Less fortunate children benefit from toy contest

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(Linda Moody photo)

ANSONIA- Scott Phillips of The American Woodshop televised in neighboring Miami County, returned once again Saturday to judge the annual Wooden Toy Contest at the Ansonia Lumber Co. in its 31st year of  making another Christmas a fun time for lots of area children.

All of the toys are made by local woodworkers who entered the competition each year, this year going to Gateway Youth Programs Adopt-A-Kid in  Ansonia Lumber Company’s “Help Us Make Christmas Little Brighter for Less Fortunate Children” campaign.

Fourteen adults and three youths brought in a variety of toys sure to make a lot of children happy.

In addition, the Lumber Company also honored long-time contestant Harry Niswonger by celebrating his 100th birthday. And, it was Niswonger who won first place in the adult division with his tanker truck.

Other winners in the adult division were John Burnett, second, with his zoo wagon; Ken Pence, third with a marble game; Cathy Liening, fourth with her checkers train village; and fifth Greg Myers for a semi-tractor.

(Linda Moody photo)

Winners in the youth competition were Jonathan Shepherd, first with a stockade fort; his brother Ben Shepherd with an aircraft carrier; and third to Owen and Gavin Frey for a ring toss.

Judging was based on style, originality and quality.

Mitch McCabe, organizer for this annual event, said there were 20 adult entries and five youth entries this year.

The wooden projects included miniature farm equipment, a shadow barn and duck; a white barn and animals in a corral, a dominos game, a couple of rocking horses and a trolley.

For his first-place win, Niswonger received an engraved Case knife and a $75 gift certificate.

All of the entrants once again received some lumber donated by Miller Lumber in Union City, Ind.

An article on Niswonger was featured in Monday’s Life’s Reflections column on My County Link.

McCabe said he organized the toy contest 36 years ago while working at another lumber company.

“I wanted to showcase some of the talents,” he said. “And, it’s a good way to donate gifts to children.”

“I’m inspired every year,” said Phillips. “That’s what it’s about. Create them and give them away. I admire the little details that are put into the  toys.”

He admitted to getting goosebumps when he sees something he likes at these events.