"These toys are a flashback in time," said Gloria Carpency, Tamaqua, as she describes the over 500 antique toys on display at the Tamaqua Art Gallery, 114 West Broad Street, until Dec. 23.

"This is the first show of its kind in the Tamaqua area and is being held to kick off the holiday season in Tamaqua," said Dale Freudenberger, Tamaqua Historical Society President.The toy show, hosted by the Tamaqua Historical Society, features a wide array of antique and classic toys that were made over the period of a century from about the late 1800s to the mid to late 1900s.Admission to the show is free and all are welcome.Featured are toys made of wood, cast iron, tin, steel, composite, cardboard and textiles.Freudenberger added, "Many of the toys on display will have beautiful graphics depicted on them that you just don't see on today's toys."Much of these toys were pulled or pushed by hand such as the wicker doll carriage, had keys to wind them such as the mechanical sand toys made by Wolverine Company, or were electrically powered such as the vintage Lionel or American flyer train sets.Classics such as the Merry Makers tin toy, which depicts a family of mice playing the piano, and an old time wooden swinging horse with real horse hair are among the many, many gems featured on display.Large toys are also on display, such as antique pedal cars and wooden wagons, and a metal riding horse to name a few."The show is a great way to kick off the holiday season in the area. Everyone has fond memories of their favorite childhood toys or those that were passed down as family heirlooms," said Freudenberger."The collection here is truly unique. I'm amazed at how children amused themselves years ago," said Linda Yulanavage, Executive Director, Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce.The Antique Toy Show will be open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a special last day showing Nov. 23 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tamaqua Gallery, 114 West Broad St., and will include a public reception and visit with the toys owners. Snacks and drinks will also be provided.For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (570) 668-1880."This is the first time these toys have ever been shown since they all belong to members or friends of the Tamaqua Historical Society who have brought their private collections together for this rare showing," said Freudenberger.