Children's Toy and Doll Museum

Children's Toy and Doll Museum Children's Toy and Doll Museum, located at 206 Gilman Ave. Marietta, OH. Free Parking, Admission: Adults $5, Children $2, and Immediate Family members $10.

We are closed for the 2025 season and will reopen in May 2026 on Saturday's & Sunday's from 1-4. The Children's Toy and Doll Museum was founded by Sally Hille when she organized the Bicentennial Woman's Club in 1976. The dollhouses, which you will find in the museum today, were once displayed first in the Campus Martius Museum in Marietta. In 1989 the museum was moved to two train cars located in

the Harmar Village section of Marietta and remained there for seven years. By 1996, more space was needed and the museum moved to 206 Gilman Avenue. The house was renovated by various organizations, families, and individuals to provide the museum with a new home. The house was built in 1889 by George Strecker, a local boilermaker. It is a lovely, old house in Eastlake/Queen Anne style. Thanks to area groups, each adopting a room to renovate, the museum is truly a hidden treasure displaying toys and collections of years ago. The museum will have several new displays for visitors this year, which include: a Disenyana Exhibit, Vintage & Antique Transportation Vehicles, Princess Diana Royal Wardrobe Collection, Wind Up Toy Collection, Presidential Pez Collection, G.I. Joe Models, Gone With The Wind Doll and Architectural Building Exhibit, RMS Queen Mary Miniature Tea Sets and Collectables, and a redecorated Christmas and Transportation Room. The museum offers nine rooms filled with hidden treasures of collectables ranging from teddy bears, Kewpie dolls, storybook dolls, and antique dolls from the mid-1800's. You will find "The Old Woman In the Shoe" as well as a Hansel & Gretel Gingerbread House. The museum's library houses a collection of The First Ladies of the White House Dolls. The International Doll Room has a spectacular collection of dolls from around the world. Visitors will be able to view displays of beautiful miniature doll houses, handmade scale models of circus wagons, replicas of city landmarks, antique toys and games of yesteryear all residing under the roof of the Children's Toy and Doll Museum in Marietta, Ohio.

Children’s Toy and Doll Museum206 Gilman Ave Marietta, OhioMay 16, 2026Games of YesteryearOur museum currently features ...
05/16/2026

Children’s Toy and Doll Museum
206 Gilman Ave Marietta, Ohio
May 16, 2026

Games of Yesteryear
Our museum currently features a display of childhood iconic games and game boards of yesteryear which was curated by museum board member Marilyn Potash. Marilyn was also instrumental in arranging our display as a pop up display for the Parkersburg Art Center in March. The Art Center provided us with a larger landscape to display our wonderful games. Marilyn was able to incapsulate this display into a smaller footprint using two bookcases. The display also provides our visitors with individual descriptions of the games and a must see display when you visit our museum.

Today’s focus is on one particular game you may even have played with growing up. You may have played the game during indoor playtime on rainy days with friends or family game night. The popularity of this game still resonates with today’s young generation even if it isn’t attached to any electronic gadget.

Did you know?
CANDY LAND
The iconic Candy Land board game has been a lasting part of childhood for generations of people. It first graced store shelves in 1949 and has been a mainstay ever since. Everything from the art style to the simplicity of the rules has kept it a beloved game for 70 years!

First created by Eleanor Abbott and Milton Bradley, Candy Land was meant to be a morale booster for hospitalized children during World War II. The characters, inspired by her niece’s imagination, featured an assortment of sweet treats like gingerbread men, lollipops, and jelly beans. The game board consists of a path that winds through an enchanted kingdom made up of colorful landscapes such as Candy Corn Field, Gumdrop Mountains, and Chocolate Swamp. As players moved their pieces along the track they encountered castles full of surprises like King Kandy’s Castle or Queen Frostine’s Ice palace. Arriving at these various destinations would also grant bonus moves according to their chance card. The goal of Candy Land remains a simple one: proceed down the winding road to reach home, drawing from a deck of cards with colored squares and symbols matching the path. Because you don’t need to count or read — simply match the color and move to that space — that accessed a huge market for an untapped player base.

Since its release in 1949 Candy Land has remained a popular choice among families looking for lightweight entertainment that can be enjoyed by all ages alike. What makes it so special is its ability to bring nostalgia with each new generation that discovers the title. Whether you’re 5 or 75 you’ll be sure to find joy in this classic board game’s timeless appeal! During its long history many incarnations have been introduced featuring new artwork and slight variations on the rules or characters but its overall premise remains unchanged: an enjoyable trip through some happy-go-lucky places full of delicious desserts! For over seven decades children everywhere have enjoyed playing this simple yet engaging game much in the same way as kids did when it first released back in ’49″and for countless more years to come!

