Toys From the 1920s: History's Best Sellers

Hats off to 1920s! Few toys commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Raggedy Andy. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Chemistry Set and Magic Slate, consumers eagerly embraced the swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like P. F. Volland Company and The Porter Chemical Company set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Raggedy Andy

   Released in 1920 by P. F. Volland Company, Johnny Gruelle

   Raggedy Andy burst onto the American toy scene in 1920, introduced as the adventurous brother to the already popular Raggedy Ann. His debut was met with immediate affection, quickly cementing his place alongside his sister as an iconic character in children's literature and playrooms. Appearing in "Raggedy Andy Stories," Johnny Gruelle’s follow-up to the successful "Raggedy Ann Stories," Andy embodied a spirit of playful mischief and loyalty, instantly captivating young readers and doll enthusiasts alike. This character, with his distinctive blue sailor suit and red-and-white striped socks, wasn't just a toy; he was a cultural phenomenon, symbolizing wholesome values and imaginative adventures during a rapidly changing post-WWI era. His arrival completed a beloved duo, making the Raggedy family a staple in American homes for generations, fostering a sense of warmth and nostalgic charm.

2. Chemistry Set

   Released in 1923 by The Porter Chemical Company

   On March 27, 1923, the United States Patent Office granted patent number 1,449,915 to Harold M. Porter for a 'Chemical Cabinet'. This patent was not for the first-ever chemistry set, but it defined the form that would make them a beloved and enduring educational toy. In an era of rapid scientific advancement, Porter's design for a self-contained, organized, and portable laboratory captured the public's imagination. This specific date marks the moment a crucial design innovation was officially recognized, paving the way for the Porter Chemical Company's 'Chemcraft' sets to become a household name and inspire generations of young scientists right from their own homes.

3. Magic Slate

   Released in 1924 by Watkins-Strathmore

   The Magic Slate burst onto the toy scene in the early 20th century, quickly becoming a quiet sensation in an era before electronic gadgets dominated playtime. Though a precise "launch" date is elusive, its concept, popularized by Watkins-Strathmore, provided an immediate, accessible, and mess-free creative outlet for children. Unlike paper and crayons, which were consumable and often messy, the Magic Slate offered an infinitely reusable canvas, making it a household staple and a cherished possession. Its simple ingenuity ensured it transcended fads, embedding itself as a fundamental part of childhood creativity for generations, long before interactive screens were even a dream.

4. Magic Slate

   Released in 1926 by Watkins-Strathmore, Arthur J. Watkins

   The Magic Slate burst onto the scene in the mid-1920s, an ingenious yet incredibly simple invention that quickly captivated children and delighted parents. At a time when drawing meant pencils, paper, and often messy clean-up, the Magic Slate offered a revelation: endless drawing possibilities without a single mark on furniture or clothes. Its affordability, portability, and sheer practicality made it an instant classic, finding its way into countless homes, classrooms, and travel bags. It wasn't just a toy; it was a silent, mess-free canvas that fostered creativity, becoming a ubiquitous cultural phenomenon that spanned generations.

5. Radio Flyer Wagon

   Released in 1927 by Liberty Coaster Company

   On January 1, 1927, Antonio Pasin's Liberty Coaster Company unveiled a product that would become an icon of American childhood: the Radio Flyer wagon. This debut marked a pivotal moment in toy manufacturing, shifting from handcrafted, expensive wooden items to affordable, mass-produced steel goods. Launched during the optimism of the Roaring Twenties, the wagon's name was a stroke of marketing genius, combining two of the era's most exciting technological marvels: the radio and the airplane. The introduction of this durable, sleek, and accessible toy vehicle set the stage for it to become a ubiquitous part of suburban life, promising adventure and utility to millions of children for generations to come.

6. Yo-Yo

   Released in 1928 by Pedro Flores

   On June 9, 1928, the trajectory of a simple, ancient toy was forever changed. On this date, Pedro Flores, a Filipino immigrant living in California, establishes the Yo-yo Manufacturing Company. While spinners on a string had existed for millennia, Flores's design marked the birth of the yo-yo as a modern cultural phenomenon.

7. Joy Buzzer

   Released in 1928 by Soren Sorensen Adams

   On October 26, 1928, the world of mischievous fun was forever changed when inventor Soren Sorensen Adams filed U.S. Patent 1,845,735 for his 'new and useful improvements in handshaking devices.' This device was the Joy Buzzer, a pocket-sized prank poised to startle and delight generations. In the context of the Roaring Twenties, a decade of social exuberance and innovation, the Joy Buzzer was a perfect product of its time. It captured a spirit of playful rebellion in a simple, mechanical marvel. The filing of this patent on this specific date marked the official birth of a gag that would become a cultural touchstone, legally protecting the clever design before it buzzed its way into the hands of pranksters everywhere.

8. Pop-Up Book

   Released in 1929 by Blue Ribbon Books

   On September 1, 1929, the world of children's literature was forever changed with the release of a new series of books by New York publisher Blue Ribbon Books. While books with movable parts had existed for centuries, this date marks the first time they were marketed under the newly trademarked and instantly captivating term: 'Pop-Up'. This launch, just weeks before the stock market crash that would usher in the Great Depression, introduced a novel form of interactive storytelling. These books were not just read; they came to life, offering a new dimension of engagement and wonder for children and establishing a brand new category in publishing that would enchant generations to come.

9. Sorry!

   Released in 1929 by W.H. Storey & Co.

   Sorry!, first introduced in the United Kingdom in 1929 by W.H. Storey & Co., quickly captured the attention of players with its blend of luck and light strategy. Based on the ancient Indian game Pachisi and a more direct descendant of the British game Ludo, Sorry! offered a fresh, engaging twist on a timeless formula. Its simple yet infuriating mechanic of sending opponents back to their start quickly made it a household name, especially after Parker Brothers brought it to the United States in 1934. The game's ability to create moments of triumphant progress and frustrating setbacks ensured its place as a popular pastime, generating countless family game nights filled with both cheers and playful groans. Its arrival marked the beginning of a long and successful run, establishing it as a classic board game beloved by generations.