Radio Flyer is an American toy company best known for its popular red toy wagon . Radio Flyer also produces scooters, tricycles, bicycles , horses, and ride-ons. The company was founded in 1917 and is based in Chicago, Illinois .
50-505: Antonio Pasin immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1914 when he was 16 years old. He started building wooden toy wagons in Chicago in 1917, selling them to area shops. He was working as a craftsman at the time, mostly selling phonograph cabinets, and built small wooden wagons to carry around his tools. After he received numerous requests from customers of phonograph cabinets to buy
100-599: A Mattel toy defined being a youngster in the ‘50s and ‘60s. The introduction of Barbie in 1959 proved that the Handlers truly had their finger on the pulse of American society. 18 Ole Kirk Christiansen (1891–1958) Founder of Lego . Inducted, 1990 19 Edward P. Parker (1912–1974) Chairman of Parker Brothers , vice president of General Mills and director and former president of Toy Manufacturers of America. 20 Charles Lazarus (1923-2018) Founded Toys "R" Us and pioneered
150-679: A 31-year collaboration that has led to the creation and design of some of the industry's most successful toy and game products. In 1988, Breslow Morrison Terzian and Associates was formed to continue their tradition of excellence. Their best-selling products include: The Animal, Ants in the Pants, Guesstures, Brain Warp, California Roller Baby, Real Talking Bubba, Masterpiece, My Size Barbie, Casey Cartwheel, Jennie Gymnast, Hot Wheels Criss Cross Crash and many more. Inducted, 1999 37 Michael Goldstein (1941–) As leader of Toys "R" Us , he brought to
200-559: A boy riding a wagon above a mini 25-cent souvenir wagon store at the Chicago World's Fair . His company became the largest producer of toy wagons , producing 1,500 wagons a day, despite the Great Depression . Business grew with the baby boom generation . Pasin's son took over the business and renamed the company Radio Flyer, expanding its offerings to include wheelbarrows, garden carts, and outdoor furniture. Pasin died in 1990. He
250-492: A comprehensive program that turned the struggling company around in one year. Inducted, 1996 29 Richard E. Grey (1934–) He led Tyco through product development, acquisitions and aggressive marketing until it became the third largest U.S. toymaker. Inducted, 1997 30 Sy Ziv (1925-2011) He assisted in the development of the Toys "R" Us concept and made contributions to nearly every facet of
300-567: A new concept in the retailing of children’s toys that completely revolutionized how playthings are sold in the U.S. and many countries around the world. Inducted, 1991 21 Stephen D. Hassenfeld (1942–1989) Built Hasbro into the largest toy manufacturer in the world. 22 Henry H. Coords (1915–1995) Enhanced the reputation of Fisher-Price for quality and play value and presided over its transformation into an industry giant. Inducted, 1992 23 Bernard Loomis (1923–2006) Introduced some of
350-683: A new life in New York City . At first he had no money and did not know anyone, but invested his savings, bought used woodworking tools, and rented a one-room workshop, creating his first wagon there in 1917, naming it the Liberty Coaster after being inspired by the Statue of Liberty . He then opened a small factory west of Chicago . After marrying fellow Italian immigrant Anna in Chicago, they had three children, two girls and one son. In 1927 wanting to make
400-518: A wagon affordable for every child, Pasin adopted steel stamping mass production techniques inspired by the automobile industry, earning him the nickname "Little Ford". His first wagon was called the Radio Flyer , named after his amazement of the radio and the wonders of flight. He renamed his company the Radio Steel and Manufacturing Company in 1930. In 1933 he commissioned a 45-foot art-deco statue of
450-547: A wholly owned subsidiary of Mattel , Mr. Friedman is credited with continuing Fisher-Price's leadership as the premiere infant and preschool manufacturer and establishing Fisher-Price as a significant force in character branded toys. 45 George Ditomassi President of the Milton Bradley Company and president of Hasbro . 46 [REDACTED] Milton Bradley (1836–1911) Founder of Milton Bradley and inventor of The Checkered Game of Life and
500-444: Is an industry phenomenon in itself. Inducted, 1987 11 [REDACTED] Walt Disney (1901–1966) Walt Disney had a great affinity for toys, and happily, the industry's products depicting so many of his ingratiating characters are helping to communicate that joy and happiness. 12 Joshua Lionel Cowen (1877–1965) Lionel replicas that paralleled the growth and development of U.S. railroads became
