Toys in the past made of glass
By Monica Green/features@trcle.com
Calling all parents and grandparents — remember the marbles you played with as a child? What about the
Chinese Checkers set?
A new display at the Cleburne Public Library showcases toys of the past, made of glass. The display was set
up by the members of the Museum of Glass Made in America Inc., a nonprofit.
The theme for the display is “Yesterday’s Toys.” The emphasis of old toys and glass toys is to capture the
attention of parents, grandparents and children.
“We did this because we wanted to get known in this area,” said Milbra Long, president of the board of the
museum. “We did it primarily to highlight the importance of glass making, even in children’s toys.”
The display includes glass from the last quarter of the 20th century that was manufactured by American
companies.
It includes glass objects such as trains, dolls, table sets, candlesticks and novelty items. Also showcased are
old toys that belong to Long.
“All of these toys are ones I grew up with and my children played with growing up,” Long said. “A few are
my husband’s, such as this tank from the 1920s.”
The museum was created in 2001, and board members are in phase three of the building process —
determining the location and design of the building.
“We are looking now in Johnson County for a local firm to build the museum,” Long said. “It will be a
national museum, for glass made all over America.”
Once the museum is opened, the items on display will be shown in it.
“I am giving all my collections to the museum,” Long said. “I bought it from companies throughout the
years.”
The board members will make a presentation of the museum project at 7 p.m. Monday at the library. A DVD
will be shown that explains the goals the board has for the museum, and board members will be present to
answer questions.
Parents and grandparents are encouraged to bring their children to look at the glass items, Long said. The
display will continue until after the first of the year or later.
For information on the museum, visit www.mogmia.com.
The Cleburne Public Library board set up the display, titled “Yesterday’s Toys” for parents, grandparents and
children to enjoy. Glass trains sit in the showcase at the library.