Ken McGee Automotive Literature
442 MacEwan Street N7A 4C7 Goderich, ON, Canada

TOY OF THE WEEK During the early 1950's and into the 60's, Japan was a major producer of children's metal friction powered toys. Both the US and Canada made higher end, more expensive toys but for many families, the wide inexpensive range offered by the Japanese manufacturers, provided good value. Shown here is a typical 1950's toy friction dump truck. When pushed, the friction motor propels the truck a few feet.... The dump box lifts and operating tailgate allow contents to be emptied. In good condition, you are invited to visit the Goderich location and see this truck, priced at $150.00 You are also welcome to see more toys like this at the online store; http://www.ebaystores.ca/kenmcgeeautoliterature

TOY of the WEEK! Marx Toy Company was one of the most popular and most successful of its' type. Started in the early 1900's, it provided mainly American children with amusement thru both world wars and continued well into the late 70's and early 80's.... They began making toys from "tin plate" hence the term "tin toys" who's moniker even carried into the years where toys were actually made from pressed steel. However, the toy shown here is a product from the 30's and is made from tin plate, bend into the desired shape. It features a typical Marx spring and gear mechanism connected to rear wheels which power this vintage racer to reasonable speeds. The finish is lithographed - basically a form of printing on metal - and the toy retains much of the colour and vibrancy from its origins. This toy and many like it can be found in our brick and mortar store in Goderich, ON. Goderich features many attractions for the visitor and should you be in the area, you owe it to yourself to drop in and see the largest collection of vintage toy and automotive literature to be found anywhere. Shop online at; http://www.ebaystores.ca/kenmcgeeautoliterature Thanks for stopping in.

TOY of the WEEK As young children, many "Baby Boomers" played with Japanese friction toys. After WW II, Japan had several companies making "tin" lithographed friction powered toys, aimed at the US market. ... In part, this move was designed to help ease tensions between the two countries; it proved to be a lucrative move. Tin toy production continued thru the 50's into the 60's but production dropped as toy safety became an issue with the public and in response, manufacturers switched to plastic toys. Metal friction toy production stopped immediately. The incredible toy shown here looks as if it were just removed from its box. The Continental Trailways Bus is in excellent condition with working friction motor and has an absolutely gorgeous lithographed color. This toy is but one of many we have on display and for sale at both the Goderich store and online at; http://www.ebaystores.ca/kenmcgeeautoliterature With the later summer and cooler fall weather, it's very easy to make Goderich a destination, explore the shore and shopping and of course you are welcome to browse the huge stock in this one-of-a-kind store; auto literature, automobilia, toys and full scale vintage collector cars - all here to see and of course purchase. Enjoy!

TOY of the WEEK: Wyandotte Toys was a major producer of children's toys from the 20's and 30's into the 60's and early 70's. The fine item shown this week is a Plow/Scoop Truck produced in the 50's by Wyandotte. All metal construction and in very good original condition.... Its lovely appearance was produced by a process known as lithography, a process dating back many hundreds of years.. Ink was placed on a plate and then the inked plate was pressed on the steel before the steel was formed into a toy. Metal toys continued into the late 60's and early 70's and were replaced by plastic toys, deemed safer for children. Priced at $150.00, this toy is but one of several hundred metal vintage toys available at Ken McGee's Autoliterature and Collectibles. Visit us online or please drop into the Goderich Ontario location to see more items, similar to what is shown here. http://www.ebaystores.ca/kenmcgeeautoliterature

TOY of the WEEK When it comes to children's toys, the first thing that doesn't come to mind is "cast iron". As toys evolved from hand carved wooden ones, metal became the next logical choice. Early toys were first made from cast iron.... All cast iron toys, were made with a foundry method called sand casting. The process is called sand casting because the molten iron is poured into molds made from tightly packed sand. ... Most toy master patterns were designed to make several parts at each casting. If the pattern was somehow disfigured or broken, a new mold would be required thus cast iron toys were both expensive and not available to all children. Shown here is a vintage cast iron "racer" from the 1920's. It was formed then assembled from two mating halves, then riveted together. In addition to be a low production item, despite its' heavy weight, cast iron is brittle and many toys did not survive. Cast iron toys are therefore a very treasured items for collectors. Several more toys like the one shown here are available either from the online location or at the Goderich store. http://www.ebaystores.ca/kenmcgeeautoliterature Enjoy a fall tour of Goderich and feel free to visit and browse Ken McKee Autoliterature!

