My favorite toy during my childhood was one piece in a collection of 150 (estimate) similar items. I still have this collection but, along with other keepsakes, it’s been packed and stored for decades.
Because this toy isn’t available for me to take a picture of it,
I went to the website that made this toy: BreyerHorses.com.
This is Diablo, the buckskin mustang model horse. He is Breyer mold #87. He was released in 1961 and his mold was made through 1986.
I was six years old in 1961. The
first model horse I received was a birthday gift, but I don’t remember which
horse it was. I do, however, remember when I bought Diablo.
It was the summer of 1964. My favorite singer, Marty Robbins,
had released a new song in May: The Cowboy in the Continental Suit.
The local radio station (KFTM) was giving the song a lot of airtime. I waited
eagerly every morning before school as I ate breakfast for the radio to
play the song. If you’re not familiar with this classic country song, listen to
this video or look up the lyrics, because they relate to this model horse.
If this video doesn't show on your device, this is the url: https://youtu.be/ftetdzHNtgI
B & B Western Wear, a western
clothing store where I lived (Fort Morgan, Colorado), sold Mattel and Breyer
model horses. Most of my model horse collection came from this store. By chance
or coincidence, that summer, the store owners displayed a new model horse in
the front window—a semi-rearing buckskin.
One look at that mustang, and I knew he was “The Brute” from
Marty Robbins’ song. I spent my own money to buy Diablo. He and I went on many
adventures together.
As an aside, if you’re wondering what a continental suit looks
like, here is a picture of the actor Cary Grant c. 1960 wearing a continental
suit.
What was your ONE favorite toy when you were a kid?
Until next
time,
Kaye
Spencer
writing
through history one romance upon a time
www.kayespencer.com
Images: fotolia, Breyer website, Pinterest