550-641: Is nine times the size of a little red wagon, and weighs 15,000 pounds (6,800 kg). Antonio Pasin Antonio Pasin (July 4, 1897 in Rosà , Vicenza , Italy – July 5, 1990 in River Forest, Illinois ) was the founder of the Radio Flyer company, best known for making the Radio Flyer stamped steel toy wagon . Born in Venice , Italy as the son of a cabinetmaker , Pasin moved to America in 1913 at age 16 to begin
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#1732913590445600-655: The Alexander Doll Company , she was the premier American doll maker of the 20th century. Inducted, 2001 40 Betty James (1918–2008) Produced the Slinky as president and CEO of James Industries. Inducted, 2002 41 David A. Miller (1932–) He pioneered national and global efforts to change international opinion in favor of accepting China into the World Trade Organization and win it permanent Most Favored Nation status in
650-543: The Duncan Toys Company . 57 Al Verrecchia (1943-) CEO of Hasbro . Inducted, 2012 58 Frederick August Otto Schwarz (1836-1911) Founder of toy retailer FAO Schwarz . 59 Arnie Rubin Founder of Funrise Toy Corporation. Inducted, 2013 60 Russell Berrie (1933-2002) Founder of toy maker Russ Berrie & Company. 61 Judy Ellis Founder of
700-545: The Ideal Toy Company to the forefront of the industry. One of the first to make use of licensed products; he inspired the rage for the Shirley Temple doll. 17 Ruth (1916-2002) and Elliot Handler (1916-2011) The first toy company to advertise on television, they bought time on the "Mickey Mouse Show" and changed product marketing forever. The resulting visibility meant that for millions of children
750-600: The National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong in Rochester, New York in 1999, and its creator, Antonio Pasin, was inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame in 2003. The Radio Flyer Tricycle features the same bright red color and graphics as the little red wagon. The readily recognizable little red wagon manufactured by Radio Flyer is used in several artistic works, including in film and on television. A character in
800-632: The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC in 1981. Inducted, 2006 49 Edwin Binney (1866–1934) C. Harold Smith (1860–1931) Cousins founded Binney & Smith in 1885. In 1903, Binney & Smith introduced the first box of eight Crayola crayons, responding to teachers' need for safe and affordable wax crayons for their students. Inducted, 2007 50 [REDACTED] George Lucas (1944–) Star Wars
850-583: The Toy Industry Hall of Fame honors the contributions of toy makers internationally. The Hall of Fame is administered by the Toy Industry Foundation, a division of the United States Toy Industry Association . Inducted, 1985 1 Louis Marx (1896–1982) Established Louis Marx and Company in 1921. By 1950, it was the world's largest toy manufacturer. Marx was also first to mass-produce mechanical toys in
900-567: The 1933 Chicago World's Fair, Century of Progress . Riverfront Park in Spokane, Washington features a large red wagon that doubles as a playground slide . It is 12 feet (3.7 m) high and 27 feet (8.2 m) long. The interactive sculpture is modeled after the Radio Flyer wagon, and was sculpted by Ken Spiering and installed in 1989. The "World's Largest Wagon" is a sculpture commissioned by Radio Flyer in honor of their 80th anniversary. It
950-449: The 1970s borrowed the stylings of the muscle cars of the day, including the Fireball 2001 inspired by Evel Knievel . The 1990s saw the introduction of the "Quad Shock Wagon" echoing sport utility vehicles . The "Ultimate Family Wagon", introduced in 2007, includes a sunshade and an adjustable seat; the design won a Chicago Innovation Award in 2007. The Radio Flyer Wagon was inducted into
1000-421: The 1992 drama film Radio Flyer flies to safety in a converted Radio Flyer wagon. Radio Flyer wagons appear in a store display in the 1983 film A Christmas Story . The June 24, 2013 episode of Let's Make a Deal parodied this wagon as a Zonk being offered under the name "Zonk Flyer". The 45-foot-tall (14 m) Coaster Boy wood and plaster statue of a young boy and wagon was constructed by Radio Flyer for
1050-584: The Association through the perils of government regulation. Inducted, 1994 27 Alan G. Hassenfeld (1948–) As chairman and chief executive, he has diversified Hasbro ’s portfolio of companies and expanded international operations while initiating a singular brand of corporate activism designed to improve the lives of children. Inducted, 1995 28 John W. Amerman (1932–) By focusing on building core products, cutting costs and reorganizing management, at Mattel he engineered
