Recycling was a part of life in the 19th century. This rag doll was handmade from an old cloth wall map. Her eyes are made from two black shoe buttons.

Across the doll’s backside is a map of Equitorial Africa.

This is a primitive, hand-made wooden doll. It appears that the arms and legs may be replacements as the coloration of the wood does not match the head and torso.

This wooden doll was made in Springfield, Vermont. While the body is made of either rock maple or beech, the feet are made of lead. These dolls were often assembled by women or girls who also painted on their hair and facial features.

Penny Dolls were inexpensive, one-piece china dolls that sold for as little as a penny each. They were extremely popular from around 1850-1920.

Wax dolls often feature wax heads or composite heads with a wax overlay. They became extremely popular during the Victorian period because of their lifelike quality. Unfortunately, they tended to be extremely fragile and susceptible to heat.

The Jumeau Company produced high-end bisque, or unglazed porcelain, dolls. The “skin” of bisque dolls had a matte finish which was more realistic looking than the glossy china dolls. Jumeau dolls were dressed in meticulously crafted dresses made in the more recent fashions of the day and were used as a way of showcasing upcoming styles to potential customers.

This doll was brought from Japan to the United States around 1891 by Edward H. Williams, a Woodstock native who is credited with having set up the first railroad in Japan.

Nineteenth-century male dolls are rare, and those with blond hair are rarer still. This doll, which was made in Germany, was made of china or glazed porcelain.

In the 19th century, people were excited about the nascent railroad system. This puzzle taught the geography of the United States at the same time as showed the major railway lines.

This tool box, which is specially-sized for a child’s hands, has functional tools. At an early age, children were often introduced to the skills they would need as adults.

Theater was popular during the 19th century. Both adults and children engaged in thespian activities ranging from games like Charades to friends putting on performances to entertain one another. This cardboard toy theater was made in 1902. It came replete with stage, carboard actors, back drop and script, and it allowed children to put on their own theatrical productions.

In the late 19th century, the game that is now known as Pin the Tail on the Donkey actually began as a game for adults in elite circles who would go to “Donkey Parties.” However, because the game could be inexpensively made, it soon became popular among people in all social strata. During the early 20th century its popularity faded with adults; however, it has remained a popular party game for children.

This board game required players to think creatively and strategically in their quest to capture the greatest number of “mice” (wooden markers).