Rock-a-Stack

Introduced by Fisher-Price in 1960, the Rock-a-Stack preschool toy is still in production today. A series of colorful, increasing size rings are placed on a plastic peg with a rocking base. The rings are large and chunky that are easy for little fingers to grab. The toy promotes cognitive development by allowing babies to figure out which ring fits on the peg next. It also helps them develop gross motor skills by allowing the child to bat the stack and rock the toy. The use of eye/hand coordination and grasping and sorting also help to develop fine motor skills. A very simple, fun toy that has stood the test of time! Multiple versions exist and over 40 million have been sold since they were first introduced. Manufactured by Fisher-Price, a division of Mattel. PTM# 1983.67.7

Tonka Truck

The Tonka Toy Company started in a basement of a schoolhouse in a suburb of Minneapolis with the name of "Mound Metalcraft." The company was formed to make garden furniture and store display racks--toys happened accidentally. The company owners bought materials from a competitor going out of business and among the tools and supplies was a tooling for a toy metal steam shovel with minimal moving parts. The shovel was a great success...more than the garden furniture and store display racks. They began manufacturing other toys in the same style. They were named Tonka in honor of the nearby lake of Minnetonka. By 1949, the company was producing a full-fledged line of toys. PTM# 1983.91.1

Easy-Bake Oven

In the early 20th century, a variety of baking ovens were available as toys for girls for years. Metal Ware offered the “Little Lady Electric Range.” Alumode Kiddykook sold cookware which could be used safely on actual stoves—the percolator would percolate and the teakettle would whistle for example. Smart companies capitalized on the brand names that “mom” was using more and more like Heinz, Pillsbury and Campbell’s. In 1963 Kenner introduced a product that could “cook” food using two 100-wattt light bulbs. It used specially formulated Betty Crocker mixes for kids to “bake.” The product was originally called the “Safety Bake Oven.” The name was intended to appeal to the safety-conscious parents of the 1960s. Broadcasters expressed concerns over the “safety” name—so when it actually was put on the store shelves, it was called the Easy-Bake Oven. The avocado green version of the oven in the PTM collection was introduced in 1969. Easy-Bake Oven is now manufactured by Hasbro. PTM# 1984.130.3

Play Quote!

Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do. Play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do. --Mark Twain, author

Little People

Fisher-Price “Little People” have been manufactured since 1959. They have changed over time with several different looks. The earliest Little People were made of cardboard, then wood and eventually plastic. The body forms were very simple—square, wide-based, straight or even peg-based, they had tiny round heads, simple faces and no arms. (A few were introduced with arms). Playsets included the circus, airport, farm, garage, merry-go-round, school and more. Today they are a little bigger, chunkier, and more articulated. They are still lots of fun!! Manufactured by Fisher-Price. PTM# 1984.91.2

Happy New Year!!

There is a lot happening at Please Touch Museum! The Enchanted Colonial Village is coming down and the Rainforest Rhythm exhibit is being installed. It will open on January 31st!! Our 17th Junior Jazz Festival will be opening the same day, too!

Check out the PTM website for more info!!
www.pleasetouchmuseum.org

Please Touch Museum at Memorial Hall!

Wow! It has almost been a whole month since Please Touch Museum opened the doors to our new home! We would love to have you visit and get to experience play at Please Touch Museum first hand. There are lots of great exhibits, activities and programs for you to enjoy. For more information on hours, parking, services and amenities, please check out our website at www.pleasetouchmuseum.org
Don't forget to play today!!!