Toys · 1938
Escapism and Play on the Eve of War
In 1938, children and families sought joy through movie tie-ins, inventive board games, and enduring mechanical novelties. Despite economic recovery struggles and overseas tensions, classic playthings like tin wind-ups, cloth dolls, and rubber toys brought imaginative comfort to millions.
- 1938 | Seiberling Latex Products
Snow White Rubber Figures
Capitalizing on Disney's blockbuster film, these brightly painted latex figurines of Snow White and all seven dwarfs became an instant playroom sensation.
- 1938 | Alfred Mosher Butts | Board Game
Criss-Cross Words
Architect Alfred Mosher Butts refined his letter-tile word game in 1938, laying the exact foundation for what would later become Scrabble.
- 1938 | Louis Marx & Co. | Action Toy
Marx Superman Novelties
Following Superman's historic debut in Action Comics No. 1, Louis Marx & Company rushed early mechanical and tin novelties featuring the Man of Steel to store shelves.
- 1938 | Donald F. Duncan Inc. | Craze
Duncan Yo-Yo Playground Craze
Duncan expanded its aggressive national trick contests in 1938, driving thousands of schoolkids into a frenzy over wooden and plastic yo-yos.
- 1938 | Knickerbocker Toy Co. | Doll
Knickerbocker Raggedy Ann Doll
Knickerbocker secured the manufacturing license in 1938, releasing high-quality, soft-bodied cloth dolls featuring the beloved embroidered red heart.
- 1938 | Pressman Toy Corp. | Board Game
Hop Ching Checkers
Marketed under a Chinese-themed craze name, this star-board marble game dominated family game nights across the United States throughout 1938.
- 1938 | A. C. Gilbert Company | Construction
Gilbert Erector Set
Featuring electric motors and versatile steel girders, A. C. Gilbert's 1938 building sets allowed aspiring young engineers to craft complex working machinery.
- 1938 | Auburn Rubber Co. | Toy Soldiers
Auburn Rubber Toy Soldiers
Crafted from durable molded rubber, these vibrant military figures and army trucks provided safer, flexible alternatives to traditional lead toy soldiers.
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