CANORA — “It’s a trip down memory lane, bringing you back to a simpler time and a happy time.”
After purchasing the museum from the Noble family, Aaron Nagy has renamed it the Canora Toy and Autograph Museum. Canora and area residents are encouraged to make an appointment with Nagy if they would like to tour the museum, but the doors will be open to walk-in traffic in the near future.
When asked what Canora and area residents can expect to see when they come through the doors, Nagy simply said, “It’s a unique collection of history and autographs.”
Nagy was born and raised near Rhein, northeast of Yorkton. As is the case with many Saskatchewan kids, he grew up a Rider fan, and also developed an interest in collecting autographs and in radio, which he later pursued as an adult.
His radio experience included working in Yorkton at GX94, Fox FM and The Rock. Interestingly enough, one of his radio projects gave Nagy the idea to get involved in his new business.
“We did a documentary on this Canora museum, which was called Canada’s Only Toy and Autograph Museum, and I said to the guy I was working with, ‘One day I will own this museum,’ and now I’ve been able to make that happen.”
His previous business experience includes owning “Retrozone,” a retro video game store in Yorkton.
Of course, Nagy’s museum includes an extensive collection of Rider memorabilia. But he also wants to make it clear that he features a wide variety of CFL items, including the archrival Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Rest assured, Nagy will greet all visitors with his trademark cheerful demeanor; adding with a smile, “Even Bomber fans are welcome here.”
CFL items include a bib worn by members of the chain gang during CFL games, whose responsibilities include measuring whether or not enough yardage has been gained for a first down.
The museum also features arguably the most famous photo in Rider history, simply known as “The Kick.” It’s autographed by kicker Dave Ridgeway and holder Glen Suitor and depicts the overtime kick that won the 1989 Grey Cup for the Riders over Hamilton, one of the most exciting games in CFL history.
Nagy’s sports interests also include curling. On May 28, just in time for the opening, he received a cherished item from family friend Gerry Adam, a jacket worn by Adam when he represented Saskatchewan at the Brier on numerous occasions, both as a player and as a coach. One of the highlights for Adam was playing third on the Gerald Shymko foursome that finished third in the 1999 Brier, after a nail-biting extra end loss in the semifinal to the Quebec rink skipped by Guy Hemmings.
The museum also includes extensive collections of memorabilia featuring entertainers. When pressed, Nagy admitted Gordon Lightfoot and John Candy are probably his favourites. The Candy photo is taken from his animated TV Show Camp Candy, which ran from 1989-1992.
According to yesteryearretro.com, the series took viewers on an adventure to a humorous summer camp full of fun, friendship, and important life lessons. Each episode centers around the campers and the mischief they find themselves in each day, with Candy playing the lovable head counselor.
Candy was also a co-owner of the Toronto Argonauts in the early 90s.
Nagy is running the museum with help from his partner Jenn Harrison, including giving tours.
He is grateful to all the community support in getting the museum ready for the public, especially Jake Van Alten for helping hang up all the pictures.
He said one of his favourite things about opening this new business is “meeting new people” and encourages anyone who would like to go on a tour of the museum, or donate items, to give him a phone call at 639-540-0441.
Nagy is planning to host a shishliki supper on Aug. 11, with tickets available for $25.
Everyone can keep up with all of Nagy’s activity, including new additions, at the Canora Toy and Autograph Museum Facebook page.
As far a future plans, Nagy’s focus is,”Continue to grow the collection, baby.”
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