Vintage toy exhibit at Alle-Kiski Valley History Center in Tarentum looks back through the decades

A Tyco train set and official White House tree ornaments are among vintage holiday items on display at the Alle-Kiski History Center in Tarentum.

The exhibit takes people on a sentimental walk through the decades, with offerings from the 1920s to the present day.

“People have left us toys and dolls, and we have a nice little collection,” said Bob Sauro, vice president of the history center.

“Classic Christmas” also features a number of old-fashioned Christmas trees. Regular museum hours are noon to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. However, it’s closed Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The event runs through Monday, Jan. 9.

Visitors to the museum will be wowed by the nostalgic display, according to volunteers from the nonprofit Alle-Kiski Historical Society who run the facility.

There are toys scattered throughout the center, including metal die-cast cars from the 1950s and blow molds from the 1960s that light up like angels.

A Christmas tree decorated with official White House Christmas ornaments is a must-see. There are about three decades worth of baubles from the nation’s Capitol.

Sauro, a New Kensington resident and retired teacher from the New Kensington-Arnold School District, said the vintage display is an early peek at some of the unique events that volunteers are planning next year.

A movie night is on tap, along with concerts and other affairs that would draw people of all ages.

Earlier this fall, the historical society joined with the Tarentum Eagles to host a speakeasy where guests, dressed in 1920s garb, danced the night away.

“We plan to meet in January and come up with a whole year of activities,” Sauro said.

“I like that people are starting to notice the museum. I’m excited to see people coming in that live down the block and have never been here.”

Housed in a 1931 art deco building, the museum at 224 E. Seventh Ave. originally served as American Legion Post 85.

History and architecture are equally on display now.

The ballroom is covered with cobalt blue glass walls donated by PPG; aluminum from Alcoa was used in the railings and door handles. There are collections from Allegheny Ludlum and Penn Salt Manufacturing, among other companies that helped build the area.

“The building, itself, is so beautiful, even if there were nothing else in it,” Sauro said.

“It is such a wonderful prize for Tarentum and the whole Valley.”

Tours of the museum are available by appointment at 724-224-7666.