“Yesteryear: Dolls and Toys” is an extra special, museum-quality exhibit at the Shaw House in Southern Pines on Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

In fact, this exhibit is so special that most of these children’s toys and dolls, made before 1950 and loaned to the Moore County Historical Association by their private owners, haven’t been displayed anywhere else.

A surprise treat is the newly announced donation of a farmhouse-style dollhouse as a prize to be given away at a drawing in November 2013.

The house is fully furnished, about three by two-and-a-half feet.

Such authentic touches as a piano music box, fireplace rugs and other miniaturist features and furnishings make this a great prize for a lucky child or collector of any age.

Tickets for a chance at the prize will be sold for $3 each, or two tickets for $5.

Meanwhile, back at Palustris, on March 23 juvenile historical fiction author and storyteller Nancy Brewer, of Charlotte, will be inside the Garner House, telling stories from her books at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Pinebluff collector Jim Jones also has kindly loaned MCHA some of his collection of boys’ toys and games from the 1940s; many World War II items are made from wood, cardboard, and a composition of sawdust and glue because all the metal and rubber ordinarily used were going to the war effort. There will be an electric train and other toy trains.

Admission is $5 each, children 12 and under admitted free. For more details, call 692-2051 or visit the website www.moore

history.com.

Sara Lindau

Moore County Historical Association