Local toy museum makes space for nostaglia

by | Jan 23, 2025 | Area News, Latest

Stephen Gardner, owner and operator of The Best Little Toy Museum in Texas, stands next to the Iron Man suit that is at the entrance to one of the three rooms holding his 20,000-piece collection of toys and memorabilia. The museum, located in St. Paul, is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

For some, the magic of toys does not fade when Santa stops coming. At The Best Little Toy Museum in Texas, childhood wonder continues for kids of all ages.

Located in St. Paul on a residential property, the museum is home to more than 20,000 toys and collectibles.

“(The museum) is probably 98% my personal collection,” said owner and operator Stephen Gardner, adding that his two sons might argue that their contributions deserve more credit.

The museum’s superhero room owes much to their input, and neighbors have donated pieces of their own collections to fill in the decades of entertainment represented in the museum.

By Allison LaBrot

For more on this story see the January 23, 2025 print, or digital edition of the Murphy Monitor. Subscribe today and support local journalism in your community.

0 Comments

Public Notice - Subscribe

Related News

Author, biblical scholar releases latest book

Author, biblical scholar releases latest book

Wylie author John Hobbs recently released his latest book, “Digging Deep into Scripture.,” which takes an in-depth look at issues such as true discipleship, the nature of the Bible, the Holy Spirit and more. John Hobbs, DMin., a retired math teacher and pastor from...

read more
Dads, daughters dance under the sea

Dads, daughters dance under the sea

A sea of balloons tumble from the ceiling to end the Friday, Jan. 31, Murphy Daddy Daughter Dance. Long blue streamers and fish mobiles decorated the walls of the Murphy Community Center as girls in bright party dresses danced with their dads. Some of the men had...

read more
Local reps begin work in Austin

Local reps begin work in Austin

Collin County lawmakers have begun work in the 89th Texas Legislature with Rep. Candy Noble visiting the Lower Rio Grande Valley and Rep. Jeff Leach meeting with multiple groups, individuals and constituents from across District 67 and the state. “I’m glad that Gov....

read more
Three trustees to be elected in May

Three trustees to be elected in May

At press time, two Collin College Trustees were among four candidates who have filed for the Saturday, May 3, board election. Candidates have until 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, to file for election to six-year terms in Places 4, 5 and 6. Place 5 Trustee Raj Menon of Plano...

read more
Murphy PD makes history

Murphy PD makes history

The Murphy Police Department has received national attention for its achievement in completing a 24-month policy implementation in 4.5 months, Chief Jeff Gibson told the Tuesday, Feb. 4, council meeting.Councilmembers also adopted amendments to the city code,...

read more
Registration open for Backyard BBQ teams

Registration open for Backyard BBQ teams

Barbecue grillers are sharpening their skewers and seasoning their firewood in anticipation of Murphy’s first Backyard BBQ Cook-off. The non-sanctioned competition Saturday, May 10, in Central Park replaces Tunes, Tails and Ales festival that was discontinued because...

read more
Public Notice - Subscribe