March 5, 1963: the Hula Hoop, a hip-swiveling toy that
became a huge fad across America when it was first
marketed by Wham-O in 1958, was patented by the
company’s co-founder, Arthur “Spud” Melin.

On February 15, 1903, toy store owner and inventor Morris
Michtom places two stuffed bears in his shop window,
advertising them as Teddy bears.

Michtom had earlier petitioned President Theodore Roosevelt
for permission to use his nickname, Teddy.

Theodore Roosevelt Jr.
(October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919)

The flagship Ant Farm® brand ant habitat, was first
introduced in 1956.

Milton Martin Levine (November 3, 1913 – January 16, 2011)
was the co-founder of Uncle Milton Toys.

On March 9, 1959, the first Barbie doll went on display at the
American Toy Fair in New York City.

Eleven inches tall, with a waterfall of blond hair, Barbie was
the first mass-produced toy doll in the United States with adult
features. The woman behind Barbie was Ruth Handler, who
co-founded Mattel, Inc. with her husband (below) in 1945. 
        
        
        
        
        
       

Elliott and Ruth Handler

Mattel’s headquarters and factory near LAX in 1956.

According to the National Parks Service, named after President
Theodore Roosevelt, the stuffed bear was first sold by Morris 
Michtom, a Brooklyn, New York, resident who owned a candy 
shop.

Michtom’s wife, Rose, who made stuffed animal toys, actually
created the first teddy bears. 

             (1866 – 1938)

Rose Michtom

Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919)