Made in Montana: Unique to Montana
Developed by an OLLI at MSU volunteer writer
Most people would never guess that the small town of Winifred, MT, in rural Fergus County, is one of the most famous places in the world of toys. Founded in 1913, it primarily exists because it was the final stop on the old Milwaukee Road Train Line and is now home to the world's most extensive collection of Tonka Toy trucks. The Winifred Museum, located in the heart of town, has over 3,000 Tonka trucks on display and is currently open to the public.
Lynn Everett Baker, Avery F. Crounse and Alan F. Tesch founded the Mound Metal Corporation in 1946 in an old schoolhouse in Mound, MN. At the time, its primary business was manufacturing and distributing gardening tools. Eventually, the founders changed their primary business and transitioned into the manufacturing of toys. The company rebranded to Tonka Toys Incorporated in 1955. Interestingly, they borrowed the word "Tanka" from the Dakota Sioux, which translates to "great" or "big" in English. Through mergers and acquisitions, their business exploded, and Tonka Toys became world-renowned. Hasbro acquired the company in 1991. It was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2001.
The collection belongs to long-time resident and Winifred High School graduate John Thompson. He generously offered up his collection of toy trucks for display at the museum. Open most of the summer, and by special request during the off-season, the Winifred Museum has become a must-see attraction for tourists and locals. Why not take a family road trip with the kids or grandkids to view one of Montana's great museum displays?
SOURCES: Wikipedia.org; Onlyinyourstate.com; My103.5.com; Pgpedia.com
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