From the day they are born, most children are showered with toys from family and friends. The crib has a mobile, and many first stuffed animals are either a bear or bunny. The Historic Burlington Antiques and Art Emporium will highlight toys in June and July’s special sales showcase by the front door.
Toys have been around for thousands of years. Most children have been said to play with whatever they could find, such as sticks and rocks or the box the actual toy came in. Roman children played with stone and clay marbles. Toys and games have been retrieved from the sites of ancient civilizations and have been mentioned in ancient literature. Toys excavated from the Indus Valley Civilization (3010–1500 BCE) include small carts, whistles shaped like birds, and toy monkeys that could slide down a string. Thousands of years ago, Egyptian children played with dolls that had wigs and movable limbs which were made from stone, pottery, and wood.
Collectors often collect toys that remind them of their own childhood. The toys of today are associated with technology, as the past 20 to 30 years, “Star Wars” toys have become highly collectible. Most of the toys in the shop’s showcase are from the 1930s to collectibles of today. In July, the Emporium dealers will change out the case and highlight different toys.
The Emporium now offers complimentary snacks to enhance the shopping experience. The multi-dealer shop is open six days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Monday) and has extended hours until 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. The Emporium is located at 424 High St., Burlington City, N.J.
To learn more, call 609-747-8333.
For those who wish to step back in time to days of childhood, visit the Emporium and check out the toys of the past.
Happy antiquing!