Greenfield Couple Launches Toy Museum After 63 Years of Collecting
UPDATE: Fred and Mary Pickrell, a couple from Greenfield, are set to unveil a new toy museum at their recently purchased property in Fontanelle, just announced this week. After 63 years of marriage and a passion for antique toys, the Pickrells aim to share their extensive collection with the public in a unique display at 401 Washington St.
The couple, who split their time between Greenfield and Boulder, Colorado, are excited to transform the former Fontanelle Drug store into a vibrant showcase of classic toys. Mary shared her enthusiasm, stating, “We didn’t have kids or anything, so that’s what Fred and I did. We enjoyed going antiquing together.”
The Pickrells’ toy collection includes cherished items such as Shirley Temple dolls, stuffed animals, and memorabilia featuring beloved characters like Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse. Mary’s lifelong love for toys began with Shirley Temple dolls, first released in 1934, and she is eager to share these treasures with the community.
“I’ve been concerned about what is going to happen to my collections,” said Mary. “I’ve been praying about it, then this building came open. That was the door that needed to open.” The couple’s move is part of a larger initiative to preserve their toys for future generations rather than risk losing them in an estate sale.
Fred previously opened Fred’s Toy Box in Fontanelle in 2019, where he showcases various toys, including restored farm trucks and a special selection of toy trucks modeled after livestock haulers from Adair County during the early 1960s. “The most important part is sharing it,” Fred emphasized, underscoring the couple’s genuine desire to connect with others through their shared passion.
Since Fred’s Toy Box opened, numerous classic car and tractor groups have visited, and the Pickrells are optimistic that Mary’s collection will attract similar interest. “I like to share it,” Mary added. “This has been very peaceful for me to do. I like to be busy and have everything in here.”
The Pickrells have already begun the process of moving their extensive collection into the new venue, with a moving company facilitating the transport. As they prepare for the grand opening, the couple looks forward to welcoming visitors eager to appreciate their decades of dedication to collecting.
For those interested in experiencing this nostalgic journey through toys, keep an eye out for the official opening date of the new museum in Fontanelle — a heartfelt tribute to a couple’s lifelong love for playtime.
