Antique Toy Truck & Toy Museum, Stanton, MO (Smith Miller, Tonka Toys, Wyandotte, etc.).

Sorry for the shaky video here. My video camera was on its "last legs" and this is the only recording I have of this Missouri U.S. 66 tourist stop.
The is video, recorded on June 18, 2007, of what use to be the Antique Toy Museum at exit 230 along Interstate 44 at Stanton, Missouri (also the same exit for the historic Meramec Caverns). It was owned and operated by Bruce Barnes (passed away on February 23, 2018, age 81) who himself was a major collector of toy trucks and toy construction equipment. Consequently, much of the museum consisted of these types of antique toys though there were still a fair number of other toys such as motorcycles, trains, kids' games, farm toys and dolls (museum claimed to have an over 1,000-piece doll collection). Interesting note, the museum building itself appears to have been a Stuckey's Pecan and Gift "Shoppe" at one time.
Many of these toy trucks, construction equipment toys and other play vehicles were manufactured by long gone toy manufacturers such as Smith Miller, Buddy "L", Structo, Nylant and Steelcraft. A large amount of Tonka toy trucks, bulldozers, graders, etc., also made up a good portion of the collection.
This museum even had a few real vintage Mack trucks on display mostly from the 1950's (in fact, part of the museum was located in an old semi-trailer).
The museum closed sometime, I believe, around 2009. Some of the items seen in this video were sold off to fellow toy collectors. During my last visit, by permission of Mr. Barnes in 2011, the museum was for sale with much of the collection still intact. As of April 2022, the building still remains closed and unused.
And yes, I did have that semi-trailer Tonka Tanker as a kid (in fact I still have it in somewhat rough, played condition). Got it as a Christmas gift in December 1962 from my grandmother and grandfather.

[@saturnsongs]

The owner sold me that Smith-Miller Hook and Ladder Fire Truck at 2:04. Very proud to own a part of this collection.

[@TheChoochooboy99]

I remember stopping here on a trip to St. Louis back in 1986. What a place for a nine year old kid. For a while I thought they had just moved the collection to Branson where the worlds largest toy museum is, but sadly I was mistaken.

[@justpassinthruonR66]

I have a huge bunch of photos taken back before the place was sold. As I toured the displays, I happily hummed while looking at toys of my childhood. Bruce must have seen (and heard) me and greeted me in person. I spent a long time with hime discussing his toys and memories of mine. I hope he is well and am sad the museum is gone. Paul Jordan Canada

[@WAL_DC-6B]

Thanks for your comment regarding the museum and meeting Bruce Barnes. You could really talk up a storm with Bruce reminiscing about yours and his toys from earlier days of childhood … especially if they were toy trucks! I certainly did a few times with him. Sadly, Bruce passed away on February 23, 2018 at age 81.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man! I went there in the early 90s what a gold mine that place was! The owner was very friendly! Last year I drove through there on my way to Arizona, and found out by accident that it was closed :-( I've been a collector my self for over 35 years, but I never reached of have gotten close to this collection. Sad to see it gone now! Thanks for sharing.

[@saturnsongs]

A few years back the owner Bruce Barnes gave me a private showing (second time I was there) and we spent all afternoon talking toy trucks. I too collect pressed steel toy trucks and Bruce was kind enough to sell me some real good ones. Thanks again Bruce

[@frederickgiordani6717]

I bought all the good Nylint trucks he had after he closed down they are worth a lot now

[@saturnsongs]

That dump truck featured at 4:46 is an early Eska, with a Smitty cab on it. Bruce built another one with a GMC General cab on it. Two really desirable custom made trucks.

[@WAL_DC-6B]

Thanks for your comment! Bruce basically took the Smith Miller, L Mack truck cab and attached it to the Eska (later Ertl) Payhauler chassis with dump body. He told me he actually packed the truck and sent it to Ertl to try to convince the company to produce his idea. Ertl sent it back with a letter of much appreciation, but, as you and I know, they never got around to making it. Yeah, I have to admit, it is a nice looking combination as I'm sure the Smitty "GMC" was too.

