A Bit of History

I am happy to welcome you to The Wooden Soldier blog. My husband and I started our family owned business, The Wooden Soldier, in 1976. Since then we have had many interesting and rewarding experiences including raising a family, developing a business, and enjoying nature in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I hope you too will find pleasure in my recounting of these tales, as well my continuing thoughts on enjoying times with the ones you love.

In the beginning, our first shop and catalog was run out of an old farmhouse and attached barn that was built around 1876. After my husband and I purchased the building (over forty years ago), we renovated it ourselves, taking care to maintain its original character. To increase the "Old New England" feel, we laid brick pathways, and installed Victorian gas lanterns which illuminate the store fronts and the grassy common. Here we sold traditional wooden toys, fine porcelain dolls, and hand made Christmas ornaments to tourists passing through.

As time progressed, we added children's clothing that matched in style the toys and books we sold. Our wares included such themes as the Beatrice Potter and Paddington Bear series. The new arrival of our two daughters inspired us to expand our selection of children's clothing, as well as our clientele. In 1977, we sent out our first catalog offering heirloom children's clothing, unique Christmas gifts, and ornaments. Over the past 35 years our catalog has expanded, however our small barn store still welcomes customers today. If you are ever in the North Conway, NH area, we invite you to stop by and experience the quaint home of The Wooden Solider. "If you cant get there from here," enjoy our heirloom children's fashions and themed gifts at woodensoldier.com.