“Museum Spotlight”

Schoenut Circus figurines, which are on display at the Coryell Museum and Historical Center, were originally donated to the museum by Mrs. James McClellan.

The figurines were first produced in Philadelphia in 1872 by German immigrant Albert Schoenut. His production of circus figurines later expanded to include dolls, dollhouses, blocks, and other wooden toys.

He would later apply for a patent for a clown toy that would later become one of the most popular American toys of all time.

By 1904, the company was producing the Humpty Dumpty Circus in great numbers. The circus, at that time, included the clown, an elephant, a white horse, poodle, and a hobo. The Humpty Dumpty Circus was considered a great hit and a favorite among children across the United States.

Over the years, the company made many other wooden toys, including wooden doll furniture and musical instruments such as saxophones, banjos, push and pull toys, among many others.

The public is invited to drop by and see the Schoenut Circus figurines.

Visitors are welcome to drop by the museum located at 718 E. Main to view the massive spur collection. Coryell Museum and Historical Center is open Wednesday through Saturday, as is the gift shop. Yearly, Coryell Museum memberships are $20 for singles, $30 for families, and $40 for businesses, which includes free admission to the museum, plus four newsletters. Of course, large and small donations are welcome at all times.

Coryell Museum offers area schools and tour groups a delightful, guided tour through the museum with docents at many exhibits. Call the museum at 254-865-5007 to plan a visit.