Family & Social Life

Bennet Family Record

Donations to the Museum have preserved irreplaceable evidence about generations of ordinary Americans. Objects from the Copp household of Stonington, Connecticut, include many items used by a single family from 1740 to 1850. Other donations have brought treasured family artifacts from jewelry to prom gowns. These gifts and many others are all part of the Museum's family and social life collections.

Children's books and Sunday school lessons, tea sets and family portraits also mark the connections between members of a family and between families and the larger society. Prints, advertisements, and artifacts offer nostalgic or idealized images of family life and society in times past. And the collections include a few modern conveniences that have had profound effects on American families and social life, such as televisions, video games, and personal computers.

Topic: Engineering Steam Toys and Models

Ernst Plank Toy Steam Engine

This toy steam engine was manufactured by the Ernst Plank Company of Nuremburg, Germany during the early 20th century. There is a small metal plate on the toy’s wooden base that reads “Rapid,” possibly the model name of this engine.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine was manufactured by the Ernst Plank Company of Nuremburg, Germany during the early 20th century. There is a small metal plate on the toy’s wooden base that reads “Rapid,” possibly the model name of this engine. The toy has a pressed metal firebox below the boiler, which has a steam whistle. The boiler powers a vertical slide valve engine shafted to a flywheel, with an ornamental flyball governor on the shaft.
Ernst Plank founded his company in Nuremburg, Germany in 1866. The company was well known for manufacturing a variety of metal toys like steam locomotives, stationary steam engines, early photography equipment, and magic lanterns until its dissolution in 1935.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MC.329008
catalog number
329008
accession number
278175

Weeden "Eureka" Toy Steam Engine

The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts produced this Weeden No. 32 toy steam engine during the late 19th century until around 1927.
Description (Brief)
The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts produced this Weeden No. 32 toy steam engine during the late 19th century until around 1927. The engine was known as the “Eureka” model, and consisted of a steel jacketed brass boiler with two star cutouts and an overtype horizontal slide valve engine and flywheel. The metal end of the boiler reads “WEEDEN/TRADE MARK/ REG. U.S. PAT. OFF./32/THE WEEDEN/EUREKA.”
The Weeden Manufacturing Company was founded in New Bedford, Massachusetts by William M. Weeden in the early 1880s, originally producing a variety of tinplate household items. In 1884 it introduced the Weeden No. 1 Steam engine as “a new and great premium for boys” who were subscribers to the Youth’s Companion magazine. Weeden made over a hundred different models of toy steam engines until the company ceased operations in 1952.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
MC.328966
catalog number
328966
accession number
278175

Ernst Plank Toy Steam Engine

This toy steam engine was manufactured by the Ernst Plank Company of Nuremburg, Germany during the early 20th century. There is a small metal plate on the toy’s wooden base that reads “Hercules,” possibly the model name of this engine.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine was manufactured by the Ernst Plank Company of Nuremburg, Germany during the early 20th century. There is a small metal plate on the toy’s wooden base that reads “Hercules,” possibly the model name of this engine. The toy has a pressed metal firebox below the boiler with a pressure gauge and steam whistle. The boiler powers a vertical oscillating engine shafted to a flywheel.
Ernst Plank founded his company in Nuremburg, Germany in 1866. The company was well known for manufacturing a variety of metal toys like steam locomotives, stationary steam engines, early photography equipment, and magic lanterns until its dissolution in 1935.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
ID Number
MC.329006
catalog number
329006
accession number
278175

Märklin Toy Steam Engine

This toy steam engine was made by the Märklin Company around 1920.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine was made by the Märklin Company around 1920. This toy steam engine consists of a vertical brass boiler that powered a flywheel, mounted on a metal plate painted green.
The Märklin Company was established in 1859 in the town of Göppingen, Germany by tin smith Theodor Friedrich Wilhelm Märklin. Märklin began his business with the production of tin doll houses, but the company soon began producing a variety of tinplate and metal items, eventually specializing in toys that included steam engines such as this one.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
ID Number
ER.329051
accession number
278175
catalog number
329051

