In North Carolina, there exists a house brimming with toys from the 1960s and 1970s. The house’s last resident, a grandmother, passed away in 2002, leaving behind these toys. Originally belonging to her daughters, these toys were intended for her great-grandchildren to enjoy. Here’s a glimpse inside this nostalgic setting.
I am a portrait photographer with over a decade of experience capturing abandoned houses. I’m also a best-selling author who travels globally to work on forthcoming books and enjoys engaging with other creatives, particularly through my Instagram.
My fascination with history and my innate curiosity drive me to explore places that others might have overlooked.
The Barbie Dream House Room
![Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2-2-65c28044bc85e__700.jpg)
Another Room of Toys
![Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/untitled-3-1-65c2806337fa9__700.jpg)
The ambiance within the house is quite haunting. Surrounded by family portraits, it feels as if the previous occupants are still present. The lingering sense of past happiness brings a touch of melancholy, triggering childhood memories with the sight of these vintage toys.
The Downstairs Is Caving In
![Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/untitled-3-65c2806981ee5__700.jpg)
The Closet Bursting From Behind the Wall
![Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/untitled-2-1-65c2805b5e39d__700.jpg)
The collection includes mint-condition Barbie items like the Barbie Townhouse, Dreamhouse, and Dream Boat—cherished toys that were once highly coveted. The presence of these well-preserved items adds to the house’s unique charm.
While I’m unsure of the rarity of each toy, I recognize that items related to Barbie are particularly collectible. The house also holds a wealth of other toys like old troll dolls, dollhouses, and toy musical instruments.
Generations of Family Photographs
![Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/untitled-4-65c2806e628c9__700.jpg)
Family Portraits
![Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/untitled-11-65c280865cc04__700.jpg)
Given the deteriorating condition of the house, these toys might soon be irretrievably lost. This is why I am passionate about photographing what’s left behind, to preserve these memories in another form.
For more visuals from inside this house, including videos, visit the link to my Instagram.
The Downstairs
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![Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/untitled-5-65c280718ccb9__700.jpg)
Another Toy Room
![Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/untitled-8-65c2807d330f1__700.jpg)
Barbie Toy Car Junkyard
![Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/untitled-7-65c2807710171__700.jpg)
Zippy the Monkey
![Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/untitled-9-65c280830c545__700.jpg)
Grandma’s Bedroom
![Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/untitled-12-65c280910dbc9__700.jpg)
A Mantel
![Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/untitled-14-65c2809709bbd__700.jpg)
Barbie Boat
![Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/untitled-15-65c2809fad101__700.jpg)
Upstairs Bedroom
![Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia Forgotten Toys: My Photographic Journey Of An Abandoned 1960s House Packed With Childhood Memorabilia](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/untitled-17-65c280a598541__700.jpg)