TOY of the WEEK As young children, many "Baby Boomers" played with Japanese friction toys. After WW II, Japan had several companies making "tin" lithographed friction powered toys, aimed at the US market. ... In part, this move was designed to help ease tensions between the two countries; it proved to be a lucrative move. Tin toy production continued thru the 50's into the 60's but production dropped as toy safety became an issue with the public and in response, manufacturers switched to plastic toys. Metal friction toy production stopped immediately. The incredible toy shown here looks as if it were just removed from its box. The Continental Trailways Bus is in excellent condition with working friction motor and has an absolutely gorgeous lithographed color. This toy is but one of many we have on display and for sale at both the Goderich store and online at; http://www.ebaystores.ca/kenmcgeeautoliterature With the later summer and cooler fall weather, it's very easy to make Goderich a destination, explore the shore and shopping and of course you are welcome to browse the huge stock in this one-of-a-kind store; auto literature, automobilia, toys and full scale vintage collector cars - all here to see and of course purchase. Enjoy!

TOY of the WEEK - A Hot Rod There are various theories about the origin of the term "hot rod". The common theme is that "hot" related to "hotting up" a car, which means modifying it for greater performance. One theory is that "rod" means roadster, a lightweight 2-door car which was often used as the basis for early hot rods. Another theory is that "rod" refers to camshaft, a part of the engine which was often upgraded in order to increase power output. One thing is not up for... discussion - a true hot rod has to be a car or truck from the 30's thru the 50's. This weeks toy is a hot rod. Originally a 1930's pressed metal Girard Coupe it has been modified with dual exhausts, a satin black exterior colour, and custom wheels. It looks as smart as a full scale hot rod would look. What a cool and unusual toy to have in a collection. McGee Autoliterature has this and many more toys and automobile collectibles at the Goderich location. Visit us here in Goderich or online at http://www.ebaystores.ca/kenmcgeeautoliterature Thanks for looking at our Facebook page!

TOY of the WEEK: For many Canadians born after World War II, the wide range of pressed steel toy trucks known as Lincoln Toys were an important part of childhood. Lincoln Toys produced some of the best known and most commonly seen Canadian toys but unfortunately went out of business in the late 1950's. As kids, many enjoyed the fantasy of rescuing a "wrecked vehicle" using a tow truck, just like the one pictured here.... Either pulling the tow hook directly from the bed or reeling it using the hand crank, all this was a huge part of the rescue fun. The truck shown here has a fully functioning tow assembly and looks great doing the job. Plan a road trip and spend some time in an attractively decorated, "One of a Kind" store in Goderich, ON and relive your childhood looking at all of the toys. Better yet, after browsing why not take one home with you, like the toy shown here - you will love it! Don't see what you like? New toys are arriving all the time so periodically check out the online store at .... http://www.ebaystores.ca/kenmcgeeautoliterature

TOY of the WEEK: Are you able to go back a few years to remember milk being delivered to your home by a milkman driving a dairy truck? Can you travel even further back and recall milk being delivered by a horse drawn wagon? As kids on our bikes, we always tried to run over the "hockey pucks" dropped by horses. And we were especially grossed out when they relieved themselves in a huge yellow torrent. Often if was in front of your own house! This weeks' toy hearkens back to th...ose days....an all metal toy driven by a powerful hand wound spring.Rear wheels move the device forward and it certainly is able to recall that time in history, thankfully with out the familiar odors! With a few weeks still remaining in the summer of 2019, why not take a road trip to Goderich and check out this and other toys of yesteryear at Ken McGee Autoliterature. It's a one of a kind store and reason alone to make a trip to Canada's Prettiest Town. Or, see us online at http://www.ebaystores.ca/kenmcgeeautoliterature. Enjoy the remaining time of summer!

