History's Best Selling Products of 1916

Revisiting 1916 presents a grand parade of items history, marked by swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Democracy and Education, Keds, and Lincoln Logs took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like John Dewey and Keds led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Democracy and Education

   Released in 1916 by John Dewey, Macmillan Company

   Democracy and Education," published in 1916, stands as a monumental work in the philosophy of education, fundamentally altering pedagogical thought and practice in the United States and beyond. Its release coincided with a period of significant social and industrial transformation, where traditional educational models were increasingly seen as inadequate for preparing citizens for a rapidly evolving democratic society. Dewey's treatise provided a coherent philosophical framework for an educational system that emphasized active learning, critical thinking, and social engagement, asserting that true democracy could only flourish through an education that mirrored its ideals. The book's profound influence stemmed from its compelling argument that education is not merely preparation for life, but life itself, thereby linking schooling directly to the health and vitality of a democratic nation.

2. Keds

   Released in 1916 by Keds, U.S. Rubber Company

   When Keds launched in 1916, it wasn't just introducing a new shoe; it was birthing an entire category of footwear. Dubbed "sneakers" because their rubber soles allowed wearers to move silently, Keds quickly captured the public's imagination, particularly with its canvas "Champion" style. This innovative combination of a comfortable fabric upper and a flexible, non-slip rubber sole was a revelation, offering a level of casual comfort and versatility previously unknown. Its immediate success stemmed from its accessible price point and practical design, making it a democratic fashion statement that resonated with a broad audience looking for everyday footwear that blended ease with understated style, setting the stage for casual footwear for decades to come.

3. 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.