A Nostalgic Holiday Program
“Stories from Santa’s Workshop”
and
A Remembrance of O’Connor’s Toy Store
Presented by: Paul Krause with Ned Schimminger
Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at 7:00 PM
Tonawanda City Hall Community Room

Paul Krause, long time member of the Historical Society and a toy collector for over 30 years shared his stories and showed some of the vintage toys he has collected that children have treasured. Paul’s interest in collecting began when he discovered a number of his own childhood toys that his mother had kept and carefully stored away, bringing to mind fond memories of the fun he enjoyed.

Ned Schimminger, the society’s historical archivist, presented recently acquired toys from the family of the O’Connor’s Toy Store that was located on Niagara Street in Tonawanda. Many will recall this popular shop from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Antique toys displayed in the window and a COOTIE game marketed as “an exciting educational game for all ages” added to the season’s nostalgic look at the simple fun of a time past.

In the Holiday spirit the evening ended with some special Christmas refreshments.