The Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society will host its monthly Sunday Afternoon Lecture, “Toys of Colonial Times” with Gail Vogler, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 18 in the Historic Henry County Courthouse.
Vogler will share her collection of reproductions of toys of the Colonial period which is the time from European settlers coming to North America at the start of the 17th century until the colonies became incorporated into the United States almost 200 years later. Toys were made of what was available – wood, string, cloth, and clay. Many of them are earlier or original versions of what children still play today, such as Bilboquet, jacks, marbles, dominoes, and dice.
Vogler, of Martinsville, is a member and historian of the Joseph Martin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She became involved with historical reenactment with her late husband, Bob, in 1989. She serves on the Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation Board and is an active member and supporter of Piedmont Arts. She is a recipient of the Martha Washington Medal from the Colonel George Waller Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.
“We’re fortunate to have Gail share her collection of colonial toys,” John Phillips, president of the historical society, said. “Join the Historical Society as we take a step back in time and return to the basics of childhood fun.”
Admission to the Sunday Afternoon Lecture series is free, made possible by corporate sponsors, Carter Bank & Trust and The Lester Group. The Historic Henry County Courthouse is fully handicapped accessible. The Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center & Museum will be open following the presentation.
