Lincoln Logs have been a classic staple in the history of the modernization of children’s toys since World War II and are still sold at many mainstream stores and on online platforms. Subsequently, bringing joy to parents, children, and toy collectors alike.
However, there is so much history behind the idea of this, so much as that is sure to continue shaping how this vintage toy is used in educational teachings and even to some extent how construct buildings today. Think about it, how many times did modern society overlook the richness behind its creative history and likeness to Abraham Lincoln’s actual Log Cabin home once located in Hodgenville, Kentucky?
A Brief History of Lincoln Logs and Creator John Lloyd Wright
Taking the toy industry by storm and perhaps becoming one of the #1 and best toy inventions in the World War II Era. Also named after the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, it was developed by John Lloyd Wright between 1916 and 1917, and marketed to the public in 1924. Lincoln Logs have stood the test of time for decades bringing joy to children and their families. The idea came when Wright at the tender age of 24 years old was working alongside his father the famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright as his Chief Assistant on the design of the Tokyo Imperial Hotel in Japan.
The duo was called in to strategize how to construct a building that would withstand the frequency of powerful earthquakes Japan regularly experienced and came up with a system consisting of interlocking wooden beams that would protect the building from collapse. Ironically, the building would be the only one left standing during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, which destroyed most of Tokyo.
Where did the idea for Lincoln Logs Originate?
After a falling out with his father shortly before the construction of the Tokyo Imperial Hotel began and out of desperation to find work, John Lloyd Wright decided to focus his attention on new business prospects. One prospect being the creation of a children’s toy construction set with notched pieces of wood that were able to be stacked on top of one another and were thought to withstand rough child’s play. Eventually, however, the idea for the construction set would be patented to Playskool in 1943 a subsidiary of the Milton Bradley Company and a syndicate of Hasbro.
Little did Wright know that his toy would become an iconic addition in today’s vintage toy market to children and collectors alike with over a million sets being sold globally. The success would not stop there but become the bridge between marketing and sales strategies that ultimately gave birth to more modernized toy construction sets such as Duplo, Legos, and K’Nex.
What sets Lincoln Logs Apart from Other Toys?
According to parents across the globe, this innovative toy has been an incredible tool for prompting children to use their imaginations and think outside the box using their mind-power to develop their own imaginary worlds and scenarios thought to be an important aspect of marrying creativeness and self-expression even in a highly technological world.
In addition to creativeness and self-expression, the vintage toy has been used in educational settings to enhance cognitive abilities, promote problem-solving skills, teach spatial awareness, and improve fine motor skills all of which are expected to enhance academic success for generations to come.
Will Lincoln Logs Continue to Stand the Test of Time?
Science, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) approved, these construction sets are thought to be one of the last toys to represent the heart of America and due to their continued appeal to children and adults alike there is no question that they will continue to stand the test of time. In fact, the Milton Bradley Company was one of the first to use modern marketing strategies via Television to market the product as early as the World War Two era appearing in between airings of Davy Crockett and Pioneer Playhouse.
Even so, there is no question that the toy will continue making its mark on the toy industry for decades to come. In fact, they are now sold in many modern online and in-store retailers including Walmart, Target, Amazon, eBay, and Kohl’s. In most cases classic replicas can be purchased on these sites, however there is a collector’s addition consisting of 327 pieces constructing a total of three separate cabin scenes that may be a little more difficult to find. The possibilities are certainly endless, and it will be interesting to see the nuances that will follow with the continued evolution of modern technology. Perhaps a virtual version will arise.
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