Local Toy Gallery Revives Childhood Memories in Drayton Valley

In an effort to rekindle nostalgia and joy, local entrepreneur Craig Leece is launching the Gallery of Timeless Toys in Drayton Valley, Alberta. Set to open in a renovated section of his business, the Sugar Shack, the gallery will showcase an extensive collection of toys from the 20th century, inviting visitors to take a walk down memory lane.

Leece, who is 60 years old, has dedicated the past year to curating this unique collection. He aims to create an environment where individuals can reconnect with the cherished toys of their youth. “I’m sure I could find pictures from when I was a kid. The toys we ended up getting are nothing like you’d find nowadays,” he stated.

Gallery Features and Cultural Representation

The gallery will be divided into several themed displays. These will include sections for toys from the 1900s to the 1930s, the 1940s and 1950s, the 1960s and 1970s, as well as the 1980s and 1990s. In addition, a special “Hall of Fame” will highlight the top five toys of all time, and another display will feature the most popular toy from each year.

A significant aspect of the gallery will be its focus on Canadian culture. Leece plans to include displays representing Alberta’s heritage, featuring toys that reflect themes such as the Wild West, farming, and the oil and gas industry. For instance, a Cabbage Patch doll representing the oilfield is already on display.

While the gallery is under renovation, Leece has set up a preview with a few existing displays for the community to explore. Notably, there are only two other toy museums in Canada: the National Toy Museum in Victoria, British Columbia, and the Hamilton Toy Museum in Hamilton, Ontario. Leece has chosen to create a gallery rather than a traditional museum, aiming to deliver a more personal touch.

Community Engagement and Open Houses

Leece’s motivation stems from a desire to lift the spirits of those facing difficult times by evoking pleasant memories. He credits his wife as a key inspiration for the project, as she has been collecting toys that spark joy and nostalgia. “Now when I see the tower of toys, I walk around it and see some of the stuff and I think, ‘I remember that. I had that as a kid,’” he remarked.

The gallery is poised to offer free admission, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience without financial barriers. To support operating costs, including maintenance and the acquisition of additional toys, Leece is actively seeking sponsorship from the local community. He has scheduled two open houses for potential sponsors and volunteers at 5117 51 Street. The first open house will occur on October 21, 2023, at 18:00, followed by another on October 23, 2023, at the same time.

Leece believes that the gallery will not only provide joy to visitors but also contribute positively to local tourism. “We’re hoping it brings lots of people into the community and people enjoy it,” he stated. As the gallery takes shape, it promises to become a vibrant hub for nostalgia, culture, and community spirit in Drayton Valley.