Introduced in 1956, this messy modeling clay for kids was originally intended for cleaning wallpaper. Little did creators Noah McVicker and Joseph McVicker know that their utilitarian invention would become a popular childhood ‘toy’ - and the scourge of parents everywhere who have to clean up after playtime. Since its invention, over 2 billion cans have been sold.
In its original form, Play-Doh came in one color - off white - and was packaged in a 1.5 pound cardboard can. Joe McVicker of Kutol Chemicals had learned from a teacher that modeling clay used by children in the classrooms was often too difficult for many of the smaller children to manipulate. He remembered that the non-toxic composition he had created as a wallpaper cleaner was easy to manipulate and could possibly work as a substitute for the typical modeling clay the schools were using.
He tested his idea in schools in Cincinnati, Ohio and it was a huge success. Using the new company name “Rainbow Crafts”, Joe first sold his new material in the toy department of Woodward & Lothrop Department Store in Washington, D.C. Early cans featured a happy little elf on the label. Soon after, this mascot gave way to the kid dressed as an artist affectionately known as Play-Doh-Pete.
Play-Doh was constantly improved upon to make it softer, more pliable and colorful. Play-Doh-Pete was also updated. In 1986 the cardboard can was abandoned for a plastic container. The cardboard cans were flimsy and had a metal bottom that was prone to rust. In 1991 Play-Doh was sold to Hasbro, who added it to their Playskool collection. Hasbro now offers countless tools and gadgets to help children make their favorite creations. In 2006 Hasbro celebrated Play-Doh’s 50th birthday by creating a set of 50 Play-Doh jars.
What is the stuff made of?
The exact ingeredient proportions are unknown. However, it is known to contain wheat flour, water, salt, and some sort of petroleum distillate.