Finally, since its launch, Candy Land has evolved significantly. It has maintained its status as a household favorite, appealing to generations of children. Over the years, the game has expanded into various formats, including video games, books, and cartoons.

Now that you know, is the Candy Land game board a memory of your childhood? If you still have the game board tucked away somewhere maybe it’s time to bring it out and introduce it to your family, have a family game night, and invite your children to turn off the gadgets and tv and have fun together. It’s a perfect time for you to share your memories of playing Candy Land.

Have a great weekend everyone.
Do come back and remember to share our post with someone you know.

Information for this article was gathered from of the following links below. Check them out.

CBS Sunday Morning: Candy Land, the game that still hits a sweet spot. YouTube: 4:18 mins
https://youtu.be/K5uauIpn8t0?si=pmXDtNySBMB_yEkx

History of Candy Land: Timeline of the Changes to the Classic Board Game By: Author Eric Mortensen, Sept. 16, 2023
https://www.geekyhobbies.com/history-of-candy-land-timeline-of-the-changes-to-the-classic-board-game/

Candy Land’s creator is the kindest one-hit wonder of all time meet Eleanor Abbott
By Corey Plante, Published Mar 22, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT
https://www.polygon.com/candy-land-creator-eleanor-abbott-origin-story/

Whether you're a casual player or a board game enthusiast, these 28 facts will give you a deeper appreciation for this sugary adventure. Written By Jourdan Reeder, Published: 05 Mar 2025
https://facts.net/culture-and-the-arts/games-and-toys/28-facts-about-candyland/

Children’s Toy and Doll Museum, 206 Gilman Ave., Marietta,OHMay 10, 2026Happy Mother’s Day!Mother’s Day has fast become ...
05/10/2026

Children’s Toy and Doll Museum,
206 Gilman Ave., Marietta,OH
May 10, 2026

Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day has fast become the day on which Americans everywhere will pay tribute to the memory of their mothers, or show special love for their living or render homage in some way to the spirit of mother-love.
Did You Know?
Many people may believe Mother's Day was developed as a commercial holiday by Hallmark or some other company to sell cards, candy, and flowers. Or, they may believe it's a day solely to celebrate the domestic role of women in the home and family. Neither of these perceptions is accurate. Our consumerist market may have fueled the commercialism around the holiday, and the role of mothers in families is indeed important, but Mother's Day is not only about honoring a woman's devotion to her own family. The history of the day has its roots in honoring the broader networks, social ties, and political concerns of women. The day is about women's commitment to the past, present, and future at both the personal and political levels. It honors women who have acted not only on behalf of their own children, but also on behalf of an entire future generation.
The official Mother’s Day holiday arose in the 1900s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis. Following her mother’s 1905 death, Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother’s Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children.

The woman who may be termed the founder of mother’s day, Miss Anna Jarvis of 2031 North Twelfth Street, Philadelphia, had no idea of having her suggestion spread beyond her own city when she set about having May 9 observed as a special day for honoring the mother. According to historical records provided by the curator at the Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum near Grafton, WV. It was Anna Jarvis, who also began the custom of wearing a carnation on Mother's Day, colored if your mother is living, and white if she's not. It was intended to be a simple, inexpensive symbol of love and respect for the person who loved you before you even knew how to spell the word. Mother's Day has themes of honoring mothers, compassion, peace, reconciliation, and social action.

This first “Mother’s Day” was celebrated in Grafton, West Virginia on May 10, 1908, in a local church. In fact, today this is where you can find the International Mother’s Day Shrine. The custom caught on soon after that and spread to 45 other states. Beginning in 1912 the special day was declared an official holiday in several states. In 1914 the President, Woodrow Wilson, announced the first national celebration of Mother’s day. Anna Jarvis started a movement that has spread throughout the world: the custom of observing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Anna Jarvis worked five years before she got the Governor of West Virginia to proclaim Mother’s Day, and four more years to get Congress to make it a national observance.
Mother’s Day observance was one which found a quick response in the hearts of men and women everywhere; and yesterday, the second Mother’s Day, found cities throughout the country observing in a special manner the date one woman had set aside as her mother’s own. In the early years of the 20th century, Anna Jarvis started a movement that has spread throughout the world: the custom of observing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Have You Ever Questioned the Spelling of Mother’s Day?
There are millions of moms out there who are hoping for breakfast in bed and a bouquet of roses—not just one. Some folks are even so lucky as to have more than one mom. In addition to your biological mom, you could have a stepmom, a foster mom, a mother-in-law, an adopted mom, the possibilities of the modern family are virtually endless.
So why is Mother’s Day focused on just one mom?
In 1912 Anna Jarvis trademarked the phrase "Second Sunday in May, Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis, Founder,” and created the Mother's Day International Association. She specifically noted that “Mother's" should “be a singular possessive, for each family to honor its own mother, not a plural possessive commemorating all mothers in the world.”
This is also the spelling used by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in his 1914 presidential proclamation, by the U.S. Congress in relevant bills,[and by various U.S. Presidents in their proclamations concerning Mother's Day.

