Vigo County Historical Society

Historical Treasure Article

Historic Treasure of the Week - December 2, 1984
By Katherine Hoffman
Vigo County Historical Society

Doll trunk recalls childhood memories

My first glimpse of the small hump-backed trunk selected as this week's historical treasure brought back long forgotten memories of my childhood doll trunk.

Children have traditionally used toys to imitate adults and objects used by adults. Such a plaything is perfect for imitating the domestic activities of a family.

Lois Dalbey, who donated the trunk to the Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley last summer, remembers playing with it as a child. She fondly recalls the family keepsake was passed down from her aunt as "an antique -- even then."

The trunk was manufactured by The Dickout Trunk Factory, 642 Main St., Terre Haute, in the late 1800s. The gray wooden trunk has decorative wooden strips and measures 12 inches by 7 inches and is 8 inches deep at the height of the hump. The interior has a printed paper lining highlighted by floral strips. It also has a divided tray that lifts out.

An interesting manufacturer's label pictures a young boy afloat an a raft in a large body of water.

The trunk typifies the late 19th century industrial custom of manufacturing toy replicas of products used in daily American life. This antique toy is in excellent condition. It is an accurate representation of the steamer trunks so popular at the turn of the century.

This week's treasure and other toys on display in the Toy Shop in the museum, 1411 S. Sixth St., offer a nostalgic trip to childhood memories. The museum is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday.