Great toys have an indelible impact on the memories of children. While many manufacturers are lucky to produce just one such toy, Wham-O is one of the few to have consistently turned out hit after hit.
Vital Stats
Founded in 1948 by University of Southern California graduates, Richard Knerr and Arthur “Spud” Melin, in the Knerr family garage.
The Outdoorsy Type
Wham-O’s first product was a slingshot used for small-game hunting and slingshot competitions. Knerr and Melin moved away from outdoor sporting gear shortly after starting the company, but did stick with the outdoor theme.
The Big Hits
Wham-O is a ubiquitous guest at family barbecues and outdoor playtime, thanks to iconic toys such as the Frisbee (1957), the Hula-Hoop (1958), Slip ‘N Slide (1961), Superball (1965), and many more.
Misfires
Not all Wham-O toys were hits. Draw Yarn, SUNVU, Mr. Hootie Egg Rake, and Great White Shark Teeth are a few of the company’s unsuccessful ventures.
Hot Potato
Kransco purchased Wham-O in 1982 before passing it to Mattel in 1994. Wham-O eventually became independent again in 1997, before StallionSport Ltd. and InterSport Corp. acquired global rights to the company in 2015.
Legacy
Hula-Hoop and Frisbee have both been inducted to the National Toy Hall of Fame in Rochester, New York.
