Fun and Functional

By Steve Butler

A LIST WAS PREPARED in advance using the internet in preparation for a possible day of searching for toys in an up-state region of New York. Armed with the list of nine possibilities (all antique stores/malls), the venture was interesting but minimally successful. Five were excluded because the store/mall was no longer in business, and another had what was essentially a condemnation notice on the door. However, an open antique flea market was added to the list during the venture. In the process the 180 mile or so search netted two unusual items. Both are interesting because in addition to being toy-like, they both serve a functional purpose.