Arto Monaco (1913-2003) was a theme park designer and owner, a toymaker, and--according to his friends and family--a child who never really grew up. He is probably best known for his designs for theme parks, which include Santa's Workshop (opened in 1949) in Wilmington, NY; Storytown (now Great Escape) in Lake George; and the Land of Makebelieve (his own theme park lasting from 1953 to1979) in Upper Jay, NY. Characterized by child-sized buildings and plenty of room for free imaginative play, Monaco's many parks were innovative designs which helped inspire the massive parks of today.
As a toymaker, Monaco made his own toys and games, such as his wooden circus toys and one-of-a-kind chess sets. He did have success producing prototypes for games and toys that met with success in the market. He saved many of these examples over the years.
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