Marvin Glass: Toy inventor & swinging dude

[megoscott]

Found this great blog post today...check it out

SECRET FUN BLOG: MARVIN GLASS: LEGENDARY TOYMAKER REVEALED

MARVIN GLASS: LEGENDARY TOYMAKER REVEALED

Marvin Glass and Associates is the source of many of the most beloved toys and games in recent history. Classic playthings such as Mr. Machine, Rock'Em Sock'Em Robots, Lite Brite, Ants in the Pants, Mouse Trap, Operation, SIMON, and the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle were all originally presented by this Chicago-based toy firm. Surprisingly, the web offers very limited info on the company and even less about the man behind it. In an effort to fill this void I've transcribed two incredible, vintage magazine articles that focus on Marvin Glass (1914-1974).

Troubled King of Toys traces back to the beginning of Glass's legendary career and gives us a snapshot of the company as it teetered on the brink of greatness. The second piece, A Playboy Pad: Swinging In Suburbia, catches up with Glass a decade later and millions richer as he shows off the spoils of his drudgery in pure Swinging Sixties fashion. This pair of articles contains a treasure trove of facts, and even more fascinating, a rare insight into Mr. Glass's persona.

[Wee67]

Wow, a cool read. Its amazing how we may have never heard of these people that had such an impact on our lives.

I wonder if toy makers are like comedians- they seem to be all fun and joy, but in reality many are dark and morose. The best comedians tend to be super intelligent and a bit too sensitive.

That swinging pad was pretty rockin'. I can only imagine what his pad would have looked like if he made it into the 70's!

[twilitezoner]

Thanks Scott. Great article.