Stories of Childhood

It could be a big celebration, but it doesn’t have to be. In this display, we’ve chosen some objects from festive days and one-off events, and others which marked a special time for just one child.

Do you remember going to the shops to buy that toy you desperately wanted? Or visiting a much-loved person or even scoring that amazing goal.

Sindy and Paul Dolls, early 1960s

 

  • Two dolls are displayed, one wearing a striped shirt standing beside an open pink wardrobe filled with clothes. The other doll is dressed in an orange checkered outfit and stands slightly to the right. The background is blurred.
  • Two vintage dolls are shown against a plain background. The left doll has short, dark curly hair, wearing a striped shirt and dark pants. The right doll has short, light curly hair, wearing an orange plaid dress with a bow.

Julie from Kingstone spent hours playing with dolls Sindy and Paul and dressing them in different outfits. On special occasions, she went with mum Florence to Woolworths in Barnsley, or to John Lewis in Leeds to buy accessories and clothes. A real treat!

Advent Calendar, 1985

  • Illustration of children singing from a songbook in a snowy forest. Five kids, dressed in colorful winter clothing, stand near a lamb and a fawn. Snowflakes fall gently, and evergreen trees form a backdrop under a starry night sky.
  • Festive pop-up Christmas scene with children in winter outfits gathered around a nativity display. The backdrop features snowy trees and a starry sky. Animals and presents are visible in the foreground.

A special time of year for many children!

Letter to Santa

A handwritten letter to Santa on festive paper with a Santa illustration at the bottom. The letter requests items such as dolls, games, clothes, and toys. It's signed "with love from Zenna," and there's a drawing of Santa with presents.

Jemma's letter to santa, we hope she got everything she wished for that year!

Schools Millennium Coin Barnsley, 2000

  • A commemorative coin featuring two figures and a detailed crest in the center. The text around the edge reads "SCHOOLS MILLENNIUM 2000 BARNSLEY." The coin is encased in a clear protective cover.
  • A round coin in a clear case features a gold and silver design with silhouettes of two adults and a child. Text around the edge reads, "Pride in our industry. Learning for the future.

Given to Barnsley’s schoolchildren to celebrate the Millennium. The back of the coin reads ‘Pride in our industry. Learning for the future.’

Sports Day Photo, 1960

 

A black and white photo shows a man kneeling beside a young child dressed in a cowboy outfit, complete with a hat.

This photo was taken at a fancy dress gathering for a sports day in Carlton. The boy is dressed as a miner with a helmet, lamp and coal dust on his face. In the background is Carlton ‘muck stack’ which once overlooked Wharncliffe Woodmoor pit and Athersley South.

Pair of Pony Glasses, 1870s

Two green glass tumbler cups featuring white etched silhouettes of a girl holding flowers and a boy holding a stick. The images are surrounded by white decorative foliage near the bottom.

The little boy and girl are in woodland covered with snow. It looks like a special journey. Where do you think they are going?

Christening Gown, 1866

A display case showing a vintage christening gown with intricate embroidery, accompanied by handwritten letters, a children's book, and two green glasses. Various dolls are visible in the background, and wooden flooring is underneath.

An ivory handmade christening gown with cape, worn by four siblings from the Eyre family. Originally made for George
Harry Eyre, born 1886, then worn by Hubert, Rose Ellen and Gladys. In 1909, George and Hubert set up the successful car dealership business Eyre Bros (Barnsley) Ltd on Regent Street. In 1934, George bought a 1902 12hp Napier car with the famous number plate HE 1. He took part in rallies at home and abroad, including the ‘Genevieve’ London to Brighton run.