09/10/2003 - Release at Will

Toy Tastes Turn Back to Family Fun

Turn off the batteries for a while and turn on young minds. This year, a record number of families will have a place in their holiday celebrations for children and the adults they love, to share timeless wooden games–games like Chinese Checkers, Dominoes, or Cribbage, made the old-fashioned way, in the wood shop.

Maple Landmark Woodcraft, a Vermont family business, has found a way to use local resources and do the work they love by making games, toys, and gifts from fine maple, cherry and pine woods and bright, non-toxic stains. Their unique "NameTrains™" and classic games have become toy store favorites.

"Every year, we have more national retailers calling for our line and more phone calls from parents and grandparents. They're looking for authentic toys and learning tools for their children. And they love the toys and games that connect the generations," he said. "My Dad can play the same games with my sons that he played with me. It's something we all can share."

The Maple Landmark toyshop, located in Middlebury, Vermont, is open year-round. Visitors can watch the toys being made by the Rainville family and about 40 craftspeople from the surrounding Champlain Valley.

When I was a teenager making wooden toys in the basement of our Lincoln, Vermont, family home, I didn't know I was starting a toy and gift business that would touch families all over the world," Rainville said. "On our farm, the maple trees were used for sugaring, but I was fascinated with the wood," he said.

Stores that carry Maple Landmark products can be located by calling 1-800-421-4223 or on the Web at www.maplelandmark.com. Or products can be ordered direct.

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