National Play-Doh Day – September 16

Humble Beginnings

Play-Doh was originally invented in the 1930s as commercial wallpaper cleaner and marketed by Kutol Products of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Family Affair

After realizing Play-Doh’s potential as an arts and crafts toy, Rainbow Crafts, Inc. was formed by Joe McVicker, his uncle, Noah W. McVicker, and Bill Rhodenbaugh to make and sell the modelling compound.

What’s In A Name?

Before it was Play-Doh, the toy was named Rainbow Modelling Compound.

Good Morning Captain!

Bob Keeshan, a.k.a. Captain Kangaroo, endorsed Play-Doh on his television show, giving it nation-wide exposure on a weekly basis, and propelling the toy to hit status.

Worth Protecting

Joseph and Noah W. McVicker were awarded U.S. Patent No. 3,167,440 in 1965 for their “Plastic modeling composition of a soft, pliable working consistency.”

Primary Colors

The modelling compound was originally released in three primary colors: red, yellow, and blue.

Accolades

In 1998, Play-Doh was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame.
In 2011, TIME Magazine named Play-Doh to its “All-Time 100 Greatest Toys” list.

Numbers Don’t Lie

More than 2 billion cans of Play-Doh have been sold since it was introduced in 1956.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Play-Doh has changed hands a number of times over the years, moving from Rainbow Crafts to Kenner/General Mills to Tonka, and now Hasbro.

Secret Formula

Despite recipes posted on the Internet, the exact formula for Play-Doh remains a closely guarded secret.

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