History's Best Selling Toys of 1955

From coast to coast, 1955 saw a swell surge of mid-century craze and suburban optimism in the world of toys! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Tonka Truck and Wooly Willy, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Tonka Toys Incorporated and Smethport Specialty Co. proved their mettle with essential classics, delivering craftsmanship that became sensational mainstays in post-war American homes. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Tonka Truck

   Released in 1955 by Tonka Toys Incorporated

   On November 23, 1955, a pivotal moment in toy history occurred not with the launch of a new product, but with the christening of a brand. On this day, Mound Metalcraft, a small Minnesota company that had found unexpected success with its line of durable steel construction toys, officially changed its corporate name to Tonka Toys Incorporated. This strategic rebranding aligned the company's identity with its star product, the mighty Tonka Truck. The name 'Tonka,' meaning 'great' or 'big' in the Sioux language, perfectly captured the essence of their oversized, indestructible vehicles. This formal name change marked the company's full commitment to the toy industry, cementing a legacy that would dominate sandboxes for generations to come.

2. Wooly Willy

   Released in 1955 by Smethport Specialty Co., Donald and James Herzog

   Wooly Willy burst onto the toy scene in 1955, quickly becoming a quiet sensation that captured the imaginations of children and adults alike. Far from the complex electronic toys of later eras, this unassuming magnetic drawing game offered a uniquely simple yet endlessly entertaining experience. Its immediate appeal lay in its innovative play mechanism and the delightful challenge of creating humorous facial hair and hairstyles for its bald character. Without requiring batteries or special equipment, Wooly Willy became an instant classic, often found in doctor's waiting rooms, car rides, and toy boxes across America, proving that sometimes the simplest ideas yield the greatest and most enduring success.