| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | Play Doh. So did Miss Frances from the Ding Dong |
| With video games dominating and transforming | | | | School, another popular children’s television |
| the landscape of our pre-teen children with a new | | | | show. In 1960, a character named Play-Doh-Pete, |
| virtual world for them to play in, it is refreshing to | | | | a young boy with a beret was introduced to the |
| know that there are still classic toys available for | | | | advertising campaign. Additionally, the Fun Factory |
| our younger children to enjoy. Let’s look at | | | | Accessory Playset was added to the product line, |
| one of these special toys: | | | | which allowed children to squeeze the material into |
| There is a classic toy, invented by two brothers | | | | interesting shapes and molds, furthering sales and |
| in 1955, that still captures the imaginations of our | | | | development of the product. |
| pre-school children and youngsters alike. That toy, | | | | In 1980 Play Doh expanded its palette to include |
| or product is: Play Doh. | | | | eight colors, some that glowed in the dark and |
| Originally a wallpaper cleaner invented by brothers | | | | even some that were scented. It is estimated |
| Noah W. McVicker and Joseph S. McVicker, Play | | | | that more than two billion cans of Play Doh have |
| Doh was introduced to schools in the Cincinnati | | | | been sold since 1956 and the total amount of Play |
| area in 1955 because McVicker’s | | | | Doh manufactured since then would weigh more |
| sister-in-law asked if it was a safe alternative to | | | | than 700 million pounds. |
| modeling clay. Play Doh was an instant hit and | | | | The ingredients for Play Doh, to this day, remain |
| soon the McVicker brothers formed Rainbow | | | | a closely guarded secret. But it is primarily made |
| Crafts Company to produce and sell their product. | | | | up of a mixture of water, wheat flour, deodorized |
| Additionally, the brothers showcased their | | | | kerosene (or some other petroleum distillate-to |
| modeling clay at a National Education | | | | provide the smooth texture), salt, a drying agent |
| Convention and the word spread to the big | | | | such as borax (which deters mold), an alum-based |
| department stores, Macy’s and Marshall | | | | hardening agent, colorings and perfume. |
| Field’s. Soon after, Plah Doh was a national | | | | Kids all over the world still enjoy Play Doh (it is |
| hit. | | | | sold in more than 6000 stores and over 75 |
| Advertising played a crucial role in the success of | | | | countries worldwide) and children can even |
| Play Doh. Captain Kangaroo, a very popular | | | | celebrate National Play Doh Day on September |
| educator of young children at the time, endorsed | | | | 18th. |