Fall - 2022

that game until I won that toy for her. To this day, she still has that toy dog with floppy ears, now tear-stained from all the nights she held it close when she was sad, as it carried her through her childhood. The origin of toys is prehistoric. Among the earliest known toys are small clay and stone marbles, which were found in a child’s grave in ancient Egypt dating back to 4000 B.C. Other early toys were the stick, the yo-yo, the kite and balls.The yo-yo is interesting in that it was made from wood, metal or painted terra cotta.The word yo-yo is derived from a Filipino expression meaning “come come.” Dolls are perhaps the most endearing toy ever made. Every culture has provided its children with miniature versions of the human being. Many early dolls were made of materials at hand, such as a block of wood, fabric remnants or pieces of corn husks. Evidence of this toy has been found preserved in the graves of young ones dating back to the Roman Empire, indicating the value placed on cherished children’s toys. Early toys spark imagination. During the first two years of life, children absorb information about gender-appropriate toys and develop prefer- ences. Some of these preferences are related to parental beliefs of which toy is suitable for a boy or a girl.There is a psychological influence in this selection, but let us just remember toys for the joy they gave us. Mental agility, coordination and manual skills all develop during child- hood, and are challenged by solving puzzles, the strategy for shooting mar- bles, the dexterity needed for throwing balls and the balance of flying kites. They all require the use of hands and bodies and minds. Toys also often reflect a child’s cultural environment and are living proof of social changes, fashion trends and manufacturing developments. What toys you loved when you were young define forever which choices you make in life today. Those memories are connected to us all. Like people and their diaries, toys and make-believe were synonymous to me.They had the feel of a book “come to life.” Remember Tang? It triggers a taste, an orange color, a time of day, just as a beloved toy can do. As toys have evolved to present day, they still showcase a segment of history. Unfortunately vintage toys are an endangered species. Now replaced with automation, mass production and interactive elements.The trends have changed throughout the years since their invention, but their purpose remains the same.To entertain, to train our bodies and minds, to have something we can call our own. Sharing with you today, my private collection of some of my favorite vintage toys. Among those presented are Victorian children's books, chalk carnival prizes and my most cherished Little Lulu doll.They still give me gor- geous inspiration and remind me that there are times to play. Marjorie Snow is a published writer and photographer with a vast knowl- edge of antiques and their history. Snow was the owner of Terra Cotta in Las Vegas, an exclusive architectural vintage gallery, which has been featured in numerous West Coast magazines. (Above) Whimsical chalk figures that were carnival prizes. (Center)Victorian and 1920s children’s books. (Below) A tin typewriter and chalkware rabbit in red waistcoat smoking a coiled iron pipe. All highly collectible and becoming more valuable due to their scarcity. C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 2 91