Toys · 1936
Depression-Era Play and Tabletop Gaming Booms
In 1936, families sought affordable escapes from the ongoing Great Depression through tabletop games and radio-inspired play. Toymakers embraced tin engineering, detailed model railroading, and popular culture icons to captivate children across the globe.
- Gum, Inc. / Bubble Gum Cards
G-Men & Heroes of the Law Trading Cards
Gum, Inc. released this popular 168-card set capitalizing on FBI fever, complete with dramatic illustrations of lawmen fighting famous gangsters.
- Lionel Trains / Model Railroading
Lionel 700E Scale Hudson Locomotive
Lionel set a high standard for detail in model railroading with the 1936 release of its legendary die-cast O-gauge Hudson steam engine.
- Schuco / Wind-Up Tin Toy
Schuco Examico 4001 Toy Car
German toy manufacturer Schuco introduced a mechanical wind-up tin car featuring a real working four-speed gearshift and functional steering.
- Parker Brothers / Board Game
Bulls and Bears Board Game
Created by Monopoly designer Charles Darrow and published by Parker Brothers, this stock market game let players trade shares during the Depression.
- Ideal Toy Company / Play Doll
Shirley Temple Composition Doll
Ideal's licensed Shirley Temple doll dominated toy aisles nationwide, letting young fans dress up vinyl-lacquered replicas of the child film star.
- Waddingtons / Board Game
British Monopoly Edition
John Waddington Ltd. officially launched the UK edition of Monopoly, replacing Atlantic City landmarks with famous London locations like Mayfair.
- A.C. Gilbert Company / Metal Building Toy
Gilbert Erector Hudson Set
The A.C. Gilbert Company expanded its famous steel Erector sets with new motorized kits capable of constructing detailed miniature trains and cranes.
- Donald F. Duncan, Inc. / Skill Toy
Duncan Tournament Yo-Yo
Schoolyard yo-yo crazes intensified as Donald Duncan sent professional trick demonstrators across America to host neighborhood contests.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?