Collection Scope and Content Note This collection consists of two copybooks of outgoing correspondence written by J. Edwin Rich of Rochester, NY. In 1901 Rich was general manager and, from 1907, sole owner of the Ideal Novelty Co. of Rochester, distributor of a small spinning top and several other toys. He was half-owner of the top’s patent, as well as inventor and half-owner of a patent for a musical toy. The correspondence reflects the efforts involved in running a small business, dealing with manufacturers, and soliciting...

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The Gruelle family collection is a compilation of manuscripts, correspondence, drawings, art, photographs, personal materials, and publications from the Gruelle family. The bulk of the materials are from between 1910 and 1940, and then 1985 through 2008.

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This collection consists of materials collected by Marjorie and Michael Delmar on cast-iron toy mechanical banks. The materials are dated from circa 1983 to 2007. The papers are comprised of scrapbooks, appraisals, and receipts.

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This collection consists of the papers of Francis W. Carpenter, a cast-iron toy inventor and manufacturer during the late 19th century. The materials are dated from 1860 to 1934, with the bulk of the materials dated from 1880 to 1897. The papers are comprised of correspondence, photographs, financial ledgers, receipts, patents, and more.

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The Ken Sons and Tim Walsh Toyland Digital Archive is a collection of more than 65 hours of documentary footage recorded by Ken Sons for his film Toyland. The interviews and scenes were filmed between 2007 and 2010.

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The Tim Walsh papers are a compilation of biographical and historical information, press kits, game advertisements, and interview transcripts from game designer and author Tim Walsh of The Playmakers. The materials in this collection are from 1996 through 2011.

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The Ron Dubren papers are a compilation of correspondence, game designs, notes, drawings, product descriptions, and paper prototypes created by Ron Dubren throughout his career in the toy and game industry. This collection also includes reference materials and an oral history recorded in 2008. The bulk of the materials are dated from 1980 through 2002.

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The Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends product design documents contain drawings and notes corresponding to three Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends products. These materials are dated between 2010 and 2011.

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The Philip E. Orbanes papers are a compilation of correspondence, legal contracts, newspaper articles, reference materials, research notes, game advertisements, photographs, audio files, and other papers collected and used by Philip E. Orbanes over the course of his career in the American toy and game industry. The bulk of the materials are from 1967 through 2005. Staff at The Strong recorded a video oral history of Orbanes in 2013.

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The Garth Parker premium toy design papers are a compilation of product sketches, designs, portfolios, presentations, product notebooks, and reference materials. Products shown in these materials were designed for fast-food restaurants, cereal brands, cake decorations, and more. The bulk of the materials are from 1995 through 2012.