Toys · 1929
Playtime Before the Crash in 1929
In 1929, children played with durable steel trucks, wooden building logs, and exciting new yo-yos before the stock market crash reshaped the nation's economy. Classic toy makers defined play through exceptional craftsmanship, innovative engineering sets, and early character merchandise.
- Duncan Toys / Skill Toy
Duncan Yo-Yo
Entrepreneur Donald Duncan acquired Pedro Flores's yo-yo company in 1929, transforming the wooden stringed toy into a massive international playground sensation.
- W.H. Storey / Board Game
Sorry! Board Game
Patented in England by William Henry Storey in 1929, this track-based board game delighted families with its cutthroat card mechanics and sliding moves.
- Charlotte Clark / Plush Doll
Charlotte Clark Mickey Mouse Plush
Crafted shortly after Mickey Mouse's cinematic debut, Charlotte Clark's hand-sewn stuffed dolls became the very first licensed Mickey merchandise in late 1929.
- Moline Pressed Steel / Toy Vehicle
Buddy L Pressed Steel Fire Truck
Built from heavy-gauge steel strong enough to support a child's weight, these indestructible toy trucks represented the pinnacle of pre-Depression toy quality.
- A. C. Gilbert Co. / Construction Toy
Gilbert Erector Set
Featuring working electric motors and steel girders, A.C. Gilbert's premier building sets allowed young engineers to construct motorized bridges and skyscrapers.
- Playskool / Educational Toy
Playskool Hammer-Nail Set
Introduced as one of Playskool's founding educational products in 1929, this set encouraged fine motor skills using wooden shapes, small nails, and a soft wooden board.
- Lionel Corp. / Model Trains
Lionel Standard Gauge Trains
Featuring intricate die-cast locomotives and glowing passenger cars, Lionel's electric train sets ruled department store displays during the 1929 holiday season.
- J. L. Wright / Construction Toy
Lincoln Logs
Designed by the son of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, these notched redwood logs remained a top-selling building toy across America in 1929.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?