July 8, 2006

Gym Horse From Hot Water Tank (Nov, 1932)

Exciting!

Gym Horse From Hot Water Tank

A GYM horse that can stand the weather and delight youngsters can be made and set up in half an hour by the method shown in the accompanying photograph. The pipe is readily driven into the ground, after connecting to the tank, of course. A little concrete may be poured around the pipe afterwards if greater rigidity is desired.

June 29, 2006

Seven Year Old has Pimpin’ Trailer (May, 1954)

TRAILERETTE built by Charles Rucker of Flint Mich., for his seven year-old son, Billy, is 32 inches wide and 40 inches high. Billy hauls it around with his battery-powered “hot rod.”

June 25, 2006

Buck Rodgers 25th Century Caster (Jan, 1936)

Buck Rodgers 25th Century Caster
A complete outfit for casting & coloring characters of 2500 A.D.

You Can MAKE MONEY with these Popular Toys

Get this great outfit! Make toy castings of Buck with his marvelous Disintegrator Pistol . . . Wilma Deering, his faithful Lieutenant . . . and Killer Kane, the arch-criminal of the 25th Century. Paint your castings in bright, lifelike colors. Make all the toys you want. Sell them at a big profit! Millions of people are interested in Buck’s adventures . . . and follow them daily in newspapers and radio. Start your own toy business with this complete outfit. Make real money.

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Make Your Own Kaleidoscope (Oct, 1944)

I love how they emphasize the fact that they used a COLOR camera.

Our Color Camera Takes a Look Through a Kaleidoscope

By HARRY WALTON

Photographs by WILLIAM MORRIS and ROBERT SMITH

VISITORS to London about 1816 were amazed to see people in the streets gazing skyward through pasteboard tubes. But these watchers were peering at no eclipse or comet. They were fascinated by a scientific novelty that had taken London by storm—the kaleidoscope, invented by Sir David Brewster. First regarded only as a toy, it was soon adopted by artists as an aid in originating new designs. Sir David named his invention by combining three Greek words: kalos, meaning beautiful; eidos, form; and skopeo, I see. Almost anyone who has looked through a kaleidoscope will agree that the name is appropriate.

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GAS MASKS - GREATEST TOY SENSATION IN YEARS (Mar, 1946)

Gee, what a great toy, no way it could be dangerous, right?

WAR SURPLUS! GAS MASKS

GREATEST TOY SENSATION IN YEARS. LOADS OF FUN.

Real Gas Masks that originally cost $2.50. This great toy value makes you look like a man from Mars, Fine for spraying paint, in-sectictdes, etc. Has big plastic, shatterproof goggles, intake and exhaust valves, filtering cannister, etc. Be the first among your play mates to own one. Big canvas carrying bag with shoulder strap and snap button fastener included FREE if you order now. Send dollar bill with name and address. Satisfaction guaranteed or money back. Send today.
HIMAD PROD. CO. Dept. PM 1 404 N. Wells St: Chicago 10, III.

June 12, 2006

“Tourist” Trailer for Youngsters Is Towed by a Tricycle (Oct, 1938)

For some reason this reminds me of a David Lynch film…

“Tourist” Trailer for Youngsters Is Towed by a Tricycle
Touring the seashore at Venice, Calif., is a streamline trailer towed by a streamline tricycle. Tiny as it is, the miniature trailer is big enough for two little girls to “keep house” in as they play on the beach. Their grandfather built the two-wheel trailer.

June 8, 2006

Checkers for the Invalid (Aug, 1951)

Checkers for the Invalid

Checkers or chess can be played by invalids and blind persons with slotted boards that hold the pieces in place. Each square is numbered with raised numerals so the blind can identify them. The black pieces have one flattened side for identification by touch. The key slots hold the pieces in place even though the board is tilted as it would have to be when used by many bedridden persons.

June 7, 2006

Ad: Erector Set (Dec, 1935)

SEE WHAT MIGHTY MECHANICAL MARVELS YOU CAN BUILD WITH THE GREAT NEW
ERECTOR

Hello Boys!
Look at that giant power plant! You build it yourself with the great new Erector. Piece by piece you erect its massive steel frame. Assemble its enormous fly whee1—pistons—governor. Mount its big, shining boilers. Then you hook up the powerful Erector electric engine and it throbs with action.

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June 6, 2006

Sensational THRILL RIDES Invented for N.Y. World Fair (Apr, 1939)

“one smart inventor has devised a ship that takes passengers to Venus, which is part of the way to the moon”
Wow, I had no idea Venus was so close!

And don’t forget: “These are no sissy rides, and if it’s a thrill you want, you’ll get it at the New York World’s Fair!”

Sensational THRILL RIDES Invented for N.Y. World Fair

HOW would you like to experience the thrill of a parachute jump— without the accompanying dangers of the ‘chute failing to open, of being blown out to sea or of landing in a tree? Well, that thrill will be yours if you are one of the lucky 60,000,000 expected to visit the New York World’s Fair after it opens on April 30. As a matter of fact, a safe parachute jump will be only one of the many sensations ingenious engineers have invented for the Fair visitor’s amusement. If the ‘chute jump seems tame, try the aerial ship which the rider can pilot himself. It’s safe, of course, because a cable keeps the ship anchored to a revolving pole, but you can turn or stall in a steep climb or experience the sensation of a power dive, if you are up to it.

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May 31, 2006

Inventors Turn to Toys (Dec, 1928)

I particularly like the cow on the second page. You can fill it up with milk and um… milk it.

Inventors Turn to Toys

LOCOMOTIVE

This locomotive is made for the boy who likes to build his own, for it comes “knocked down” packed in a box. It is assembled or taken apart by following instructions; and parts may be replaced. — Dorfan Co., Newark, New Jersey

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May 30, 2006

Water Wings (Oct, 1931)

Inflated Arm Bands Cut Hazards of Swimming Lessons
THE hazards and effort involved in learning to swim are greatly reduced by means of the novel inflated arm bands, or “side wings,” recently introduced at Los Angeles beaches. Wearing these wings, the novice can venture into deep water without fear and can rest when exhausted.

When pumped up with air, the wings, which are made of rubber and fitted on the arms near the shoulders, enable the swimmer to keep his head above water while he perfects his strokes, thus simplifying the ordeal considerably.

Each arm band is provided with valves for inflation. When blown up the wings are extremely light and in no way interfere with circulation of the blood.

May 13, 2006

Spring-Driven Boat Model (Jan, 1933)

Spring-Driven Boat Model
RIVER boats, with the paddle wheel at the stern, are well known in many localities. A simple little model, which will run fast, can be made as shown, from a board.
A, 18″ by 6″ by 1/2″ thick (although any size may be used) with a 3″ by 4″ notch cut in one end for the paddle wheel, and the other end tapered as shown.
The paddle wheel’, B, consists of two bent L shaped pieces of tin soldered to a 1/8″ metal shaft. The shaft is placed in screw eye bearings. To hold the front of the boat down the lead weight D, may be used.
Two stiff steel springs, C, with strings, E, attached to the free ends, are mounted on the board. The other ends of the strings are securely attached to the shaft. Wind up the wheel and the boat is ready to go.

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