Accidental Discoveries and Inventions
There are some childhood toys that just don’t get outdated. Generation after generation, children still enjoy them with the same level of excitement. We're talking about Play-Doh and the Slinky. These two toys have something else in common besides having a long history: Both Play-Doh and the Slinky were invented by accident.
Play-Doh
The story behind Play-Doh is that it originated as a plastic modeling composition for wallpaper cleaning. It was used by Kutol Products Company, a family-owned soap and wallpaper cleaning business in Cincinnati.
Joseph McVicker, nephew of Noah McVicker, joined the family business in 1949. Soon after, he realized the nontoxic modeling composition could be used as modeling clay for children. The family had a teacher who discussed with Joseph the challenges smaller children had with manipulating modeling clay. He came up with the thought that the nontoxic modeling composition used at the company may be a substitute. He provided the family teacher with a sample, and it was a hit with the children.
In 1955, Joseph started supplying all schools in the Cincinnati area with the material. He also brought it to showcase at a national education convention.
By 1956, Play-Doh, which at the time was named Rainbow Crafts, made its first debut in a store at Woodward & Lothrop Department Store in Washington, D.C. At the time, the only color available was off-white, and it sold in 1.5 lb cardboard cans.
Joseph and Noah applied for a patent for Play-Doh in 1958. An official U.S. patent was granted in 1965.
Today, Play-Doh comes in a variety of colors and is sold in a plastic container. There are also a number of tools to purchase along with it to help further children's creations.
The fun material will be entertaining many more generations of children. Everyone may celebrate its legacy on National Play-Doh Day, which has been designated September 18th.
The Slinky
The story behind the Slinky starts with naval engineer Richard James, who was creating a spring to help support and stabilize equipment on ships. In 1943, by accident, one of the tension springs fell off of a shelf and continued to "walk" across the floor. This caught James' eye, and the idea of the toy came about in his head.
He discussed the idea with his wife, Betty. Betty later helped craft the name Slinky, which is a Swedish word and means stealthy, sleek, and sinuous.
The Slinky began selling as a toy in 1945. It first appeared at Gimbel's Department Store in Philadelphia. Within 90 minutes, the 400 Slinkys available were purchased.
Since its original invention, the only change made to it is a crimp added to each end for safe play.
Children can find endless fun with Slinkys, and others have apparently found good use out of it as well. It's said to have been used by soldiers in Vietnam as an antenna, for therapy, and for coordination development.
While the Slinky has reached the U.S. adult retirement age, it's nowhere near ready to retire!
Who would have known such creations for other purposes would grow with us all?!