Toy story
Local woman’s collection holds special meaning
SALMON RIVER
When she’s surrounded by dolls, toy ponies and stuffed animals Sara Delaney finds a little solitude of peace during a hectic day.
Delaney collects toys from her childhood – mainly the 1980s – that have special meaning for her.
“While I can’t pretend or play with toys like I once did, having them brings me back to a simpler time – a time when going to bed was my biggest problem in life,” she said.
She has shelves, and a few bins, filled with toys including dolls, My Little Pony figures, Strawberry Shortcake, Glo Worms, Charmkins, Popples, Sailor Moon, and Littlest Pet Shop. There are also many small toys that came with fast food meals.
“If it’s from the 1980s I probably collect it,” she said. “When I was younger I remember having yard sales and selling my toys. Once into my twenties I deeply regretted selling my childhood. I was an only child and those toys brought me great joy.”
Delaney found many of the items in her collection at yard sales and second hand shops and got some through trades. She belongs to a few vintage toys sites and has traded and met with people who have similar interests. Her partner also has a toy collection and some of their interests overlap, with both collecting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and Ghostbusters items.
Her collection is limited by space so she avoids items like puzzles and games.
Although she can’t choose a favourite toy Delaney is sometimes able to part with one and thinks there may be a time when most of them go.
“I can’t take them with me,” she added. “Some day when they stop bringing me joy I will sell or give them away to someone else who will enjoy them.”