A Filipino immigrant, Pedro Flores, introduced a Philippine hunting weapon named Yo-Yo, translated in English as "come back," to the United States in the 1920s. Donald Duncan bought the rights to the name and the toy in 1929. He created the Duncan Imperial and the well-known Butterfly Yo-Yo. Tricks done with the toy include "Walk the Dog" and "Around the World." Used in tournaments from the beginning in the United States, the Yo-Yo became a fad again during the 1960s and surged in popularity in 1962. Yo-Yo Tournaments have enjoyed popularity throughout the 1990s.

Further Reading:

Duncan Toy Company, The Duncan Trick Book, Middle Field, Duncan Toy Company.

Former Yo-Yo champ John Farmer performs a trick.

Skolnik, Peter. Fads: America's Crazes, Fevers and Fancies, New York, Crowell, 1978.