A special exhibit on view at the Cleveland History Center for the Holiday Season features popular toys from the 1960s to the 1980s, which often ended up under the Christmas tree or given as Hanukkah gifts.  

By Pamela Dorazio Dean, MA, CA. Curator of Italian American History

For the people who were kids during these decades, many of these toys defined their childhoods and will bring back memories of simpler, fun times.

Among the toys of the 1960s on display are an original Cootie, a Barbie doll, and a Chrissy doll.  The 1970s display would not be complete without some Star Wars action figures and an X-Wing Fighter.  There is also a “Welcome Back Kotter” die cut figure with paper clothes.  Highlights of the 1980s selection include a Cabbage Patch Kid, Rubik’s Cube, and Nintendo Game Console.  A special case features Cleveland toys, particularly those created by American Greetings, including Holly Hobby and Strawberry Shortcake.

WRHS is delighted to partner with STAR POP vintage + modern to bring you these wonderful toys.  STAR POP is located in Cleveland’s Waterloo Arts District at 15813 Waterloo Road.  For more than a decade STAR POP has bought and sold new and old toys, classic video games, records, vintage clothing, trading cards and other pop culture collectibles.  Proprietor Troy Schwartz has been collecting toys since he was a kid.  Collecting toys is part of his DNA as his father, grandparents, and great grandparents have worked in or owned toy stores at some point in their lives.  STAR POP is open by appointment. For more info, visit www.starpopcleveland.com.