Toy Collection Fills Tulsa Man's Home

By Rick Wells, The News On 6

TULSA, OKLAHOMA – News On 6 reporter Rick Wells is always up for a story about a good collection.  So, when he heard about a house full of old toys he couldn't wait to see it.

"What started the whole thing was a number 15 Dump truck," Ted Bernklau said.

Bernklau loves old toys.

"I've gotta show you a fun one," he said.

Bernklau has a truck made in the 1920's, a fire engine that actually pumps water. He's got trucks and tractors, airplanes and more.

Rick Wells, The News On 6: "Do you research on the internet?"

Ted Bernklau, Toy Collector: "Yeah, any place I can."

Bernklau said he grew up in a time when you didn't have lots of toys and you took care of what you had. He showed the News On 6 his first truck. He got it for Christmas when he was five years old. He's restored it and collected the rest of the series, except one.

Toys are practically in every room of his house.  He has toys from companies and designers whose names have been lost to all but collectors.

"Early remote control from the 40's," he said.

Bernklau has a well equipped workshop for repairing or restoring. So when will he be done?

"I don't know, I guess when you're done," he said.