Weeden No. 49 Toy Steam Engine

The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts produced the Weeden No. 49 toy steam engine from 1898 until 1926. The toy consists of a vertical brass boiler with sight glass and horizontal slide valve engine with dual flywheels and flyball governor.
Description (Brief)
The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts produced the Weeden No. 49 toy steam engine from 1898 until 1926. The toy consists of a vertical brass boiler with sight glass and horizontal slide valve engine with dual flywheels and flyball governor. The engine is mounted on a brown metal stand, which is attached to a brown metal base with six legs.
The Weeden Manufacturing Company was founded in New Bedford, Massachusetts by William M. Weeden in the early 1880s, originally producing a variety of tinplate household items. In 1884 it introduced the Weeden No. 1 Steam engine as “a new and great premium for boys” who were subscribers to the Youth’s Companion magazine. Weeden made over a hundred different models of toy steam engines until the company ceased operations in 1952.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
MC.328963
catalog number
328963
accession number
278175

Toy Electric Motor and Lineshaft

This toy electric motor or generator was made by an unknown maker around 1908. There is a commutator and flywheel at the base that attaches to line shaft with three pulleys at the top.
Description (Brief)
This toy electric motor or generator was made by an unknown maker around 1908. There is a commutator and flywheel at the base that attaches to line shaft with three pulleys at the top. An engine could be attached to the drive shaft of the toy, rotating the center wheel in a magnetic field, producing an electric current.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1908
ID Number
MC.329037
catalog number
329037
accession number
278175

Weeden Toy Steam Engine No. 47

The model No. 47 Weeden Toy Steam Engine was produced by the Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts from 1898 until 1913. The toy engine consists of a horizontal brass boiler with flywheel and centrifugal flyball governor mounted on a cast iron base.
Description (Brief)
The model No. 47 Weeden Toy Steam Engine was produced by the Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts from 1898 until 1913. The toy engine consists of a horizontal brass boiler with flywheel and centrifugal flyball governor mounted on a cast iron base. The cast iron base is stamped “WEEDEN MANF. Co. No. 47”.
The Weeden Manufacturing Company was founded in New Bedford, Massachusetts by William M. Weeden in the early 1880s, originally producing a variety of tinplate household items. In 1884 it introduced the Weeden No. 1 Steam engine as “a new and great premium for boys” who were subscribers to the Youth’s Companion magazine. Weeden made over a hundred different models of toy steam engines until the company ceased operations in 1952.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1925
ID Number
2001.0115.01
catalog number
2001.0115.01
accession number
2001.0115

German Toy Steam Engine

This steam toy was made by a German manufacturer during the early 20th century. The toy has its boiler and firebox inside a pressed metal container painted to simulate brick.
Description (Brief)
This steam toy was made by a German manufacturer during the early 20th century. The toy has its boiler and firebox inside a pressed metal container painted to simulate brick. The horizontal boiler has a sight glass, steam whistle, and throttle valve that leads to two vertical slide valve engines. The drive wheel is roped to a three pulley shaft, allowing this engine to power two separate accessories.
Live steam toys enjoyed a period of popularity from the 1880s until the 1930s. The miniature steam engines were marketed as both toys and instructive devices that mimicked full-scale steam-powered machines and allowed every boy and girl to be their own engineer. In toy steam engines, a heating source is introduced into the firebox below the boiler (early toys used lit wicks fueled by denatured alcohol, later toys used electricity) which heated the water to produce the steam pressure that ran the engine. A variety of accessories could be powered by the engine; attachments included windmills, pumps, grinders, and electric lights.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
ID Number
MC.329011
catalog number
329011
accession number
278175

Paradox Toy Gas Engine

This Paradox gas engine was made by the Pardox Gas Engine Company of Hartford, Connecticut around 1900-1930. The engine ran on a mixture of “illumination gas,” an early gas used to light homes that was generated from coal.
Description (Brief)
This Paradox gas engine was made by the Pardox Gas Engine Company of Hartford, Connecticut around 1900-1930. The engine ran on a mixture of “illumination gas,” an early gas used to light homes that was generated from coal. The engine was attached to an ordinary gas burner by a rubber tube, and advertising described it as “running with an explosion at each revolution.” The engine has two 3.5-inch flywheels, and the base bears the inscription “PAT. NOV. 20 1900.” G.J. Altham & J. Beattie Jr. of Fall River, Massachusetts received patent number 662,181 for this invention that related to “a simple and efficient valveless engine adapted for use in small size as a toy.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900
ID Number
MC.329045
catalog number
329045
accession number
278175

