Stuffed Animals and Plush Toys

These toy stuffed animals on exhibit in the lobby during April are part of the collection of Prairie Museum of Art and History.

This type of toy became popular in the early years of the 20th century and have remained popular. Different fads have caused specific toys to surge in popularity among adults and collectors. Stuffed toys take different forms but most resemble real animals, legendary creatures, cartoon characters, or inanimate objects.

They can be used as comfort objects, for display or collecting, or giving as gifts.

Stuffed toys are sold commercially or may be handcrafted. One of the most popular handcrafted stuffed animals was the sock monkeys which first appeared in the U.S. during the depression.

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Postcards

This collection of postcards for our March lobby exhibit is on loan from Ray Imhof. Ray is Registrar at Prairie Museum and would be glad to visit with you about his collection.

Although Ray doesn't actively collect postcards, he was fortunate to inherit a collection of cards sent to his grandparents on both sides of the family. Most of the cards have messages on them and are postmarked 1904 through 1917. Some of the messages are in German and Danish.

Postcards of this time period were often greeting cards for holidays and special occasions. Others were humorous or are photographs of special places or events.

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Daniel Imhof's eldest daughter, Louisa, was a Methodist missionary to Japan for many years. She sailed on the S. S. Korea in 1904.

 

Ray's Great Aunt Grace wrote this message telling of her husband Roy being called for World War I Selective Service exam. The letter was sent to Ray's Grandmother Lena. (Even with #75, Roy was not called to serve.)

Angels

Our February lobby exhibit is a collection of angels on loan from Noveline Haremza. Noveline is one of our Visitor Services staff and will be glad to visit with you about her collection.

Noveline now has approximately 80 angels in her collection. Most were given to her by family and friends. She said, "That's what happens when you are hard to shop for and people know I like angels!"

Most of the angels in the collection are ceramic, but some are glass, fabric, feathers, and metal. Some are free-standing while others are hanging Christmas ornaments, shelf sitters, and a few are yard art.

 (Click on image to enlarge.)

As always there is no admission to see the lobby exhibit. While you are here also take a look at the Colby High School student art exhibit in the Garvey Education Room. Kelsi has been adding getting ready for Spring by adding new items in the Gift Mart too.