Following the success of her first Mother’s Day, Jarvis—who remained unmarried and childless, her whole life—resolved to see her holiday added to the national calendar. Arguing that American holidays were biased toward male achievements, she started a massive letter writing campaign to newspapers and prominent politicians urging the adoption of a special day honoring motherhood. After the Day was well-established, she devoted her time and money to fighting the commercialism that was creeping into the observance.

The U.S.-derived modern version of Mother's Day has been criticized for having become too commercialized. Founder Jarvis herself regretted this commercialism and expressed views on how that was never her intention.
“ I wanted a day of sentiment not profit.” Anna Jarvis died in 1948, at the age of 84, in Philadephia. She was 84, penniless and blind. Mother's Day is the legacy of Anna Jarvis and her mother Ann Jarvis.

Mother’s Day chocolates, flowers, and cards remain the most popular gift choices. In the United States, Mother’s Day continues to be celebrated by presenting mothers and other women with gifts and flowers, and it has become one of the biggest holidays for consumer spending. Families also celebrate by giving mothers a day off from activities like cooking or other household chores.

Now You Know
Whatever you choose to do for Mother’s Day, make sure it is something mom will enjoy.

Following this post are some beautiful and timeless Good Housekeeping covers honoring mothers throughout the 19th century. The Good Housekeeping covers were created by Jessie Wilcox Smith.

Make sure you share our today's post with family and friends and follow our page on Facebook.

History Mother’s Day and Forgotten History 7:16 mins
The History Guy.
https://youtu.be/GEuJyE02Dlw?si=wMEIYdSc35XNTO86

Reading through History…3:40 mins
https://youtu.be/hLng6M1jh4g?si=bfTkyZA5InrRLyIl

Why Is Mother’s Day on the Second Sunday in May?
The date hasn’t changed since the holiday began in 1914.
By Lesley Kennedy
https://www.history.com/articles/mothers-day-second-sunday-may

Enjoy:
Little Pics Mother’s Day dance reel 1:28 mins.
https://fb.watch/G_8xeB0R4R/?fs=e

Children’s Toy and Doll Museum206 Gilman Ave. Marietta, OHMay 7, 2026It is the 40th anniversary of American Girl! The Am...
05/07/2026

Children’s Toy and Doll Museum
206 Gilman Ave. Marietta, OH
May 7, 2026

It is the 40th anniversary of American Girl!

The American Girl journey began in 1984, as Pleasant Rowland, an educator, was inspired during a business trip with her husband to Colonial Williamsburg. Rowland found herself captivated by how much the exhibits vividly brought the history of the American Revolution to life. This experience inspired her to create a unique way for young girls to connect with history: by relating to dolls representing different historical eras. In 1986 she created Pleasant Company and began crafting a line of historically accurate dolls and books tailored specifically for girls aged 7 to 12. The dolls were initially available only by mail-order catalog. The company earned over $1 million in its first year of operation.

The books are written for girls who are at least eight years old, and they cover significant topics such as child labor, poverty, racism, slavery, animal abuse, and war in appropriate manners for the understanding and sensibilities of their young audiences.
With the doll and book idea in hand, she began searching for a doll manufacturer. After discovering Gotz, a West German company with a track record for producing good quality dolls, she was ready to start production. Gotz manufactured the first 18 inch American Girl dolls: Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly in 1986 using a "classic" facial mold they already had in production. All three dolls used the same face mold but varied in hair color and eye color and they also had similar wigs. The success of the dolls was so popular that Mattel purchased the American Girl line in 1998 for $700 million. The dolls blossomed into one of the nation's most cherished brands. The company fully transitioned to Mattel ownership and the name American Girl in 2000.

