Allen Wood Toy Products

Submitted by Ashleigh Picard - Tourism Ambassador

There is probably a good chance you grew up playing with a set of Tinker Toys. The wood circles and sticks are an icon in most Fenelon Falls childhood memories, as Tinker Toys were made right here in the Jewel of the Kawarthas. During the ’50s and ’60s, Allen Wood Products Ltd. operated near the waterfront, creating a variety of wooden toys including bowling, croquet, ring toss and the iconic Tinker Toys. Originally known as Allen’s Canadian Toy Builder, they would later gain a license to manufacture them as Tinker Toys. These wooden toys were sold in Sears and Eaton’s stores too. Allen Wood Products during its prime was the largest employer in Fenelon Falls and many residents here can probably make a personal connection to the company either by working there themselves or knowing someone who did. Allen Wood Products became primarily a toy factory and thrived into the seventies. Sadly as plastic toys became all the rage amongst children, wooden toys were forgotten. Allen Wood Products are a part of Fenelon’s history even though they have not been in business for nearly half a century. Maryboro Lodge - The Fenelon Museum has a beautiful collection of Tinker Toys so the memories can live on.