These books and toys reveal how generations of children learned about nature, practised kindness, encountered fantasy, heard stories through new media and discovered a universe far beyond their own rooms.
The history of childhood
Stories that raised generations
The objects in this room span more than a century. Some were intended to teach obedience, faith, courage or citizenship. Others invited children into imaginary worlds, introduced the lives of animals, preserved Canadian voices or made scientific discovery feel personal. Together they show that childhood is not a fixed idea. Each generation has imagined it differently.
Physical exhibition location
Visit at the Zoe Vallé Memorial Library
This exhibition is displayed at the library, not at Station Antiques.
The library is approximately one kilometre—or a three-minute drive—from Station Antiques. Use the map, scan the QR code, or open turn-by-turn directions.
Zoe Vallé Memorial Library63 Regent Street
Chester, Nova Scotia · B0J 1J0
Station Antiques to the library · approximately 3 minutes by car
Scan for directionsUse your phone camera, or select this panel to open the route.Selected dates
A century of reading and wonder
Dates refer to the editions represented in the room. Select a title to move directly to its catalogue entry.
Digital exhibition catalogue