Radio Flyer - Flash Back Friday

Halloween is almost upon us, and while many families will be out trick-or-treating on that haunting of all nights, some will be rolling though the neighborhood with their little red wagons.  Radio Flyers are also abundant at our local pumpkin patch so that you can haul your pick to your car and your little ones around the patch.  I guess that is why I always associate this classic toy with the autumn, and the brisk weather this time of year. 

Here's some history on the Radio Flyer Company and their iconic wagons from wikipedia:

Antonio Pasin started building wooden toy wagons in Chicago in 1917, and by 1923 had formed the Liberty Coaster Company (named after the Statue of Liberty). In 1930, the company was renamed Radio Steel & Manufacturing; the first steel wagon produced was named Radio Flyer. Pasin coined the name Radio Flyer from his fascination with both the invention of the radio and flight.[citation needed] During World War II, the company produced special gas cans, known as Blitz cans, for the US Army.[citation needed]

Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Radio Flyer became well known for the popular red Radio Flyer wagon. Today, the company produces a wide range of children's toy vehicles, including fire engines, bicycles and tricycles, and racers.

The first wagon was the "No. 4 Liberty Coaster", which was built from wood and steel in 1923 and enjoyed tremendous success.

Modern wagons are built in "Classic Steel or Wood", although Plastic is also an option. While there have been dozens of different versions over the years, the "#18 Classic Red Wagon" with which the company is forever associated has been in continuous production for over 70 years.

Not all wagons have been red. The 1950s saw a "Davy Crockett Wagon" which was yellow, as was a 70s "Evil Kneivel Wagon". A blue "Mickey Mouse Club Wagon" was made in the 50s as well, as was the "Spirit of '76" model which was made for the Bicentennial.

You can check out the World's Largest Wagon created by Radio Flyer for their 80th anniversary.  According to the Radio Flyer website, this wagon is  "27 feet long, 13 feet wide, with wheels 8 feet in diameter. It was inspired by the 45 foot tall "Coaster Boy" model, the Radio Flyer hit of the 1933 World's Fair."

If you are thinking of picking up a wagon for pumpkin patch visits or Halloween, you can check them out here.  Also, you can check out the Halloween Store here, and the Kids' Costume Store here if you are still in need of costumes, decorations, party supplies, or candy.

Have a great weekend!

--Laura McMullan

Comments

[B. Durbin on October 13, 2009 at 03:05 PM]

Don't forget that Spokane also has a lovely giant Radio Flyer in Riverfront Park, downtown. It even has an included slide for kids and adults alike.

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