John Fitch's Model Steam Car

This steam engine is a model based on designs by John Fitch that was made by Greville Bathe during the early 20th century. Greville Bathe was a machinist and steam engine hobbyist who would fashion his own parts to complete toy steam engines and models.
Description (Brief)
This steam engine is a model based on designs by John Fitch that was made by Greville Bathe during the early 20th century. Greville Bathe was a machinist and steam engine hobbyist who would fashion his own parts to complete toy steam engines and models. John Fitch (1743-1798) was an inventor who developed the first successful American steamboat in 1787 and held patents and designs relating to other modes of steam transport. The steam car model consists of a horizontal boiler and vertical engine that is mounted on a wooden carriage with metal wheels. The engine’s drive wheel is chained to the back wheel of the car, providing it with a means of locomotion.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MC.329092
catalog number
329092
accession number
278175

Toy Steam Engine

This brass and steel steam engine model was manufactured by an unknown maker during the early 20th century.
Description (Brief)
This brass and steel steam engine model was manufactured by an unknown maker during the early 20th century. The model consists of a horizontal boiler with sight glass and chimney stack that powers a vertical walking beam engine and flywheel.
Live steam toys enjoyed a period of popularity from the 1880s until the 1930s. The miniature steam engines were marketed as both toys and instructive devices that mimicked full-scale steam-powered machines and allowed every boy and girl to be their own engineer. In toy steam engines, a heating source is introduced into the firebox below the boiler (early toys used lit wicks fueled by denatured alcohol, later toys used electricity) which heated the water to produce the steam pressure that ran the engine. A variety of accessories could be powered by the engine; attachments included windmills, pumps, grinders, and electric lights.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MC.329026
catalog number
329026
accession number
278175

Weeden No. 14 Toy Steam Engine

The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts manufactured the Weeden model number 14 from the 1890s until the 1940s. The toy consists of a brass boiler with safety valve, water sight glass, and whistle. The horizontal slide valve engine powers an iron flywheel.
Description (Brief)
The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts manufactured the Weeden model number 14 from the 1890s until the 1940s. The toy consists of a brass boiler with safety valve, water sight glass, and whistle. The horizontal slide valve engine powers an iron flywheel. The boiler and engine is attached to a six-legged cast iron frame. The side of the boiler has bears the Weeden crest logo that reads “W MFG. CO.”
The Weeden Manufacturing Company was founded in New Bedford, Massachusetts by William M. Weeden in the early 1880s, originally producing a variety of tinplate household items. In 1884 it introduced the Weeden No. 1 Steam engine as “a new and great premium for boys” who were subscribers to the Youth’s Companion magazine. Weeden made over a hundred different models of toy steam engines until the company ceased operations in 1952.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
MC.328959
catalog number
328959
accession number
278175

Langes Legetoy Toy Grinder

This toy grinder was manufactured by the Danish company H. Langes Legetoy around the middle of the 20th century.
Description (Brief)
This toy grinder was manufactured by the Danish company H. Langes Legetoy around the middle of the 20th century. The grinder consists of a cast metal base painted red, with a grindstone in the center that has a shaft and pulley wheel that allows the grindstone to be attached to a power source and spun. H. Langes Legetoy produced a variety of toy machine tools including a trip-hammer, grindstone, drill press, shaper, punch press, circular saw, tumbler, lathe, and grinder. These tools would often be arranged on a single board with a line shaft allowing all the machines to be operated simultaneously from a single power source.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
ID Number
MC.329082
catalog number
329082
accession number
278175

