This original skein of 100% cotton yo-yo string, accompanied by unused award patches, dates to the early 1970s and is directly connected to the National Yo-Yo campaign era in Canada. The materials were originally retained by a family member of a campaign worker who was active during that period. While working on the campaign, the individual stayed at a relative’s home in British Columbia's Lower Mainland and left the items behind in a bag stored in a closet.
The bag remained untouched in that closet for decades. Approximately four years ago, I acquired the contents after noticing that the owner had posted images of a few badges that were clearly never sewn onto any garment. After contacting him to ask about their origin, I learned that he still had the full set of materials. I offered to purchase the entire group, and he agreed.
When the items are fully unpacked and cataloged, I will attempt to confirm and document the campaign worker’s name through his cousin, if contact information is still available. This find serves as a reminder of how many historically significant yo-yo artifacts have survived simply because they were set aside, and how important it can be to ask questions about their origins.
