A History of American Toys

by Scott Bultman

Toys have a universal appeal. We were all children once, and everyone has a favorite toy from their childhood. Beyond simple nostalgia or research for collectors, the history of toys is the history of our civilization. Specific moments in American history are reflected in the toys we made for our children. America benefitted from immigrant toymakers from Germany and England who brought European designs to the New World. At the same time, the tradition of fathers and grandfathers making toys for their families was changing. The cotton gin and other technology drove many men to seek jobs in the cities, where wonderful toys could be bought with higher urban wages.

In my case, a Major Matt Mason action figure takes me back to my 6th birthday when the space race was at full throttle. I still remember the smell of the rubber, how it felt to pose and bend the legs, and the fact that I wanted (and didn't get) the rocket sled accessory. I'm sure this experience is shared with hundreds of thousands of guys my age, including (by his own account) Tom Hanks.

We now know that brain development is critical at the earliest years and that play is a child's work. Between ages 3 to 7 humans are rapidly developing their understanding of the world through play and playthings. Preserving the history of these playthings is a huge help to sociologists and cultural anthropologists, but frankly, it's just as fascinating to anyone whoever put a special toy on their wishlist for birthdays and holidays.

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