Wooly Willy is a toy in which metal filings are moved about with a

magnetic Magnetism is the class of physical attributes that are mediated by a magnetic field, which refers to the capacity to induce attractive and repulsive phenomena in other entities. Electric currents and the magnetic moments of elementary particle ...

wand to add features to a cartoon face. The toy was originally manufactured in Smethport, Pennsylvania and was launched on the toy market in 1955. It remains in production as of 2016. Funny Face, Betty Brunette, and Dapper Dan were similar toys. The Woolly Willy trademark is currently held by the Beloit, Wisconsin-based company PlayMonster, formerly known as Patch Products, which purchased the Smethport Specialty Company in 2008.

Description

Creation

The artwork for the first Wooly Willy was created by artist Leonard Mackowski of Bradford, Pa. His signature is found hidden in the grass on the reverse side.

Launch

Priced at US$0.29, Wooly Willy was successfully launched on the market in 1955. A buyer for G. C. Murphy dime store chain initially purchased six dozen of the toy and expected not to sell them for a year. The buyer called Herzog just two days later and ordered 12,000 for nationwide distribution.Attoun, Marti. "Wooly Willy Attracting Smiles for 50 years". ''American Profile'' Sep. 27 - Oct. 5, p 12. F. W. Woolworth Company also distributed the toy. More than 75 million Wooly Willies have been sold.

Honors

Wooly Willy became a hit with young baby boomers, and remains in production as of 2010 by the Smethport Specialty Company, which is now owned by PlayMonster. PlayMonster was known as Patch Products until 2016.

References

External links

* {{cite web , url=http://www.smethporthistory.org/smethportspeciality/wollypage.htm , title=Smethport's Wooly Willy , accessdate=2009-02-10 1950s toys Products introduced in 1955 Magnetic devices Toy brands Smethport, Pennsylvania