Frisbees
Frisbees were first marketed as “Flyin’ Saucers” and “Pluto Platters” in the hopes of
cashing in on the fascination with UFO sightings in Roswell, New Mexico.
Mr. Potato Head
In 1952, Mr. Potato Head made history with the first TV toy commercial, and the first
advertisement directed at children instead of their parents.
Atomic Laboratory Kit
The Atomic Energy Lab Kit, containing radioactive uranium ore, encouraged young
boys to perform experiments, much like the scientists creating the atomic bomb.
Flour Sack Doll
During the Great Depression, patterns for dolls were printed on flour sacks to allow
families who couldn’t afford new toys to repurpose the sacks into toys for their
children.
G.I. Joe
G.I. Joe, the first action figure, worked as US military propaganda during the Cold War.
Space Race
The Space Race caused a flood of space-themed toys, as seen in this Space Race
timeline inspired by carnival racing games.
Hot Wheels
In 1970 Hot Wheels sponsored and released a racing set of professional drag racers
Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen, bringing drag
racing back into popularity.
Radio Flyer Wagon
The Radio Flyer company took on the assembly line production methods used by Ford
to mass produce their product, allowing them to make and sell 1,500 wagons a day.
Pong
Pong, with its simplicity and immense popularity paved the way for the thriving video
game industry we see today.
Barbie
Exploring the influence of Barbie in every decade since her creation.
Playtime Contexts
Playtime Contexts depicts toys amidst the eras in which they were created and/or popularized to explore how toys reflect and influence history.