TOY of the WEEK Even though its nowhere near Christmas, wouldn't your young granddaughter or grandson just go crazy with delight to find this toy under the tree this Christmas? Its a very realistic model train that is designed to be ridden by a small child. The toy features a steering handle that the child can negotiate directions when moving it long with their legs and feet. In addition, a long red handle when moved forward, makes a sound that is similar to an old steam-trai...n engine. This device is powered by rechargeable batteries. A small pull cord attached to a bell, sounds bigger than it looks. Not only is this a highly attractive toy, it is fully functional. See this toy and more like it at the online store.... http://www.ebaystores.ca/kenmcgeeautoliterature Alternatively, feel free to drop into the Goderich store and ask for a demo...but you will have to supply the small child.

TOY OF THE WEEK Wyandotte Toys out of Michigan, was a very large producer of children's toys in the 30's thru the late 50's. These items were well built and desirable. As a testament to their longevity, many very good examples can be found today. The feature toy is a small (6") model of a late 30's fuel delivery truck. In addition, it is also a bank. A key was required to unlock a concealed lever which prevented easily removing the treasure contained inside! Our store has sev...eral excellent Wyandotte toys ranging in size and price. This particular one retails for $100.00. Make Goderich a destination this summer, visit the shops on the Square, the boardwalk bordering Lake Huron and while you're visiting, feel free to drop into Ken McGee's Auto Literature store! Thanks for reading this and enjoy the remainder of summer.

Thousands gathered to see Ryan O’Reilly and the Stanley Cup in a parade of convertibles today. Transportation during the Goderich parade was courtesy of Ken McGee and his 1959 Cadillac.

TOY of the WEEK: A very common toy found in the toy box of many kid's from the late 50's into the '60's was this friction powered U.S. Army Jeep, most often made in Japan. Friction power was the successor to wind-up toys from the 40's and 50's. Many variations of toys were produced. Images were applied to the metal of the toy before it was pressed into shape using a process of lithography. Recognizable on these toys was the metal "tabs" that were folded into position by the... factory, holding the toy together. It was a favourite occupation by some kids to bend open the tabs and "see what lay inside" this friction powered device. At only $25, this toy is well priced and is a great entry piece to begin collecting vintage toys. See this item and more in our Goderich location or online at; http://www.ebaystores.ca/kenmcgeeautoliterature

TOY OF THE WEEK - June 19/19 A professional restoration has been performed on this week's toy. In the 40's many toys were manufactured with steel wheels, the same material used in their overall construction. This Wyandotte Dump Truck has attractive yellow steel wheels, matching grill, black undercarriage, red "shark nose" cab and blue dumper body. Four different colours in a toy was considered rare, due to the extra time and money required. With operating dump mechanism this ...toy is gorgeous and would look great in a vintage toy collection. Selling for only $200, its a great toy to start a collection with. See this and more at our Goderich Ontario location or online at: http://www.ebaystores.ca/kenmcgeeautoliterature

TOY OF THE WEEK During the early 1950's and into the 60's, Japan was a major producer of children's metal friction powered toys. Both the US and Canada made higher end, more expensive toys but for many families, the wide inexpensive range offered by the Japanese manufacturers, provided good value. Shown here is a typical 1950's toy friction dump truck. When pushed, the friction motor propels the truck a few feet.... The dump box lifts and operating tailgate allow contents to be emptied. In good condition, you are invited to visit the Goderich location and see this truck, priced at $150.00 You are also welcome to see more toys like this at the online store; http://www.ebaystores.ca/kenmcgeeautoliterature