[@saturnsongs]

I purchased one of his Eska Payhaulers from him a few years back. Since then I upgraded to another one that is in quite excellent condition. I have always been on the lookout for another one to use for the parts to build the Barnes edition. You really have to see that truck up close and personnel to appreciate it.

[@saturnsongs]

He also told me that the Eska truck was only built one year (1961 or 62), and that the only way to acquire one was to be a toy dealer back in those days. They were not sold to the general public.

[@14GT5.0]

I picked up the Smith Miller Mayflower myself got a good deal on it couldn't pass it up 👍🇺🇸

[@ramonortiz7462]

Dudes whizzing by the antique cast iron toys which are the ABSOLUTE oldest and Best of all antique and vintage toys!!

[@WAL_DC-6B]

I ("Dudes") obviously never cared much for cast iron toys!

[@ramonortiz7462]

@@WAL_DC-6B Why!!? If you seen my Hubley red crash car with all original pieces or my Pratt and Letchworth firepumper I bet youd change your tune! I l also love pressed steel and may acquire a Buddly L bus like the one in video .

[@WAL_DC-6B]

@@ramonortiz7462 I've always been one who's appreciated nicely detailed old or antique toy vehicles. This includes Dinky Toys, Matchbox toys, Smith Miller trucks and so forth. Also, cast iron toys were pretty much long gone when I was born in the late 1950s, so I've never had any association with them. I guess it comes down to personal taste regarding these vintage vehicular toys. Thanks for your comments!

[@kylemorice4870]

He used to have a old 60s international Emeryville outside an I know that old b model mack I've seen outside too. There's a old 66 business in cuba that luckily didn't bite the dust shellys route 66 cafe is still going to this day an I'm a regular there. The old circle n restaurant I regret to say went out of business the old man that owned it died in his sleep I believe in 2010 or 2011 an his sons took over but I think last year it fell on the courthouse steps and is permanately closed now. Glad to see this video cause I've wanted to go in here but never did get to same with the Jesse James was museum.

[@andymaisonneuve2253]

Would be awfully nice if you got a descent camera and a new cameraman to show such a fantastic display the way we could see it.

[@WAL_DC-6B]

Indeed, it "would be awfully nice." Just one problem and that is this display of toys closed about 2009 and the contents were auctioned off. It is to be hoped that someone else uploads to KZbin a similar video made at the Toy Museum.

[@Oldcarnut63]

Any other good museums around like this one ??

[@WAL_DC-6B]

Unfortunately, none that I'm aware of relating to vintage toy trucks/construction equipment such as this one was.

[@daveaitken]

The toys are gone now. In other toy collections. A large amount went to an auction and some to individuals. The owner kept at large collection for his own. The building has been purchased by the Jesse James Museum/ Meramec caverns corporation. americascave.com

[@WAL_DC-6B]

+dave aitken Sorry to hear the Toy Museum is no more! Thanks for the update regarding the fate of the toy collection and the building itself.

[@WAL_DC-6B]

It still remains vacant as of October, 2017.

[@alfonsopreciado6016]

I'M RESTAURATION. MANY TONKA TOYS AT HOME &I HAVE 100 TONKA TOYS TODAY MIGTHYS & MINIS CONGRATULATIONS

[@cyberfrank-bx2nv]

wow, these look so good, just like candy! too bad for the footage quality.

[@WAL_DC-6B]

Yeah, admittedly the footage really sucks.

[@cyberfrank-bx2nv]

@@WAL_DC-6B well, you tried, it s just sad, especially that I read the museum is closed.

[@alfonsopreciado6016]

GOOD CHOISE BUT CAN YOU EXPLANDME WHAT I'WHATCHING

[@WAL_DC-6B]

You're looking at what use to be a toy museum at Stanton, MO.

[@creepyguyfromdownthestreet6290]

Could I buy this stuff

[@WAL_DC-6B]

Last I heard (three years ago), the entire museum and its contents was up for sale. Assuming the place is still for sale, then yes, you could buy this stuff.

[@creepyguyfromdownthestreet6290]

Yay thank you

[@anthonys4159]

my god, this video is barely watchable.

[@WAL_DC-6B]

I agree! But, the thumbs ups so far outnumber the thumbs downs. It is to be hoped someone who has video of this toy museum uploads a better version sometime in the near future.