Model, Jacob Perkins Mill Steam Engine

This model was made by the Bathe Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the early 20th century. Greville Bathe was a machinist and steam engine hobbyist who would fashion his own parts to complete toy steam engines and models.
Description (Brief)
This model was made by the Bathe Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the early 20th century. Greville Bathe was a machinist and steam engine hobbyist who would fashion his own parts to complete toy steam engines and models. The cutaway model consists of a boiler on the first floor and a vertical engine on the second floor. The model identifies the building as the home of Perkins& Company Engineers of No. 69 Fleet Street, London, England.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MC.329094
catalog number
329094
accession number
278175

Märklin Toy Punch Press

This toy punch press was manufactured by the Märklin Company around 1920. The toy has a cast metal body with a geared pulley that raised the press up and down.
Description (Brief)
This toy punch press was manufactured by the Märklin Company around 1920. The toy has a cast metal body with a geared pulley that raised the press up and down. The toy punch press could be connected to the drive wheel of a toy steam engine for power and operate just like its full size counterpart.
The Märklin Company was established in 1859 in the town of Göppingen, Germany by tin smith Theodor Friedrich Wilhelm Märklin. Märklin began his business with the production of tin doll houses, but the company soon began producing a variety of tinplate and metal items, eventually specializing in toys such as this one.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
ID Number
MC.329070
catalog number
329070
accession number
278175

Toy Steam Engine

This brass engine model was made by an unknown maker in the early 20th century. The model is a “walking beam” engine with a 7-inch diameter flywheel. The engine can run when hooked up to a power source such as a boiler or compressed air.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This brass engine model was made by an unknown maker in the early 20th century. The model is a “walking beam” engine with a 7-inch diameter flywheel. The engine can run when hooked up to a power source such as a boiler or compressed air.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MC.329030
catalog number
329030
accession number
278175

Märklin Toy Pedestal Grinder

This toy pedestal grinder was manufactured by the Märklin Company around 1920. The toy has a cast metal body with a central pulley connected to two grinding wheels.
Description (Brief)
This toy pedestal grinder was manufactured by the Märklin Company around 1920. The toy has a cast metal body with a central pulley connected to two grinding wheels. The toy pedestal grinder could be connected to the drive wheel of a toy steam engine for power and produce realistic motion just like its full size counterpart.
The Märklin Company was established in 1859 in the town of Göppingen, Germany by tin smith Theodor Friedrich Wilhelm Märklin. Märklin began his business with the production of tin doll houses, but the company soon began producing a variety of tinplate and metal items, eventually specializing in toys such as this one.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
ID Number
MC.329072
catalog number
329072
accession number
278175

Weeden No. 22 Hot-Air Engine Toy

The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts produced this number 22 “hot air” engine from the 1890s until 1916.The engine is not a steam engine, as no water is heated.
Description (Brief)
The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts produced this number 22 “hot air” engine from the 1890s until 1916.The engine is not a steam engine, as no water is heated. Instead the firebox heats air which expands and moves a piston to create useful mechanical work. The engine is a vertical engine made of tin, with two flywheels.
The Weeden Manufacturing Company was founded in New Bedford, Massachusetts by William M. Weeden in the early 1880s, originally producing a variety of tinplate household items. In 1884 it introduced the Weeden No. 1 Steam engine as “a new and great premium for boys” who were subscribers to the Youth’s Companion magazine. Weeden made over a hundred different models of toy steam engines until the company ceased operations in 1952.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
ID Number
MC.329052
catalog number
329052
accession number
278175

Weeden No. 105 Toy Electric Generator and Pump

The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts produced this electric motor Number 105 from around 1911 until 1918. The toy consists of a generator and pump.
Description (Brief)
The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts produced this electric motor Number 105 from around 1911 until 1918. The toy consists of a generator and pump. An engine could be connected to the drive wheel on the central shaft to drive both the pump and rotate the central coil of the generator. The generator produces a direct electric current through the rotation of the wire coil in a magnetic field. Weeden’s advertising claimed that the pump could throw water up to six feet.
The Weeden Manufacturing Company was founded in New Bedford, Massachusetts by William M. Weeden in the early 1880s, originally producing a variety of tinplate household items. In 1884 it introduced the Weeden No. 1 Steam engine as “a new and great premium for boys” who were subscribers to the Youth’s Companion magazine. Weeden made over a hundred different models of toy steam engines until the company ceased operations in 1952.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
ID Number
MC.329040
catalog number
329040
accession number
278175

