Thornbury's Toys: Memories and Memorabilia

Founded by Jim and Mary Thornbury in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1954, Thornbury's Toys was initially a true "mom and pop" shop. After expanding a few times they outgrew the first store located at 117 Breckinridge Lane in St. Matthews and opened a new store nearby at 4101 Shelbyville Rd. in 1960. This store became headquarters. Thornbury's, incorporated in 1965, grew year after year, peaking in the mid 1980's with stores in Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida, Ohio and Alabama. The formula for success: customer service, high "play-value" toys and bikes, and a strong management team combined with Uncle Jim's entrepreneurial and promotional flair, love of children, understanding of his customers, attention to detail, and loving family. Uncle Jim's motto was "the customer is always right". The company mascot, Thorny the monkey, who pedaled his bike day and night atop the St. Matthews store, also helped Thornbury's stand out.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Uncle Jim with Thorny, Captain Campbell and Fireman Bill

Uncle Jim feeds Thorny the Monkey at Thornbury's Toys.

Captain Campbell is poised to help the contestants on the Guess Who show. (late 60's)

Can you guess who Fireman Bill is drawing for the kids on the Guess Who show?

Monday, January 12, 2015

Original location on Breckinridge Lane

Thornbury's Toys original location 117 Breckinridge. (1954)

Busy Christmas shopping day

Uncle Jim Thornbury and son Thom Thornbury writing things to do list on a busy Christmas shopping day. (Early 60's)

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Opening of First Thornbury's Toys Store in 1954

The Thornbury's Bicycle Shop opens.

Promoter Jim Thornbury gives balloons and toys to all the children.

Grand opening includes giving away a bicycle.

This is the original team, Uncle Jim, his wife Mary and Bob Noe.

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Thorny makes reappearance after 30+ years!

A newly renovated Thorny sitting atop Bill Brundage Jewelers on Chenoweth Lane. (Click image to enlarge.)

Monday, December 8, 2014

1969 Photo of St. Matthews store

Here's a photo of the main store in St. Matthews on Shelbyville Road from the University of Louisville Libraries Digital Collection/Photographic Archives. The photo was taken by Royal Photo Company in September 1969 (ULPA R 19409, Royal Photo Company Collection, 1982.03, Photographic Archives, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky). There's Thorny up there, riding his bike! Click the image to get a better view.

The same photograph appeared in the The Voice of St. Matthews, below (date unknown):