The original line of American Girl dolls featured historical characters. Each doll was accompanied by a series of books, through which girls could learn about the history of American girlhood, a topic often overlooked in history lessons. The American Girls faced challenges specific to the periods in which their stories were set, but also experienced childhood emotions that felt familiar to late 20th-century readers. The first three dolls, Samantha (1904), Kirsten (1854), and Molly (1944), were white. The company introduced its first doll of color, Addy (1864), in 1993. The American Girl dolls were also unique in that they depicted children between the ages of 8 and 11. This age representation was a major departure from popular dolls like teenage Barbie. While Barbie’s physical appearance was an unrealistic aspiration for most girls, American Girls were designed to look like the children who played with them. There are currently 11 historical American Girl characters available for purchase for $98 each: Addy, Felicity, Josefina, Julie, Kaya, Kit, Maryellen, Melody, Nanea, Rebecca, and Samantha.

The American Girl brand has expanded, continuing to release history-inspired dolls and books, as well as other doll lines and products. On Wednesday, Feb. 11, American Girl announced it would mark its 40th anniversary with a new line of dolls, "the Modern Era Collection," which reimagines its historical characters as modernized versions, according to news release published on Mattel's website, which owns American Girl. The dolls, which retail for $90, are "reimagined for today," according to American Girl's website. The dolls are smaller than the standard dolls modeled after historical characters and stand 14.5 inches tall. They feature outfits that differ from their usual garments, but are made from fabrics with similar patterns and designs.

While the high price of owning a doll (the dolls cost $65 in 1986) with 2026 prices ranging from $110 to $200 put them out of reach for most, many girls connected to the brand by browsing catalogs, checking the books out of the library, and collecting cheaper items such as trading cards. Today, many of American Girl's 18-inch-tall dolls start at $110, and some of them can be made-to-order with custom hair types and skin tones. In recent years, the brand has focused on dolls with contemporary stories, such as the character Joss Kendrick, who comes with a hearing aid; as well as its latest historical character, whose story is set in the 1980s.

Business Insider magazine spoke with the brand's president, Jamie Cygielman, to find out how American Girl is continuing to capture the attention of kids in a changing and increasingly digital and socially conscious world. The president of American Girl said she believes that as long as the brand continues to follow girls' "rites of passages" and tell compelling stories, it will succeed — even in the digital era.
"At the original inception of the brand, the stories were set in historical periods within American history," Cygielman said. "But what always prevailed were these rites of passage of girlhood, which remained pretty much the same, whether it was 200 years ago or it's today. “These rites of passages, she explained, are things that girls find important: friendships, family relationships, overcoming obstacles, and making a difference in the world.

"Whether it's social injustices or school bullying, whatever the topic is, those are all very near and dear to girls' hearts, and they have been rites of passage to girlhood for over 200 years," Cygielman said.
"We have an opportunity to keep telling these contemporary stories and to let girls feel like they are a part of that story as well."

I hope that this post has given you an in-depth look at an iconic doll that continues to appeal to this generation of doll collectors.
Presentation of photo slides at 12 seconds each.
click here: Public link. https://canva.link/h3yes03xpuvyah7

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Make it a great week everyone.

CBS News Sunday Morning" features “American Girl”
April 12, 2026, You Tube 4:30 mins
Correspondent Faith Salie explores how making history
come alive is also creating timeless bonds between generations that celebrate girlhood.
https://youtu.be/ppzBEx0ToSs?si=mysH99gSNmYSVv3c
_______________________________________________
Pleasant Rowland speaks at the American Girl 25th Anniversary Tribute and tells the story of American Girl humble beginnings. You Tube: 7:22 mins
https://youtu.be/_ltX5W6eZYw?feature=shared ______________________________________________
American Girl doll costs
https://latestcost.com/american-girl-doll-cost-pricing/
______________________________________________
How A Single Tweet Led To The Conception Of The Newest American Girl Doll
By Gretchen Sterba Updated: March 24, 2023 12:20 pm EST
https://www.thelist.com/979156/how-a-single-tweet-led-to-the-conception-of-the-newest-american-girl-doll/
_____________________________________________

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb. 11, 2026 – Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced today that American Girl is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of storytelling, community,…Media Contacts:
Media: by Devin Duff | Mattel and Michelle Greene | Mattel
https://corporate.mattel.com/news/mattel-marks-40-years-of-the-american-girl-brand-celebrating-every-memory-every-story-every-girl
________________________________________________
USA TODAY ARTICLE: See original American Girl dolls relaunched in historical collection. April 7, 2026, 10:59 a.m. ET provided by American Girl

Children’s Toy and Doll Museum206 Gilman Ave. Marietta, OhioMay 6, 2026Make your plan to visit our museum.A World of Won...
05/06/2026

Children’s Toy and Doll Museum
206 Gilman Ave. Marietta, Ohio

May 6, 2026
Make your plan to visit our museum.

