Royal Oak

‘Best toy show in 3 states’ comes to town

By Heidi Roman
C & G Staff Writer

» Click on image to view full size « File photo by Elizabeth Carnegie Items sold at the Royal Oak Toy Show Jan. 14 could include such things as a John Lennon figure or a Peter Pan figure from the 1980s. File photo by Elizabeth Carnegie Items sold at the Royal Oak Toy Show Jan. 14 could include such things as a John Lennon figure or a Peter Pan figure from the 1980s.

ROYAL OAK — Take a stroll through the Royal Oak Farmers Market Jan. 14, and it’ll be a stroll down memory lane.

The annual Royal Oak Toy Show will be held at the market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day. The show is presented by Wheels and Deals Promotions and features antique and nostalgic toys and collectibles from different eras.

It’s one of the largest toy shows in the region and typically draws collectors ready to buy, but anyone would enjoy a look at some of the bygone toys, said Warren resident Al Campbell.

“I think everybody should collect something,” said Campbell, a vendor at the show. “It expands their interest and knowledge about history. This is a part of history. Everything didn’t just evolve from Hot Wheels and action figures.”

Campbell’s own collection is such a variety he can’t sum it up with a few examples, but he sells a lot of cast-iron banks and metal cars. He’s been collecting them for 40 years.

“A lot of people collect things that go right to their childhood,” Campbell said. “Unfortunately, when I was a child I couldn’t afford a lot of toys. I used to watch TV, so I collect a lot of cowboy stuff.”

Though he cherishes his collectibles, anything on display at the Toy Show is for sale.

“It’s the best toy show in three states,” Campbell said. “This is the best toy show in Michigan as far as what’s presented. It’s not a train show. It’s not a doll show. It’s a general toy show. If somebody’s never been to one, they should really go.”

Commerce Township resident Harry Greener said he usually can’t part with a toy unless it’s a duplicate of something he already owns. If he finds something that’s in better shape than the one he’s got, he’ll sell the older one.

“What I’m selling are old premiums,” Greener said. “I do Mickey Mouse, Disney items, boxing items, political and advertising. Buttons, mainly. My specialty is vintage boxing index.”

Most of it comes for eBay.com or other auctions. He started his collection in 1987 when he was at another show.

“I went to a card show with my son because he was interested in baseball cards,” he said. “As I was going through, it sparked my interest.”

His collection has grown over the years, and now he’s a regular vendor at the show.

The Royal Oak Toy Show will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road in Royal Oak. Admission is $4 and free for kids under 12.

For more information, call (248) 797-2112.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Heidi Roman at hroman@candgnews.com or at (586)218-5006.