When you pass by the curio cabinet at the Galesburg Public Library, you might see toys, dolls, or lunchboxes. But for Walter Treash, those objects are so much more—they're memories, lifelines, and little sparks of joy he now gets to share with others.
A Connection to Humanity
Walter's love of collecting began in 1978 with Star Wars action figures. For him, toys weren't just playthings; they were companions during a time when he felt isolated growing up in a rural town. "They were my connection to humanity," Walter recalls. "They saved my life."
That bond never left him. As an adult, Walter kept collecting—dolls, action figures, and characters filled with personality and imagination. Over the years, he's shared those collections with the community through the library's curio cabinet: Scooby-Doo, Monster High, vintage lunchboxes, and even Peanuts Christmas treasures. Each display has become an invitation for others to pause, smile, and remember.
For Walter, the joy comes in seeing those sparks of recognition:
"Oh, I had this!"
"My brother never let me play with it."
"I always wanted one of these."
Those moments remind us that toys carry more than plastic and paint—they carry the weight of childhood, of memories tied to people and places we love. As Walter puts it, "It's like a scent. It brings back a core memory. Their eyes light up, and suddenly the child inside is alive again."
This Month's Display
This month, Walter is bringing that spark back once more with a seasonal favorite: his Munsters and Addams Family collection. Perfectly timed for autumn, the display blends nostalgia, humor, and a touch of spooky fun—reminding us that the things we once held dear can still bring joy today.
Come see Walter's Munsters and Addams Family collection on display in the Galesburg Public Library curio cabinet this October—and maybe rediscover a piece of your own story along the way.
