Wooden horse on wheels (1895) by Axel NilssonNordiska Museet
Whether they’re carriages or planes, toys let children imagine entire worlds. But they’re more than just playthings, they’re directly connected to our history and progress. You can learn a lot from a simple toy.
Galloping Ahead
Horses are majestic animals, and they’ve helped grown-ups get things done and entertained children along the way.
Wooden horse on wheels, Axel Nilsson, 1895 (From the collection of Nordiska Museet)
It’s no surprise horses are a classic. They’ve been everywhere, helping farmers plough fields and transport well-heeled people around town in carriages. For kids, they conjured speed and wonder, galloping through little girls’ and boys’ imaginations. But soon the kids graduated from hooves to wheels, bringing us along for the ride.
From Galloping to Gliding
Whether we were looking to get somewhere quickly or the kids just wanted to take a turn around the block, roller skates got us there.
Rollschuhe Rollschuhe by made in GDRDDR Museum
Rollschuhe, made in GDR (From the collection of DDR Museum)
First invented in 1863, four-wheel roller skates grew more fun after roller rinks gained popularity. They were first seen on a London stage, but they rolled out onto the streets with these four-wheeled versions. Kids took it even further, claiming a piece of freedom and zipping around on their speedy feet. But why stick to small wheels when you could have large ones?
The First Big Wheel
Bringing whimsy to getting around town, the Martin Bicycle made cycling safer, and even a little funny. Invented to be safer than sporty two-wheeled versions, the Martin bike’s wideset three wheels wove some fun into cycling for everyone, and particularly for ladies who could ride without long skirts getting caught in the chain. Almost like an oversized kid’s tricycle, it was loved by both adults and kids alike. But these massive wheels didn’t stop at just a bike.
The Martin toy bicycle (1888) by Séraphin Fernand MartinMusée des arts et métiers
The Martin toy bicycle, Seraphin Fernand Martin, 1888 (From the collection of Musee des arts et métiers)
Floating On
Milk Wagons brought the small town into the toy world. Adorably called ‘milk floats’, these carriages brought milk into homes around the world. They were a common sight trotting down quiet streets, so they made a natural fit for kids’ play, adding a dash of the real world to their make-believe. Soon, they’d add some real speed to the mix.
Milk delivery wagon, toy (About / vers 1913) by Morton E.Converse CompanyMcCord Stewart Museum
Milk delivery wagon, toy, Morton E. Converse Company, 1913 (From the collection of McCord Museum)
Full Steam Ahead
Trains moved loads across the country and let kids dream of long trips, too. Shooting off plumes of steam, trains powered across the land and helped our cities grow. But it’s no wonder they were popular toys, too. They let kids dream of roaring off to distant places, discovering new worlds. It was one thing to shoot across the landscape, but what about when danger struck?
Toy Locomotive (c. 1940) by Charles HenningNational Gallery of Art, Washington DC
Toy Locomotive, Charles Henning, c. 1940 (From the collection of National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.)
The First Fire Engine
It might not look like it, but this small carriage was a big help and kept kids saving Mr. Bear’s house. The grandparent to our modern red fire engine, the real-life version kept peoples’ homes safe, the speedy horses getting there and the enormous water tank on back putting out the fire. Driving their mini engines around, kids could save the day for the rest of their toys. And if water could put out a fire, what else could it do, and where might it take you?
Toy Fire Engine (1935/1942) by Harry GrossenNational Gallery of Art, Washington DC
Toy Fire Engine, Harry Grossen, 1935/1942 (From the collection of National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.)
Sail the High Seas
From coast to coast, ships won wars and moved us all. Massive ships like the Maine floated through our harbors (minus the wheels, of course) and helped us win countless conflicts. With their smaller wooden versions, kids waged their own battles, leading soldiers on the high seas and finding adventure at every port. But to an excitable kid, the real adventure might be the open road.
Toy Warship (1935/1942) by Frances LichtenNational Gallery of Art, Washington DC
Toy Warship, Frances Lichten, 1935/1942 (From the collection of National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.)
Motoring On
Moving on from roller skates, motorbikes added some cool edge to the road, and kids’ dreams. Bringing a little edge to the streets, motorbikes have been used for everything from speeding to relay messages during a war to just roaring down the street. Shrunken to toy size, they were a natural fit for an adventurous girl or boy to play with. Still, why stop at two wheels with such a small engine?
Toy soldier, Dispatch rider (Early to mid 20th century / Début au milieu du 20e siècle) by Unknown / InconnuMcCord Stewart Museum
Toy soldier, Dispatch rider, Unknown/Inconnu/Early to mid 20th century (From the collection of McCord Museum)
Pedal to the Metal
The ultimate in cool, both in toys and on the highway. Speedy cars are the ultimate in cool, and adults have loved them forever. Volkswagen created many iconic cars, like the classic Beetle, but it’s small, sporty ones that have captivated us the most. As kids zoom around make-believe tracks, they got a piece of that speedy glory. And once they’d gone fast, the only way to go was up.
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, toy (1962/1962) by Unknown / InconnuMcCord Stewart Museum
Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, toy, Unknown/Inconnu, 1962 (From the collection of McCord Museum)
It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane
Flying through the air with the greatest of ease, it’s the most loved toy of all. Planes just might be the most exciting invention and the most thrilling toy. Lifting us up to the height of birds and clouds, they’ve won battles and taken us around the globe. And for young minds, there’s no greater adventure than hopping aboard, or even piloting a plane and seeing the world.
Toy Plane in Hiding (1943/1945) Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei
Toy Plane in Hiding, 1943/1945 (From the collection of National Comite 4 en 5 mei)
