Along with LEGOs (see entry under 1950s—Sports and Games in volume 4), Barbie dolls (see entry under 1950s—Commerce in volume 3), and GI Joe (see entry under 1960s—Commerce in volume 4), Fisher-Price toys have been some of the most popular and successful toys in American history. Most children who grew up after World War II (1939–45) have had at least some experience playing with Fisher-Price toys. Their success came from their ability to give children the tools for imaginative play without confining them to only one activity. Fisher-Price toys were basic, but they allowed children to use their imaginations to create whole worlds with the toys.

Herman Fisher (1898–1975), Irving Price (1884–1976), and Helen Schelle (1893–1984) began the Fisher-Price company in East Aurora, New York, in 1931. Although the company struggled to survive during the Great Depression (1929–41), when most people had little money for extras like toys, it managed to introduce...