Beggs No. 2 Toy Steam Locomotive

The Beggs No. 2 toy locomotive was manufactured by Eugene Beggs of Paterson, New Jersey between 1871 and 1906. The locomotive operated on live steam and ran on a special tracks manufactured by Beggs.
Description (Brief)
The Beggs No. 2 toy locomotive was manufactured by Eugene Beggs of Paterson, New Jersey between 1871 and 1906. The locomotive operated on live steam and ran on a special tracks manufactured by Beggs. This locomotive is not a model of any particular locomotive, but was a toy engine with a 2-2-2 wheel arrangement, smokestack, sand dome, and steam dome. The locomotive has a cab for the fireman and engineer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
ID Number
MC.328926
catalog number
328926
accession number
278175

Hot-Air Engine Toy

This hot-air engine toy was manufactured by an unknown maker (possibly Ernst Plank) during the early 20th century. The engine is not a steam engine, as no water is heated. Instead the firebox heats air which expands and moves a piston to create useful mechanical work.
Description (Brief)
This hot-air engine toy was manufactured by an unknown maker (possibly Ernst Plank) during the early 20th century. The engine is not a steam engine, as no water is heated. Instead the firebox heats air which expands and moves a piston to create useful mechanical work. The toy is a horizontal engine made of white metal with a 3.25-inch flywheel.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MC.329056
catalog number
329056
accession number
278175

Weeden Toy Cornish Beam Engine

The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts produced this “Cornish Beam Engine” from 1888 until 1894. The engine consisted of a firebox and boiler contained in a cube, with a slide valve, walking beam engine, and flywheel on the top of the engine.
Description (Brief)
The Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts produced this “Cornish Beam Engine” from 1888 until 1894. The engine consisted of a firebox and boiler contained in a cube, with a slide valve, walking beam engine, and flywheel on the top of the engine. The stanchion of the walking beam bears the Weeden crest logo that reads “W MFG. CO.”
The Weeden Manufacturing Company was founded in New Bedford, Massachusetts by William M. Weeden in the early 1880s, originally producing a variety of tinplate household items. In 1884 it introduced the Weeden No. 1 Steam engine as “a new and great premium for boys” who were subscribers to the Youth’s Companion magazine. Weeden made over a hundred different models of toy steam engines until the company ceased operations in 1952.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
ID Number
MC.328956
catalog number
328956
accession number
278175

Weeden Toy Steam Engine

This toy steam engine was manufactured by the Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts from 1894 until the 1940s. The first six Weeden toy steam engine models were all very similar in style, making it difficult to differentiate them.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine was manufactured by the Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts from 1894 until the 1940s. The first six Weeden toy steam engine models were all very similar in style, making it difficult to differentiate them. While this engine is similar in style to the Weeden engine no. 1, it is probably Weeden engine no. 3 as evidenced by the taller firebox and boiler when compared to the two previous models. The vertical toy steam engine consists of a firebox, boiler, and slide valve engine attached to a wheel.
The Weeden Manufacturing Company was founded in New Bedford, Massachusetts by William M. Weeden in the early 1880s, originally producing a variety of tinplate household items. In 1884 it introduced the Weeden No. 1 Steam engine as “a new and great premium for boys” who were subscribers to the Youth’s Companion magazine. Weeden made over a hundred different models of toy steam engines until the company ceased operations in 1952.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
ID Number
MC.328942
catalog number
328942
accession number
278175

Krauss, Mohr & Company Toy Steam Engine

This Krauss, Mohr & Company toy steam engine was made in Germany during the early 20th century. The model consists of a boiler (non-functional, real boiler is dome on top), steam whistle, and two 5-inch flywheels.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This Krauss, Mohr & Company toy steam engine was made in Germany during the early 20th century. The model consists of a boiler (non-functional, real boiler is dome on top), steam whistle, and two 5-inch flywheels.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
ID Number
MC.328989
catalog number
328989
accession number
278175

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