Toys · 1919
Post-War Play and Creative Construction Boom
As World War I concluded, toy manufacturers turned military manufacturing skills toward peaceful play, sparking an era of classic construction sets and physical crazes. Children in 1919 embraced colorful wooden novelties, mechanical train sets, and jumping sticks that defined post-war childhood.
- 1919 | Active Toy | USA
Hansburg Pogo Stick
George Hansburg patented the modern spring-loaded pogo stick in 1919, setting off a massive leaping craze across American sidewalks.
- 1919 | Liberty Coaster Co. | USA
Liberty Coaster Wagon
Italian immigrant Antonio Pasin established his company in 1919, crafting sturdy wooden coaster wagons that later evolved into the iconic Radio Flyer.
- 1919 | P.F. Volland Co. | Cloth Doll
Raggedy Ann Doll
Featuring hand-sewn yarn hair and her trademark candy heart, Raggedy Ann became a comforting rag doll companion for children following the war.
- 1919 | A.C. Gilbert Co. | Metal Set
Gilbert Erector Set
Young builders assembled realistic steel bridges, towers, and motorized girders using A.C. Gilbert's celebrated post-war construction kits.
- 1919 | Red Square Toy Co. | Wood Set
Lincoln Logs
Designed by John Lloyd Wright, these interlocking notch-cut timber sets allowed kids to construct miniature pioneer cabins and frontier towns.
- 1919 | The Toy Tinkers | Wooden Set
Tinkertoy Construction Sets
Consisting of wooden spools and thin connecting rods, Tinkertoy allowed young children to build rotating wheels, windmills, and geometric towers.
- 1919 | Lionel Corp. | Electric Train
Lionel Standard Gauge Trains
Powered by miniature electric transformers, Lionel's heavy steel locomotives and painted passenger cars zoomed around brass tracks in 1919 living rooms.
- 1919 | Meccano Ltd. | Metal Set
Meccano Engineering Kits
Britain's premier metal modeling system equipped aspiring young engineers with perforated strip steel, brass gears, and functional hand cranks.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?