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Posted March 20th, 2009 April is National Toy Invention Month (Actually, I just made that up.) But I do think it is a good idea. Chicago is the home of modern toy invention, as well where most of the enduring classics of the 50's , 60's, 70's, and beyond had their origins. So, most every toy has a story, some more interesting than others. Nerf Darts are an example. A simple little toy, like a mini stomp rocket - you pound on the bellows and the 6” foam rocket sails across the room. When it was first presented to Parker Brothers, who introduced Nerf foam toys to the market in the 70’s, the Parker Brothers representative opened his mouth in surprise, and the dart sailed right into his open maw. He bought it on the spot. Luck favors the prepared mind, or mouth. And 'Whoops!' the iconic (and most overused word in the toy industry today) Rubber Vomit, was created of latex and chunks of foam rubber. Marvin (Glass) hated it. He refused to show it, much to the consternation of the proud inventor. When the Chicago King of Novelty Toys, whose name escapes me in the mists of time, had come to the mountain to meet with the great guru of toys, Marvin Himself, the inventor burst into the conference room uninvited and threw it on the table in front of them. Marvin was shocked, but the client loved it, and then Marvin did, too. Sold! The rest is gag history. The classic game Operation started off as a gold mining game invented by a Chicago lad and entered into a contest sponsored by Marvin. The winner got $500, a tidy sum back then, and then a job at MGA. It was my good friend and mentor Mel at Milton Bradley that reportedly turned it into the zany medical-themed game we know as Operation. And Marvin Glass himself, there was a piece of work. Few like him, before or since.
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