Christmas Made in New England
New England Legends Podcast
Deep Dive
What iconic toy was invented by David Mullaney in Fairfield, Connecticut, and how did it get its name?
The Wiffle Ball was invented by David Mullaney in 1953. He created it after watching his son and a friend struggle to throw a curveball with a plastic golf ball. The name 'Wiffle' comes from the sound made when a player swings and misses the ball.
Why is Monopoly considered a dangerous game, and where was it first produced?
Monopoly is considered dangerous because it often leads to family arguments and intense competition. It was first produced by Parker Brothers in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1936, adding to its mystique due to Salem's historical associations with the supernatural.
What inspired the creation of the Light-Brite toy, and who developed it?
The Light-Brite toy was inspired by a Fifth Avenue window display filled with colored lights. Burt Meyer, from the toy design company Marvin Glass and Associates, developed it in 1966 after being mesmerized by the lights. The toy was produced by Hasbro in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Who is considered the father of the home video game console, and what was his first game?
Ralph Baer is considered the father of the home video game console. His first game, developed in 1966, was a tennis-type game called Pong, which became the foundation for the Magnavox Odyssey, the first home video game console.
What was the inspiration behind the creation of the Candyland board game, and who created it?
Candyland was created by Eleanor Abbott, a school teacher who contracted polio. While recuperating in the hospital, she designed the game to provide a colorful and magical escape for children during the polio epidemic. The game was first produced in Springfield, Massachusetts.
What was the original purpose of Silly Putty, and how did it become a popular toy?
Silly Putty was originally created by chemist James Wright in 1943 as an attempt to develop a rubber alternative during World War II. Although it had no practical use, it gained popularity after Peter Hodgson marketed it as a toy in plastic eggs, leading to widespread sales and iconic status.
- Importance of play in child development
- Legos and Mickey Mouse magic sets as favorite childhood toys
Shownotes Transcript