Erector News from the Girders & Gears Archives
Hi folks, Doc here. On this page you'll find a selection of Gilbert Erector-related news items that were featured on this website in years past. Enjoy...
CONSTRUCTION TOY EXHIBIT PHOTOS (2005)
CONSTRUCTION TOYS IN MOTION, a new exhibit which opened at the Museum of American Heritage in Palo Alto, Calif. on Oct. 7, 2005, presents Erector sets and other metal construction toys in new ways that are educational and innovative. It emphasizes unusual and interesting modes of transport and their effects on society, using metal construction set parts as the media for illustrative models. Models include trains, boats, airships and other aircraft, automobiles, trucks and fairground rides. Some of the models, including my own award-winning "Erector Rocket Jets" ride, will be operating (click here for more details on my model). Several models were being custom built for this exhibit, and some are quite large. Click here to read more about the exhibit.
While the exhibit showcases metal construction sets and models from A C. Gilbert, Metalcraft, and others from the U.S.A., sets and models from Marklin (Germany), Meccano (England/France), and others are on display. The exhibit, curated by Charlie and Kim Pack, will appeal to collectors and family members of all ages. The exhibit runs from Oct. 7, 2005 through Jan. 29, 2006. The Museum of American Heritage is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free. The museum is located at 351 Homer Avenue, Palo Alto, Calif. (on the San Francisco peninsula). There is easy access from U.S. 101 or Interstate 280. More information can be obtained from the Museum at (650) 321-1004 or mail@moah.org, or from Charlie Pack at clpack@aol.com.
A.C. GILBERT HERITAGE SOCIETY ANNUAL CONVENTION, JULY 2005
Held in Dayton, Ohio. Many thanks to my pal Larry W. for the photos in the slideshow.
A.C. GILBERT ERECTOR AUCTION - 2005
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in Chicago announced an Erector set auction of the John Drury Collection of A.C. Gilbert Erector Sets and Mysto Magic Sets. This auction featured hundreds of Erector sets, Mysto Magic sets and other Gilbert toys. Many of these items are very rare and all are from the collection of John Drury, one of the most respected and revered television anchormen in the history of Chicago journalism.
Highlighting the auction was a 1932 No. 10 Erector Set with all original parts, a 1928 No. 10 Erector Set, and a 1927, No. 10 Erector Set, among others, Mysto Magic sets, and other Gilbert toys. The auction was held on October 9, 2005 at 122 North Aberdeen Street in Chicago.
ALBUQUERQUE MUSEUM ERECTOR EXHIBIT - 2003
Hi all, Doc here. Girders & Gears reader Bob Galler sent in this photo from his recent visit to a museum in Albuquerque, NM. He was there to see the exhibit called Kid Stuff: Great Toys from our Childhood (Feb. 9, 2003 - May 4, 2003). As he tells it, "...They were having a 3-month exhibit on toys of the last 50 years. I include [this photo] of the Erector exhibit. I could not find out who made or donated the model and made the exhibit boards. It must not have been a local. Probably if I buy the author's book I could get that info. The Ferris wheel looked quite nice, but the drive was modified from the original with some machined pulleys, but otherwise, well you will see. It would be nice to know, me being the only Albuquerque member and as far as I know, no other collectors around."
A.C. GILBERT HERITAGE SOCIETY 11th ANNUAL CONVENTION, AUGUST 2002
Held at Yale University’s Lanman Gymnasium in Payne Whitney Hall, the welcoming party featured a few special guests, including William Harrison, Society founder, and Fred and David Gilbert, grandsons of A.C. Gilbert. David brought the gold-plated Erector Set that A.C. Gilbert received upon his retirement, plus photos of Gilbert. The convention schedule of events included a special Saturday program managed by Robin and John Vanacore at the Gilbert Factory in New Haven. Banquet speakers included Bill Harrison and featured speaker Bill Brown, curator of the Eli Whitney Museum in Hamden, CT.
Models on display in the Sunday show included a lighted Eiffel Tower (1st prize winner) built by the Schiller family, a 6-foot Ferris Wheel built by Bob Hellner (2nd place winner), and a 7-foot Trellis Arch. There was also a display of Erector in action by Mike Kolosseus (winner of the best display) and some very unusual models built by Mike VanValkenburg (most unusual Gilbert item winner) and Patrick Meagher.
A.C. GILBERT HERITAGE SOCIETY 10th ANNUAL CONVENTION, JULY 2001
Hi folks, Doc here. The 10th Annual ACGHS Convention was held on Saturday, July 14 2001 in Carlisle, PA at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center. A record number of people registered for the event. My wife and I hosted our own amusement park-themed Erector World display, including two special models (photos of both models are available in the Model Gallery). My custom model design, the Rocket Jets Ride, won First Place in the Model Building contest, while our display won Second Place in the Display contest. Photos from the convention, the banquet, and the open house and sale at Wagner's are available in a slideshow below.