Westport Lions Club

A group of Westport Lions enjoyed visiting George Tackaberry’s Tack’s Toys.

Westport Lions Roar

By Lion Bob Reddick

George Tackaberry and family again proved their support and generosity toward local Lions Clubs. On Saturday, April 27, the Tackaberry family opened their doors for a private viewing of Tack’s Toys for over 100 Lions representing 13 Lions clubs. 

Tack’s Toys is a private collection of toys, vehicles, and memorabilia housed in 13 buildings on the site and additional buildings located elsewhere. The collection is diverse and extensive, with everything from cars, trucks, dozers, tractors, and snowmobiles to boats and matchbox-size replicas of various vehicles. Some of the items are unique, such as the bulletproof limousines used by President Ronald Reagan and Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, with both heads of state riding in the back seats, and a working, 20-foot replica of the German Pocket Battleship Graf Spree. Also, the Lions enjoyed viewing Fred Flintstone’s car, snowmobiles used in the Die Hard movies and a boat used by the governors of New York state.

Most of the items in the collection are vehicles, which are beautifully restored and amazingly dust-free. The memorabilia collection is also vast. Many items brought back fond memories, such as Jack and Jill peanut butter tins, a tribute to local hockey legend Leo Boivin, and a full-size replica of the Athens train station complete with Morse code and other period pieces.

The International Truck brand plays a prominent role in much of the memorabilia, from a full-size kitchen display to toys, hats, and other clothing articles. 

G. Tackaberry & Sons Construction has been very generous and supportive of the local community for years, both financially and in-kind with equipment, material, and personnel. They contributed on average to over 250 community groups per year.

George and his family are always willing to support Lions Clubs in their fundraising projects. The Athens Lions Club receives extensive assistance from the company for the Steam Exhibition, both in personnel and equipment. The Westport Lions Club has free use of the company’s building at 5295 Salem Road for its Reuse and Recycle Centre. In addition, the company is always supportive of smaller Lion projects such as this recent visitation to Tack’s Toys and Westport Lions Cash Calendars. 

One of George Tackaberry’s favourite sayings is, “Business is only as good as the people.”  The same can be said for Lions clubs; they are only as good as their members and the community they serve.  Thank goodness George Tackaberry and his family are members of our community.