Louis Marx was once referred to as “the Henry Ford of the toy industry”. He was a toy tycoon from the 1920s into the 1970s whose toys elevated playtime and inspired creativity in children around the world.
Vital Stats
1896-1982. Born in Brooklyn, NY.
Learning the Business
After high school, Marx was plant manager for tin-toy manufacturer, Ferdinand Strauss Co. After two years in the United States Army he returned to private life and worked for a private manufacturer of wooden toys.
Striking Out
In 1919 he founded Louis Marx and Company with his brother, David.
Great Expectations
With decades of massive success with toys such as little green army men (1930s), mechanical tin toys (1940s), and molded plastic playsets (1950s), Louis Marx and Company was the largest toy company in the world by the middle of the 20th century.
Delivering the Goods
Louis Marx and Company produced some of the most recognizable toys in the world, such as Great Garloo, Big Wheel, and Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots. The company manufactured primarily in the United States, with multiple factories worldwide.
Troubled Times
The popularization of overseas manufacturing took its toll on Marx’s bottom line. In the 1970s, the company declined as toy production costs grew compared to cheaper offshore toys produced by other manufacturers.
Legacy
Marx was the first inductee into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. He retired in 1972 after selling his company to Quaker Oats for $54 million.
At Rest
Marx died 10 years later at 85 years old. His body lies in a mausoleum in Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, the northernmost of the five boroughs of New York City.
