Visitors can see marble jewelry and original packaging from the 1930s while learning about varying types of marbles — including “taws,” “aggies,” “onion skins,” “peewees,” and “grandfathers” — and games to be played with them. There are multiple games to be played with marbles, but all of these games are called ‘marbles,’ and anyone who plays these games are called a “mibster.”
The display, which is called “It’s a Marbelous Life,” was donated by Larry and Cathy Svacina of Kansas City, both known for their extensive involvement in the world of marbles. Mefford said that thousands of marbles are in the collection, all coming from the Svacinas.
Cathy Svacina, also known as the “Marble Lady,” has traveled around the world to tell people about marbles. She wrote the book “Knuckles Down! A Fun Guide to Marble Play,” while also advocating for social good through marbles with her “The Kindness Marble” and “Shoot Marbles not Drugs” programs.
She works with Alzheimer’s patients by using marbles, because many patients remember playing with them as children.
The number of marbles will allow EnterTRAINment Junction to change the display constantly, said Mefford, who mentioned plans of making kinetic structures with their marbles. The display does not use all of the donated marbles, as they have many of them in storage.
Visitors can visit 7379 Squire Court in West Chester to see this display and others between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon through 6 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $9.95 per person.
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