Merlin from Parker Brothers (1978)
“Where’s Merlin now? It’s not there. It’s out with Billy playing Magic Square.”
Vintage Advertising
Remember the toys and games of years past through vintage advertising – for better and for worse!
Knock-Off! from Kenner (1969)
Released in 1969 from Kenner Knock-off was touted as a game of “fast, unpredictable action.”
Mystery Maze from Marx (1976)
Released in 1976 from Marx, Mystery Maze was advertised as “the inscrutable game of skill and luck.”
The Wing Thing from Gilbert Toys (1963)
In 1963, Gilbert released The Wing Thing, an “all-weather flying vehicle” that stood a whopping 36-inches long by 48-inches wide.
Darth Vader Collector’s Case from Kenner Products (1980)
You may recognize the two actors in this classic StarWars commercial: Peter Billingsley (Ralphie from A Christmas Story) and Christian Slater.
Weather Stations from Lionel (1962)
As part of its diversification into other toy lines Lionel began to offer additional products with a science focus in the 1960 – including weather stations.
Auto-Rama Miniature Racing from Gilbert Toys (1963)
The Fly-Over Chicane was an add-on accessory that could be installed on any American Flyer Auto-Rama race set.
Prop Shots from Marx (1976)
In 1975, Marx Toys released a squadron of six high-flying planes called Prop Shots.
Pretzel-Jetzel from Transogram (1965)
Make Zenzational pretzels with the Pretzel-Jetzel, the “jet-age” pretzel baker!
The Mad Magazine Game from Parker Brothers (1979)
“These people are doing some real goofy things…”
Call the Plumber from Tiger Games (1989)
A 1989 print advertisement for Call the Plumber from Tiger Games.
Computer Perfection from Lakeside (1979)
“We are the Domeheads. We are the perfect family and we play the perfect electronic game.”
Walt Disney’s Haunted Mansion Model Kits from MPC (1974)
In 1974, Model Products Corporation (MPC) released four model kits loosely based on the popular Haunted Mansion attraction at Walt Disney’s Disneyland and Magic Kingdom theme parks.