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Much of the magic of the festive season swirls around children and toys and there's nothing more heart-warming than seeing a young face light up upon opening a Christmas gift and discovering a longed-for toy inside. Most of us can remember a favourite toy from our childhood. Maybe you still have it. Maybe it's been passed down to a child or grandchild and is still being enjoyed. Maybe it eventually broke and fell out of use. Or, maybe it simply disappeared over the years. But, whatever happened, those toys still have the power to evoke childhood memories. Memories of what seems a simpler time. And memories of holiday seasons past when the most important things in the world came wrapped in brightly coloured paper. | ||||||
Last Christmas the Archives of Ontario remembered an Eatons Christmas and we asked members of the public to send us their memories of how Eatons, with its Toyland, catalogue and Santa Claus parade impacted on their lives. We had many delightful responses and posted a sampling of them on our memories page. |
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Fall and Winter Catalogue, 1943-44 |
One particularly poignant letter stood out and illustrated how the memory of a cherished toy stays with us.
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Repeated attempts by the Archives to contact Ms. Livingston were unsuccessful but we hope we can reach her with this virtual exhibit. We hope too, that, among the images we've included, she finds that treasured doll she gave away so many years ago. Maybe as you look through our Toyland Gallery you'll see a toy that evokes a special memory of your own. |
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UPDATE: On December 20, 2007 and we received this email from Mrs. Livingston. |
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The Archives of Ontario wishes you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season and invites you to step back in time and remember The Toys of Our Childhood. Merry Christmas, Ms. Livingston, wherever you are. |
T. Eaton Company Records |
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No. 72 Christmas Catalogue, 1905 (Toronto) |
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Acknowledgements:The Archives of Ontario thanks Sears Canada for giving permission to use images from the T. Eaton Company fonds held at the Archives of Ontario. |
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