A World of Wonder for Every Generation
Whether you're a child or just a child at heart, come rediscover the magic of play. From vintage treasures that spark old memories to unique displays that inspire young imaginations, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

NEW EXHIBITS
• Antique Fire Truck Models (1890-1950s): A century of firefighting history
• Games of Yesteryear: Simple joys that never go out of style
• Painted Oilcloth Dolls: Exquisite craftsmanship from the past

RETURNING FAVORITES
• Historic Aviation: WWI and WWII Airplane models
• 1950s Rock-n-Roll: A tribute to the era that changed everything

PLAN YOUR VISIT
Saturdays & Sundays | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(May 2 through Nov 1)
Adults $5 | Children $2 | Immediate Family $10

FREE PARKING

Children’s Toy and Doll Museum206 Gilman Ave. Marietta, OHSaturday, May 2, 2026Opening DayThis Saturday, we had a wonder...
05/03/2026

Children’s Toy and Doll Museum
206 Gilman Ave. Marietta, OH

Saturday, May 2, 2026
Opening Day

This Saturday, we had a wonderful day opening our museum doors as we greeted special travelers from Cincinnati, Ohio.

Marilyn Potash and Diane Pfile, who are museum volunteers, had the pleasure of meeting three wonderful visitors and I am hopeful that I have correctly identified their names as Sandra Dee, Vicki Brueggeman, and Jennifer Mackenzie from our guest sign-in register. We knew they ladies were friends from the moment they stepped into our museum…all three wearing matching “Wicked” t-shirts! What a perfect photo opportunity for us and all three agreed to have their photo taken to commemorate our opening day.

We found out these friends had just come from an enjoyable trip on the Valley Gem and they wanted to include our museum as a part of their visit to Marietta.

These lovely ladies eagerly took the time to tour all nine rooms of our museum and demonstrated their interest in our displays by asking questions and also shared some of their own childhood experiences and memories with Marilyn and Diane.
Our time together passed away quietly as we enjoyed their company and then it was soon time to bid them farewell as we wished them safe travels back home.

We hope these wonderful friends left our Marietta community with pleasant memories of our museum and experiences to share with their families and friends back home in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Thank you for stopping by and do share our page and posts with your family and friends in your communities.
Make it a great week everyone.

Children’s Toy and Doll Museum206 Gilman AvenueMarietta, OhioMay 1, 2026May has arrived. We look forward to meeting and ...
05/01/2026

Children’s Toy and Doll Museum
206 Gilman Avenue
Marietta, Ohio

May 1, 2026

May has arrived. We look forward to meeting and greeting our visitors when we open this season on Saturday, May 2nd
Come in and tour our wonderful museum filled with antique and vintage treasures.

A World of Wonder for Every Generation
Whether you're a child or just a child at heart, come rediscover the magic of play. From vintage treasures that spark old memories to unique displays that inspire young imaginations, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

NEW EXHIBITS
• Antique Fire Truck Models (1890-1950s): A century of firefighting history
• Games of Yesteryear: Simple joys that never go out of style
• Painted Oilcloth Dolls: Exquisite craftsmanship from the past

RETURNING FAVORITES
• Historic Aviation: WWI and WWII Airplane models
• 1950s Rock-n-Roll: A tribute to the era that changed everything

PLAN YOUR VISIT
Saturdays & Sundays | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(May 2 through Nov 1)
Adults $5 | Children $2 | Immediate Family $10

FREE PARKING

Have a wonderful May.
May Pole
Little Pics by S. J. Davies
https://fb.watch/GQPWtMcqw1/?fs=e

Children’s Toy and Doll MuseumApril 30, 2026Say Goodbye to April as we Dance our way out to greet a new month with new p...
05/01/2026

Children’s Toy and Doll Museum

April 30, 2026
Say Goodbye to April as we Dance our way out to greet a new month with new possibilities.

Goodby April Disco.
Watch the Little Ones dance and say goodbye to April
From Little pics Created by S.J. Davies
Have a wonderful weekend everyone

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https://www.facebook.com/reel/1697876984729108/?fs=e&fs=e

Address

206 Gilman Avenue
Marietta, OH
45750

Telephone

(740) 373-5900

Website

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