Wednesday, November 15, 2000
|
Wednesday, November 15, 2000 |
| Visitors
can see toys through the ages at Atlanta History Center By MICHAEL
BOYLAN
One thing that can unite all generations is a child's love of toys. Children have always played games that inspire the imagination, entertain and sometimes educate. The Atlanta History Center launches an exhibit this weekend to prove that point and showcase toys from four different time periods. A large garden-sized model train will guide visitors through vignettes of period play settings, past dozens of toys from each era, by displays of children's play clothes and knickknacks and ends up in a fun-filled, hands-on play area. The first stop is the 1840s and features dolls, early alphabet blocks, a tea party set, a "Mansion of Happiness" board game, paper and porcelain dolls and much more. The room also will give a sense of Atlanta history at that time, illustrating leaders of the era and landmark events from the period. The second room is "Victorian Sensibilities." This period encompassed the industrial revolution and saw an increase in the number of toys manufactured in this country. This also was a period when games and toys trended toward education and many toys were miniature versions of adult products. There are elaborate doll houses, Teddy bears, mechanical dolls, a rocking horse and more. Following the Victorian showcase is the 1920s and '30s when Mickey and Shirley take the stage, meaning Mickey Mouse and Shirley Temple. During this period the erector set came out, one of the first electronic games was manufactured and toys trended toward the entertainment designed specifically for children. The final stop takes us from the 1950s to the present day and is reminiscent of a toy store. There are Barbies, G.I. Joes, Cabbage Patch dolls, popular board games, Hot Wheels, video games and more. There will even be an interactive area set up featuring Game Boys, Ataris and Playstations. After romping through the Toys exhibition, visitors head outside to explore the 1840s Tullie Smith farm. Costumed guides offer tours of the pre-Civil War home and answer questions about how children of the time entertained each other. Just down the path are the Swan House gardens and Victorian playhouse. This will be followed by a tour of the Swan House mansion and then children will be allowed to play in the 1940s Lee playhouse, a tiny, true to life house. The exhibit begins Nov. 19 and will feature special opening days activities, including a treasure hunt, contests and a broadcast from Radio Disney AM 590. The Atlanta History Center is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday and Sunday noon to 5:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students 18 and over and $5 for children 6-17. Call 404-814-4000. |