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#17329135904451100-1655: The Board, The Ohio Art Company 83 Philip Bloom Founder & Former Publisher, The Bloom Report Inducted, 2022 84 Lucille King Founder of Playskool Institute 85 Johnny Gruelle (1880-1938) Creator of Raggedy Ann & Raggedy Andy 86 Bob Wann PlayMonster 87 Jim Pressman Pressman Toy Corporation Inducted, 2023 88 John Lloyd Wright (1892-1972) Inventor of Lincoln Logs 89 David W. Ring Founder of Larami Corporation 90 Rose O'Neill (1874-1944) Inventor of Kewpie Dolls 91 John McLoughlin Jr. (1827-1905) Founder of McLoughlin Brothers 92 Mary Couzin Founder & President ChiTag & People of Play 93 94 95 Ronnen Harary (1971-) Anton Rabie Ben Varadi Co-Founders of Spin Master See also [ edit ] National Toy Hall of Fame List of toys and children's media awards References [ edit ] ^ Martin, Douglas (2006-06-06). "Bernard Loomis, 82, Dies; Made Toys TV Stars" . The New York Times . p. C13 . Retrieved 2006-06-15 . ^ Nelander, Betty (2011-11-03). "Seymore Ziv, PB Opera board member, Toys 'R' Us exec, dies" . Palm Beach Daily News . Retrieved 2022-12-15 . External links [ edit ] Toy Industry Hall of Fame at
1150-580: The Children's Television Workshop, now known as Sesame Workshop . 53 Jack Pressman (1895-1959) Founder of the Pressman Toy Corporation . Inducted, 2010 54 John Lasseter (1957-) Chief creative officer of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios . 55 Sam Walton (1918-1992) Founder of retailer Wal-Mart . Inducted, 2011 56 Donald F. Duncan, Sr. (1892-1971) Founder of
1200-606: The Frog, Big Bird, Miss Piggy, Bert and Ernie, Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch Inducted, 1993 25 Albert Steiner (1895–1977) Kenner created a business renowned for its toy versions of adult activities, including the Girder and Panel Building set, Give A Show Projector and Easy Bake Oven. 26 Aaron Locker (1927–2013) As general counsel to TMA, his name became synonymous with product safety as he guided
1250-637: The M.W. Kasch Company. 15 Walter W. Armatys Managed the Toy Fair in New York for many years, was instrumental in setting up the TMA safety and logistics seminars, and handled organization of the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. Inducted, 1989 16 Benjamin F. Michtom (1901–1980) Possibly the best promoter of toys ever, he structured a sales and marketing organization second to none, propelling
1300-415: The U.S. Inducted, 2003 42 Antonio Pasin (1896–1990) By 1930, Pasin had adopted the mass production technologies of the auto industry to create the first affordable steel wagon, earning him the nickname "Little Ford". The invention of the radio and the wonder of flight inspired the wagon and company name Radio Flyer . 43 Eddy Goldfarb (1921-) Over his long career in
1350-423: The U.S., and many of his early wind-ups are valued collectors’ items. 2 Merrill L. Hassenfeld (1918–1979) Built Hasbro into a leading manufacturer of playthings from a maker of school supplies. He started with a line of doctor and nurse kits, and air raid warden sets. He oversaw the development of toys such as Mr. Potato Head and G.I.Joe. 3 Nathan Greenman (1916–1976) Preeminent in
1400-402: The business of toy wholesaling, Nat Greenman devoted his entire adult life to the toy industry. With his two brothers, he joined his father's enterprise as a teenager and went on to be a major force behind the growth of Greenman Brothers, Inc., one of the largest toy wholesalers in the United States. As the company's chief merchant in its years of greatest development, he met and influenced many of
1450-506: The classic of toy trains and accessories; even the company's catalogs and its advertisements were classics - all mirroring the genius of Cowen. Inducted, 1988 13 James J. Shea, Sr. (1889–1977) His genius for solving complex problems yielded dramatic results for The Milton Bradley Company , which he headed for over thirty years, building it into a giant among manufacturers of games as well as other product categories. 14 Morey W. Kasch (1907–1972) Founder of
1500-573: The company has produced plastic as well as metal-bodied wagons. A number of designs and styles have been produced by Radio Flyer, often inspired by the automobiles or popular culture of the day. The "Zephyr", produced in the 1930s, paid homage to the Chrysler Airflow . The 1950s saw a yellow wagon inspired by the movie Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier and a blue wagon produced in partnership with Disney's Mickey Mouse Club . Wagons from
1550-436: The company innovative merchandising ideas, guiding its rise to the world's largest retailer of children's products. Inducted, 2000 38 Fred Ertl, Jr. (1930–2017) The Ertl Company created toy tractors. His leadership generated an industry-wide shift in the role of safety and toys, resulting in the development of the first toy safety standard. 39 Beatrice Alexander (1895–1990) Founder of
