Religious toys were common at the turn of the 20th century, probably intending to instill Biblical and Christian behavior. Decoratively painted, this child-size version of Noah’s Ark, is complete with pairs of animals. The play involved marching the bears, kangaroos, and the rest into the ark by the ramp placed at the stern. Perhaps handmade by some lucky child’s father, this toy was donated to Memorial Hall Museum in Deerfield, Massachusetts. It is a charming reminder of the playthings of an earlier time.