The Toymaker
By Susan Bromley
Brandon Twp.- Harold Dean makes toys.
The 70-year-old retired welder stands in his workshop, next to a bench and shows works in progress’an airplane, a tractor, a race car, and several trucks. Inside his home are more finished toys, including trains, more trucks and cars, and games.
His toys are not electronic, and don’t have a lot of bells and whistles or numerous parts to them. They are wood toys, made by hand, and they harken back to a simpler time.
‘These wooden toys still have a place,? says Dean. ‘These toys challenge the imagination.?
Dean began making toys five years ago. He has drawn patterns for his toys and gets ideas from his computer before going to his workshop and using saws and sanders to make the toys.
When he started, he gave the toys to neighborhood children. This year, he began giving the toys to Shriners Hospitals, which offers free medical care to children. He estimates he has made 300-400 toys since he began his ‘hobby.?
‘These toys are for kids in the hospital,? explains Dean, who is a member of the Woodworking Club, as well as a member of the Masons. ‘I make toys, games and anything I can think of to help kids pass the time.?
Dean says the Shriners give his toys to sick children traveling by bus to Shriners Hospitals in Pennsylvania, Chicago, or the burn unit at a hospital in Cincinnati.
Lumber yards donate scrap lumber to Dean and merchants have given him discounts and gift cards for paint and other supplies.
Dean no longer paints most toys because of the effect it has on his emphysema, but he plans to continue creating wood toys as long as his health permits.
‘If it makes one little kid happy, it’s all worthwhile,? he said. ‘Toy store toys are fine, but they are short-lived. These toys will last them the rest of their lives if they take care of them.?