Those innocent days of our youth when wondered which toys we’d get for Christmas are being recalled in a new exhibit at the Tamaqua Historical Society Museum Annex.

The display was unveiled Thursday, one of several events kicking off the 25th Annual Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Festival.

Among the toy favorites is a collection of miniature bears.

“I had a Teddy bear named Crusty,” recalled Jean Stolz of West Penn Township. “And a Tiny Tears, too.”

Stolz’s husband, Bill, remembers how war toys played a role in the childhood of baby boomers.

“I had an Army set,” he said, recalling plastic soldiers. “And I remember how the bunkers exploded.”

He said toy gas stations also were a hit for youngsters of that era.

Janet Keich of Tamaqua remembers how dolls and other colorful characters put life into childhood and remain classics today.

“I had a Howdy Doody and also a Clarabelle doll.”

Toys can evoke an emotional response for a variety of reasons.

For Marie Becker of Barnesville, one particular toy stands out in her mind because it was made for her daughter who later passed away.

“My uncle made my daughter a Barbie doll house and we still have it.”

Many of the toys on display are on loan from two local enthusiasts of vintage toys, Dale Freudenberger of Tamaqua and Bill Harleman of Hometown.

Freudenberger said model trains of various gauges were among his favorites and something he continues to cherish.

“I have 23 sets.”

The exhibit will be on display until the end of the year.

Other Thursday activities kicking off the two-week festival were a Hope and Holiday Sale at Hope and Coffee, Pine Street, and Community Christmas Party by Revive Community Fellowship on West Broad Street.

Events will continue every day until Sunday evening and then continue again next weekend.

All events are taking place under strict social distancing guidelines. In some cases, advance reservations are required and attendance is limited.

A display and judging of homemade gingerbread houses set for Thursday had to be canceled when nobody entered the contest.