I’ve had these toys for nearly as long as I can remember. I can recall one occasion when my family and I visited the maker’s shop. I was likely not more than four. All I can really remember is that it was dark, dusty, and wonderful. We had other outdoor objects — whirligigs and the like — now surely lost to weather and time. The materials are quite rough and frugal: mostly pallet wood and related cast offs.
These toys now reside my son and daughter’s rooms, high on shelves, as they once did in my bedroom.
It really bugs me that I don’t even know the name of the man who made them.
[UPDATE: Thanks to Mike Rodriquez of Lindsborg for identifying the maker as Rueben Strange.]
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Toy made in Lindsborg, Kansas. Maker unknown. Dog pull toy. c. 1979.
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Toy made in Lindsborg, Kansas. Maker unknown. Dala horse pulling cart and driver. c. 1979.
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Toy made in Lindsborg, Kansas. Maker unknown. Tractor (detail). Underside of bumper reads “PRODUCE OF U.S.A.” c. 1979.
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Toy made in Lindsborg, Kansas. Maker unknown. Tractor and trailer. c. 1979.
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Toy made in Lindsborg, Kansas. Maker unknown. Train and three cars. c. 1979.
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Toy made in Lindsborg, Kansas. Maker unknown. Train (detail). Stair rail boiler and furniture glide headlight. c. 1979.
