Toys From the 1910s: History's Best Sellers

Extra! Extra! On the home front and across the nation, 1910s saw a swell surge of swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship in the world of toys! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Tinkertoy and Lincoln Logs, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Toy Tinkers Company and Basic Fun proved their mettle with Raggedy Ann, delivering craftsmanship that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Tinkertoy

   Released in 1914 by Toy Tinkers Company, Charles H. Pajeau

   The year 1914 marked the debut of Tinkertoy, a toy that would soon captivate the imaginations of children across America and beyond, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. Far from just another plaything, Tinkertoy emerged as a brilliant response to the simple, innate human desire to build and create. Its launch introduced a revolutionary approach to construction play, offering an accessible and engaging system that transformed everyday spools and sticks into endless possibilities. This ingenious toy captured the spirit of innovation and hands-on learning, cementing its place in history as one of the most enduring and beloved educational play systems of the 20th century.

2. Lincoln Logs

   Released in 1916 by Basic Fun, Inc. (under license from Hasbro), John Lloyd Wright

   Lincoln Logs, first introduced around 1916, quickly cemented their place as an iconic American toy, allowing children to construct miniature log cabins and frontier structures. Invented by John Lloyd Wright, son of the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the toy tapped into a deep-seated cultural fascination with pioneer life and the ingenuity of early American builders. Its simple yet brilliant design made it an instant classic, fostering creativity and a hands-on understanding of structural engineering in generations of young builders. The toy's appearance during a period of burgeoning national identity resonated strongly, making it a staple in playrooms across the nation, celebrated for its wholesome and educational appeal.

3. Raggedy Ann

   Released in 1918 by P.F. Volland Company, Johnny Gruelle

   Raggedy Ann made her official debut in 1918, captivating the hearts of children and parents alike through Johnny Gruelle's 'Raggedy Ann Stories' book. Her introduction marked a shift towards simpler, more comforting playthings during a time of global upheaval following World War I. The doll, a tangible representation of the character in the stories, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for her cheerful demeanor, soft construction, and the gentle adventures she embarked upon. This endearing rag doll offered a sense of warmth and familiarity, establishing her as an instant classic and a beloved fixture in nurseries and playrooms across America.