Toys · 1916
1916: Playtime Wonders in a Changing World
As World War I raged overseas, American toy manufacturers stepped up to supply domestic playrooms with inventive construction sets, whimsical rag dolls, and wholesome parlor games. In 1916, classic brands created enduring playthings that captured young imaginations during an era of technological transition.
- Construction Toy | USA
Lincoln Logs
Invented by John Lloyd Wright in 1916, these notched miniature wooden logs allowed children to build rustic cabins and frontier forts inspired by traditional American architecture.
- Trading Cards | USA
M101-4 Sporting News Baseball Cards
Distributed in 1916, this iconic 200-card set featured major league stars of the day, most notably containing the famous rookie card of a young Boston Red Sox pitcher named Babe Ruth.
- Plush Doll | P.F. Volland Co.
Raggedy Ann Doll
Manufactured commercially in 1916, Johnny Gruelle's yarn-haired rag doll with a heart painted on her chest captivated young children alongside her companion storybooks.
- Board Game | Milton Bradley
The Game of Uncle Wiggily
Based on Howard R. Garis's popular newspaper stories, this gentle 1916 track-board game invited children to guide the elderly rabbit gentleman past woodland obstacles to his hollow-stump home.
- Wooden Toy | The Toy Tinkers
Tinkertoy Construction Sets
Made from wooden spools and sticks, Charles Pajeau’s ingenious construction toy reached massive national popularity in 1916 as children built intricate spinning wheels and windmills.
- Metal Construction | A.C. Gilbert
Gilbert Erector Set
Featuring small electric motors and steel girders, A.C. Gilbert's motorized construction sets dominated holiday wish lists in 1916, inspiring a generation of prospective young engineers.
- Wooden Play Set | A. Schoenhut Co.
Schoenhut Humpty Dumpty Circus
Featuring poseable wooden clowns, ringmasters, and performing animals held together by internal springs, this beloved American circus set saw expanding play routines in 1916.
- Toy Trains | Lionel Manufacturing Co.
Lionel Standard Gauge Electric Trains
Operating on heavy three-rail steel tracks, Lionel's high-end electric locomotives brought realistic railway engineering into domestic living rooms throughout 1916.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?