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1600-514: The company shifted production to portable five gallon Blitz cans for the US Army . In 1987, Radio Steel changed its name to Radio Flyer after its popular flagship little red wagon. Pasin died in 1990, and his grandson, Robert Pasin, has been CEO since 1997. Today, the company produces a wide range of children's products, including scooters , tricycles , ride-ons, horses, battery ops, and wagons . In 2015, Fortune named Radio Flyer number one in
1650-469: The company to worldwide prominence by 1974. He turned Tonka into the largest volume manufacturer of vehicles of any type in the world, and insisted that Tonka trucks be the safest and most durable toys of their time, a tradition that continues today. 34 35 36 Jeffrey Breslow (1943–) Howard Morrison (1932-) Rouben Terzian (1939-) In 1967, when they joined the legendary Marvin Glass, they began
1700-550: The firm of Fisher-Price and built it into the world's largest and most respected manufacturer of preschool toys. Inducted, 1986 8 Raymond P. Wagner (1932–1985) President of Mattel Toys (1973 to 1983). 9 Charles S. Raizen (1892–1967) Founder of Transogram , best-remembered for The Little Country Doctor and Nurse Kit, inspired by Dr. Daniel Defoe. 10 George S. Parker (1866–1952) Founder of Parker Brothers , created Rook and Pit, introduced jigsaw puzzles, Ping Pong and Monopoly
1750-481: The first studio for toy design - Marvin Glass and Associates . He brought successful toys to the marketplace including Mr. Machine and Rock-Em-Sock-Em Robots. 5 A.C. Gilbert (1884–1961) The A. C. Gilbert Company created the Erector toy construction sets. It was largely due to Gilbert's determined effort and skill as an organizer that the industry's first trade association, Toy Manufacturers of America,
1800-521: The first successful long-distance wireless telegraph and in 1901 broadcast the first transatlantic radio signal. Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo, non-stop flight across the Atlantic in 1927. Combining those two marvels, Pasin christened his new metal wagons "Radio Flyer". In 1933, Pasin set up a large manufacturing facility on Grand Avenue in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood. That year, Chicago
1850-461: The major retail success of Toys "R" Us. 32 Thomas J. Kalinske (1944–) He was president of Mattel , Universal Matchbox and Sega of America . He helped Barbie and Hot Wheels grow into major international brands. He led Sega to market leadership and helped establishing an industry-wide video game rating system. Inducted, 1998 33 Russell L. Wenkstern (1912–2000) As president and CEO of Tonka Toys , he brought
1900-2133: The nation's first baccalaureate program in Toy Design, which she launched at the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1989. Inducted, 2014 62 Arthur "Spud" Melin (1924-2002) and Richard Knerr (1925-2008) Founders of toy maker Wham-O . 63 Jack Friedman (1939-2010) Founder of three toy companies: LJN Toys, THQ , and Jakks Pacific . 64 Horst Brandstätter (1933-2015) Owner and president of Brandstätter Group , which includes toy company Playmobil . 65 Jill Barad (1951-) CEO of Mattel . Inducted, 2015 66 Leslie Berger (1919-2014) Founder of toy maker Cardinal Industries. 67 Pat Feely Toy industry executive at Tonka and Radica Games . Inducted, 2016 68 Bob Iger (1951-) Chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company . Inducted, 2017 69 Peter Eio Former president of The Lego Group 70 Ray Larsen (1939–2012) Founder of RLA Marketing 71 Sydney Rosen (1917–2011) Former owner of Rose Art Inducted, 2018 72 Andrea Barthello CEO OF ThinkFun 73 James Becker (1921-2011) Founder of Anjar Co. Inducted, 2019 74 Brian Goldner (1963-2021) CEO OF Hasbro 75 Joe Mendelsohn (1930-2017) Former president of Kenner Products 76 Stan Lee (1922-2018) Former chairman of Marvel Comics Inducted, 2020 77 Harry Kislevitz (1927-2009) Founder of Colorforms Corporation 78 Thomas G. Murdough, Jr. Founder Little Tikes /Step 2/Simplay 3 79 Thomas Chan Founder and CEO of Playmates Toys Inc Inducted, 2021 80 Margarete Steiff (1847-1909) Founder and Creator of Steiff 81 Pleasant Rowland (1941-) Founder of American Girl 82 William C. Killgallon Chairman of
1950-411: The one-armed paper cutter. Inducted, 2005 47 Lionel Weintraub (1920–1994) Introduced the first three-dimensional games: "Mousetrap!", "Toss Across", "Rebound", "Kerplunk", "Magic 8 Ball" and "Rubik's Cube". 48 Reuben Klamer (1922-2021) Best known as the originator and an inventor of The Game of Life , which became part of the permanent Archives of Family Life at
