KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene’s Main Street has a new historical landmark. A three-foot-tall replica of a 1920s Kingsbury Toy biplane now sits atop a tall pole outside the Historical Society of Cheshire County. Local sign makers Peter Poanessa and Mary McCord mounted the sculpture.

The biplane sculpture is modeled after a Kingsbury Company toy taxi plane, a reminder of a beloved American toy brand that was once headquartered in Keene. Originally founded as Wilkins Toy Company in 1890, the business was purchased in 1894 by Harry T. Kingsbury and continued producing cast-iron toys, including trains, fire engines, and wagons, until 1942. The toys became a staple in American households, with catalogs inspiring children’s Christmas lists for years.

The original Kingsbury biplane, known for its spinning propeller and rubber-tired wheels, was unique for its ability to bank on turns and move in circles or straight paths. The newly installed model at the Historical Society preserves these design details while being crafted with weather-resistant materials to ensure it endures the elements. The sculpture is mounted on a historic 150-year-old pole, a relic from Keene’s telegraph era on the Cheshire Railroad.

Poanessa, the artist behind the piece, is also known for organizing Keene’s “Walldogs” festival, which brought muralists to town to paint sixteen murals downtown. He saw this biplane project as a way to contribute to the community and was enthusiastic about bringing the idea to life despite the lengthy process of securing permissions.

Judy Rogers, a recent addition to the Historical Society’s board, saw the project as an opportunity to fulfill the Society’s goals of enhancing community engagement and welcoming the public. She believed that adding an eye-catching, large-scale Kingsbury Toy sculpture to the front lawn would be an ideal way to connect people with local history. Rogers expressed appreciation for Poanessa’s work, noting that the piece has already sparked interest and made the museum a more inviting space.