Nostalgic Toy Exhibit at Union College's Mandeville Gallery Has Ageless Appeal

Schenectady, N.Y. (October 20, 1999) – The Schenectady Museum's collection of antique toys will be exhibited in Union College's Mandeville Gallery beginning with an opening reception and gallery talk by toy collector and restorer Daniel Briggs on Thursday, Oct. 28, at 4:30 p.m. in Union College's Nott Memorial. The exhibit opens on Oct. 28 and runs through Dec. 19.

At 5 p.m., Briggs will discuss the history of toys and lead a tour through the exhibition.  The exhibit features such toys as soldiers, a toy piano and other musical instruments, dolls, marbles and jacks, Noah's ark, paper dolls, board games, trains, and teddy bears.

 "What strikes me about the exhibit is that it has tremendous appeal for people of all ages," said Rachel Seligman, director of the Gallery. " Children always love toys and for seniors, the exhibit brings back fond memories of days gone by."

As part of the exhibition, there will be a reading of children's poetry and nursery rhymes as well as a discussion by Millicent Lenz on Monday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Nott Memorial. Lenz, who teaches children's literature at the Library School of SUNY Albany, will present a survey of 19th and 20th century children's poetry. People are encouraged to bring their  favorite childhood poems to share at this event.

The Mandeville Gallery is in the Nott Memorial, which is located in the center of the Union Campus. Parking is available in adjacent lots and on side streets. The gallery hours are: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday, noon – 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon – 10 p.m. For more information contact (518) 388-6004.