Ada Kiwanis members heard a "toy story" at their Nov. 8 meeting.
Jim Pruden and his wife, Sandy, presented a program on the Kenton Toy Company.
The Prudens related the history of the company beginning with its establishment in the late 1800s as the manufacturer of a cast-iron bank, the “Empire Bank Building.” In addition to banks, the company also produced horse drawn toys, a zoo wagon and many more.
They mentioned a book, written a number of years ago by Charles Jacobs, then curator of the Sullivan-Johnson Museum in Kenton. The book, which is available at the Kenton museum, is considered by many as the definitive source of the company and its products.
According to Pruden, the company suffered during the Great Depression and World II, finally ceasing operations in 1952.
He noted that the toys are highly collectable today, some bringing $15,000 to $23,000 in on-line auctions.
Purden concluded his remarks by commenting on the Gene Autry cap pistol, which was endorsed by Autry himself in a visit to the factory in 1938.
Pruden shared a number of the toys with members at the meeting’s conclusion.
