10 replies to this topic

[Gator Bob]

... was the first ever to be advertised on TV in 1952?

['Slots of Fun']

Slinky? Hoola Hoop?

V/R,
Don

[Gator Bob]

Great guess and very close in time frame.

[TSR]

Mister Potato Head by Hasbro.

[Gator Bob]

Ding, ding, ding... Winner!!!

Bonus round - What was the thought behind making a toy out of a potato?

[TSR]

It's cheaper than using noodles.

OK, it's all here:

In the beginning, Lerner's toy proved controversial. With the war and food rationing a recent memory for most Americans, the use of fruits and vegetables to make toys was considered irresponsible and wasteful. Toy companies rejected Lerner's creation.^[2] After several years of trying to sell the toy, Lerner finally convinced a food company to distribute the plastic parts as premiums in breakfast cereal boxes. He sold the idea for $5,000. But in 1951, Lerner showed the idea to textile manufacturers Henry and Merrill Hassenfeld, who conducted a small school supply and toy business called Hassenfeld Brothers (later changed to Hasbro). Realizing the toy was quite unlike anything in their line; they paid the cereal company $2,000 to stop production and bought the rights for $5,000. Lerner was offered an advance of $500 and a 5% royalty on every kit sold. The toy was dubbed Mr. Potato Head and went into production.

Wikiwiki...

[Gator Bob]

1951 - Lerner saw this toy as way for getting back at everyones Mom barking "Don't play with your food".

Bonus round.

1. What was the name of the TV show that the commercial first appeared?

2. What year and why did "law" change the Potato Heads, Mr., Mrs., young Spud and sister Yam.?

[Rick]

I'll guess Howdy Doody show and they removed the pipe or cigarettes to not influence kids into smoking is ok..........year??

[Gator Bob]

Very solid guesses, Rick

[Gator Bob]

1. The Jackie Gleason Show.
2. 1964 the "sharp points" safety law. Hasbro switched to one shape plastic potatos with premade holes and dull point bits.

This took away the ability for kids to be unique in having fun with the funny shaped potatos mom would give up.
IMO - after 1964 the toy was now generic crap. Government protection, how many kids were killed or injured by the real Mr. Potato Head family?

[Rick]

We spend so much time and money trying to protect kids from common sense decisions. No wonder they can't get out of the rain, without a tutorial today.................