys in the collection are iconic objects or collectable pieces in their own right. 

Significance

Children's toys provide an insight into childhood, play and how attitudes towards children have changed over time. Many also reflect the technology and interests of the time in which they were created.

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Images
Train given to ten year old Ernst Urban for his birthday, 1939.
Courtesy of/Photographer:Luke Simon

Migration Museum Collection. Toy train, HT 2009.1621 a-c

Teddy bear used as a prop in the 'Those were the Days' Exhibition at John Martins store, Adelaide, 1986.

Migration Museum Collection. HT 87.644, Photograph by Luke Simon

Teddy Bear

A well-worn teddy who's not afraid to show the stuff he's made of. 

Toy Boat

Model - Speed Boat with Motor.

Toy Train

A collectable toy with a moving story.

Tricycle

Tricycle, painted red and white.

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