Yesterday's Playthings
Included In Your Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum Ticket
Montana’s foremost doll and toy museum features the collection of Harriet Free. Antique Jumeaus and reproduction dolls done by Mrs Free, play with mohair teddy bears, Jeri dolls in full-body porcelain, dolls of Lee Middleton and much more. There is a cabbage patch with children of cloth, porcelain, and composition with Lady Liberty overseeing her domain. Rotraut Schrott is represented with four full body dolls.
Dating back to 1835, the collection of doll carriages, prams, and a bed are in pristine condition. Furniture, dishes and accessories round out the displays.
The Curator and crew have spent countless hours revamping old cases, bringing in new cases and decorating all to show off this great collection. The Imagination Tree is prominent as you enter the museum doors. Stop by and add a leaf to our tree!
Also in the collection is a case full of antique Hot Wheel Cars and original Star Wars action figures! Toys of yesterday are on display for all to enjoy a trip down memory lane.
Deer Lodge was once an important railroad town, serving as a division headquarters for the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (“The Milwaukee Road”) before the railroad’s local abandonment in 1980’s.
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In remembrance of the many years of history with the railroad through the valley, the Museum is bringing back the model trains that represent the days gone by. Yesterday’s Playthings has been updated for the 2022 season and the trains are running strong and are going to be a great addition to the collection of toys that bring back memories of your youth.
North, South, East and West all offer spectacular views of the mountains and are accompanied by the incredible feeling of stepping back into another time where the Railroad ruled, mining was a way of life & outlaws lived across the street.
