Dickinson County Historical Society
ABILENE - The grand reveal of the Farm Toy Museum, one of only two in the country. A tour of Heritage Hall, a new event space for the community. A colorful, large-scale mural celebrating the history of Abilene.
An open house for this trifecta of new, one-of-a-kind attractions at the Heritage Center will be from 1:30 to 5:00 pm on Sunday, October 5 at 412 South Campbell. The event, sponsored by the Dickinson County Historical Society (DCHS), is free to the public and will include live demonstrations, carousel rides, a dedication ceremony, and refreshments, according to DCHS Director Austin Anders.
The Farm Toy Museum features an exceptional collection of John Deere farm equipment toys donated by John and Kathy Gruber of Abilene. Over 1,000 toy tractors, combines, plows and other implements sized 1/64 scale and up will be displayed in a new building on the Heritage Center grounds, thanks to financial contributions from the Grubers, Ron and Margaret Shouse, and the Warren Wilson families.
Framed John Deere posters the Grubers also donated will be displayed in the newly-completed Heritage Hall addition, where the Historical Society plans to hang rotating works of art from its collections. The event venue will accommodate up to 85 people and includes a small kitchen and restrooms.
The multi-use area is available for rent by phoning (785) 263-2681. The addition became a reality because of a number of interested and supportive Abilene area residents who donated time and financial support.
The new, vibrant, large-scale mural captures aspects of Dickinson County’s rich history including the C.W. Parker Carousel Company, the Chisholm Trail and Abilene’s cattle town marshal Wild Bill Hickok, a pioneer cabin, agriculture, and the C.L Brown Telephone Company. It is located on the street-facing exterior of Heritage Hall. The mural was made possible by the Community Foundation of Dickinson County and the Dickinson County Historical Society.