2000-407: The promotional toy business. His guidance helped small companies stay in business and many manufacturers to achieve personal and corporate success. 31 Howard Moore (1930–) As executive vice president and general merchandise manager at Toys "R" Us , his focus on strategic line planning, product selection and merchandising enabled toy companies to grow and flourish while contributing to
2050-442: The red wagons sold for slightly less than $ 3, or about $ 40 in 2016 dollars. In 1930, the company was renamed Radio Steel & Manufacturing . The renamed company produced steel-bodied wagons and used assembly line manufacturing techniques. The new Radio Flyer wagons were named as a tribute to two famous men of the day: Marconi and Lindbergh . Italian inventor and engineer Guglielmo Marconi developed, demonstrated, and marketed
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2100-403: The top 25 best small businesses for which to work. The Liberty Coaster Company began producing the wooden bodied "No. 4 Liberty Coaster" in 1923. In 1927, Pasin replaced the wooden body with stamped steel, taking advantage of assembly line manufacturing techniques and earning him the nickname "Little Ford". 1500 wagons a day rolled off assembly lines even during the Great Depression . Since 2002,
2150-424: The top figures from across the toy industry. Greenman often shared his views as an unofficial voice of wholesalers, He helped to shape toy distribution policy in the industry's formative years. His formula of "strength through efficiency" also helped lay the groundwork for his own firm to evolve over time into a successful multifaceted operation. 4 Marvin Glass (1914–1974) In 1941, Marvin Glass founded
2200-470: The toy industry, Eddy Goldfarb has put close to 800 items on the market in a variety of toy categories, and has received almost 300 patents. Some of his earliest and most successful toys have been: Yakkity Yak Teeth , Busy Biddy, Merry-Go-Sip, Shark Attack, Arcade Basketball, Quiz Way, Kerplunk, Baby Beans and Lego Creator Game , to name a few. Inducted, 2004 44 Neil B. Friedman (1947-) Currently (2004) president of Fisher-Price Brands,
2250-502: The wagons as well, he refocused his business on the wagons. His business grew until the Liberty Coaster Company , named in honour of the Statue of Liberty , was formed in 1923. The demands for these original wooden wagons, dubbed the "Liberty Coaster," quickly outpaced production. Incorporating the mass manufacturing techniques of the auto industry, Pasin began making metal wagons out of stamped steel in 1927. At around that time,
2300-494: The world's most notable brands including " Chatty Cathy ", " Barbie ", " Hot Wheels ", " Baby Alive ", and " Strawberry Shortcake ", but perhaps his biggest marketing success was bringing a then-unknown film property called Star Wars to the toy shelves. Every toy company he worked for ( Mattel , General Mills , and Hasbro ) became "the world's largest toy company" during his tenures in each company. 24 Jim Henson (1936–1990) Creator of puppets - including Kermit
2350-458: Was established in 1916. 6 Jerome M. Fryer (1918–1983) President of CBS Toys, acquired Samuel Gabriel Sons & Co. and expanded it into a major concern, adding other established names - such as Child Guidance, Creative Playthings , Gilbert, Gym-Dandy, Hubley, Ideal, Kohner and Wonder - into what would become the CBS Toys family. 7 Herman Fisher (1898–1975) Founded
2400-569: Was inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame in 2003. In 2016, his 107-year-old widow passed away. This article about a toy designer is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Toy Industry Hall of Fame [REDACTED] This article's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Misplaced Pages . See Misplaced Pages's guide to writing better articles for suggestions. ( October 2023 ) ( Learn how and when to remove this message ) Established in 1984,
2450-530: Was the first entertainment franchise that brought together film, licensing and merchandising. Star Wars action figures established the 3¾-inch scale and spawned a community of passionate toy collectors setting the industry "standard" on which most major movie toy lines are based today. Inducted, 2008 51 Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen (1947-) President of the Lego Group . Inducted, 2009 52 Joan Ganz Cooney (1929-) Co-founder of
2500-534: Was the host of the World's Fair, Century of Progress , and Radio Steel was asked to be a part of the celebration. Antonio Pasin took on major debt to fund the construction of a 45-foot (14 m) tall wood and plaster Coaster Boy statue depicting a boy riding a Liberty Coaster wagon. Below the Coaster Boy exhibit Pasin sold miniatures for 25 cents. During World War II , steel was essential war material; from 1942–1945,
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