Cyclops Toy Factory - our new digs

It's true, Shelbyville has relocated, and the new digs are quite befitting for a girl who loves her vintage games and toys as much as I do.

After yesterday's exhausting 8-hour move (starting at 6am no less!!), we now find ourselves setting up home in yet another converted warehouse space - this time it's the old Cyclops Toy Factory! 

A piece of genuine Australian heritage, Cyclops were the makers of tricycles, pedal cars, dolls prams, and other wheeled and tin toys since 1913, although their heyday was undoubtably in the 1950s and 60s. Loving things of retro vintage, this prompted me to do a little searching around for some piccies and such.

 

^ The Lightning Car!

 

^ The Senior Pedal Pusher

 

^ Pedal car held in the National Museum of Australia's collection

 

^ The iconic 50s pedal car, commemorated in a series of Aus Post stamps based on vintage toys.

 

 

^ A 1970s catalogue showing Cyclops's range of toys.

 

^ an old Cyclops advertising poster - a framed postcard-sized copy of this poster hangs just inside our front door.

 

^ And sweet tricycle memories from the lovely Floresita, the cute little girl on the right who's out riding the streets with her big brother.
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Upon entering our apartment, there's also a framed collection of historic black & white images of the old Cyclops factory building and its workers assembling the toys:

 

As I type this, I am currently sitting by that third window from the left...!

I'm hoping to do more research about both the building and the toys, with a little help from the library. The few bits and pieces I've come across on the interweb have intrigued me enough to dig a little further. There's something really nice about living in a building steeped with history, and finding out about some if its stories.
:)

But anyway, I better head off now so I can continue with the overwhelmingly huge task of unpacking and turning this place into a home... wish me luck.

Comments

[Georgi]

So when can I book in for a visit?
That is amazing Shell. So you! Wouldn't you love to have some of those old catlogues for real? I feel some wrapping paper sketches coming on. X

[Alisa]

Fab post Michelle! Look at that cutie pie poster! Ooooh I've green with envy!! : )

[katiecrackernuts]

Wow, so it's residential? How fantastic that it wasn't pulled down to make way for something new. That's an architectural feat in itself. What a sweet place to live.

[Simply Phoebe]

wowowowowow! So jealous. You could have so much fun with this theme when decorating, specially with your knack for great vintage finds.

[Tom Caldwell]

Thanks for your information on the Cyclops Toy company. I have just completed a restoration of a 60 year old Cyclops toy pram. Looks like one of those illustrated in the catalogue on your blog.
Unfortunately the transfer-logo was almost gone and could not be saved. I would like to replicate it if possible. All that was left is the word "Toys" underneath a standing figure who might well have been 'cyclops'.

Sorry to bother you but if you have any way of directing me to a reliable illustration of the logo it would be appreciated.

Tom Caldwell
Coffs Harbour

[Dave Owen]

Is it possible to obtain Cyclops tricycle badges/stickers?

[Kylie]

I have just broken my daughter's vintage cyclops tricycle and was looking for a supplier to fix the wheel and came across your post. Very interesting. I just wish finding someone to fix the wheel was easier.

[jemma]

i too am looking for a replacement plastic spoked wheel with pale blue hub cap for a vintage cyclops dolly stroller i picked up today. very fascinating to live in an old toy factory wow!