OWASCO - The small replicas at the Ward W. O'Hara Agricultural & Rural Life Museum were more than antique toys, they were a link to the technological advancements achieved in the agricultural industry during the past century.

Roger Manrow, who donated his collection of more than 200 tractors, combines, corn planters and wagons that make up the display, said it gives adults a chance to reminisce about their own experiences while educating younger generations about farming.

Like so many of the visitors who came to see the opening of the exhibit Sunday, Manrow said the replicas hold a special meaning for him because he grew up using some of their full-sized counterparts.

“As some people say, you can take the boy out of the farm, but you can't take the farm out of the boy,” Manrow said. “When I was in second grade I was working with tractors in the field while my father was using the combine. John Deeres were a part of my life.”

Museum Director Tim Quill said several visitors were amazed at the size of the display, which included equipment from the 1960s all the way up to the 1980s and how detailed some of the pieces were. Additional pieces going back to the 1940s may be added later.

Some pieces in the collection come with a gold medallion, which identifies them as real life replicas, accurate down to the smallest chain, belt or axle pin.

As guests toured the exhibit, some adults could be seen telling their children the history behind the green and yellow John Deeres, red Internationals and blue Fordsons and of their own experiences using the equipment.

“We got a lot of people reminiscing saying ‘We use to have that or this,”' Quill said. “There is a lot of nostalgia, and they share their experiences with the children so it becomes very educational for them.”

As he examined a display case filled with John Deere combines, Jordan resident Charles Murray said he was surprised at the pristine condition some of the toys were in.

“I use to have some of these as a kid, and we would play with them until you ruined it, but these were never played with,” Murray said. “It brings back a lot of memories of living on a farm as a kid, so you like to see this stuff.”

With many of the pieces also including their original boxes, which are currently in storage, Manrow said his collection has been appraised at $15,000.

Instead of selling it, Manrow said he wanted to donate it to the community.

“I wanted them to have a clean and dry place to be, and there's no better place than the museum,” he said. “That and I don't have to dust them all off anymore.”

Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net