Play Family Western Town

#934

c1982-1984

The Western Town, one of the finer crafted 1980's playsets, bears more than passing resemblance to the #937 Sesame Street Clubhouse. As well it should--the clubhouse base mold was switched around and modified to create the western set. Features that remain intact from the #937 include the walkway mechanism on the roof, the lift-up door flap, and the stairs going up to the second level.

Though the box and '82 dealer catalog feature a sheriff with a silver star badge, it's the orange-star version that's much more common. Of course, the rarity of the silver star version has nothing on that of the stagecoach roof, a sure sign of an often lost--and now pricey--accessory.

Like all the best of the Little People toys, the Western Town lasted just two years before being discontinued, although a 3-pack of Western People (#676) designed to be accessories for it began production the year that the #934 ended. That makes sense. The cowboy and Indian figures, although colored differently, were sold until 1990 in #676. The dainty Western lady who was sold with the Western set was totally discontinued with the Western set in 1984.