Some nostalgic images, from old ads, etc...
This page is a new addition (as of April 2022) and will highlight some of the things most of us grew up with, but which would be considered outrageous (if not down-right illegal) today. We're starting with a few images (and descriptions) of some rather dubious toys from our youth.
Austin Magic Pistol
Children in the 1950s loved to play with toy guns. The Austin Magic Pistol was a ray-gun that stood out from the rest. Not only did it look like something out of Buck Rogers but it propelled ping-pong balls by using exploding gas. Sounds super safe, right?
According to Worthpoint, this pistol was a glorified carbide cannon. The gas was produced by mixing “magic white crystals” with water (calcium carbide, I presume, which makes acetylene when mixed with water) at the back of the gun. A pull of the trigger generated a spark (similar to BBQ grill lighters today), which ignited the acetylene, propelling the balls over 100 feet. This thing would terrify today's parents.
Actually, I think I would like to have one...
Atomic Energy Lab
The award for the most absurdly dangerous toy from the 1950s goes to the U-238 Atomic Energy Lab. The A.C. Gilbert Company manufactured this lab kit which included radiation sources, uranium ores, and a cloud chamber so children could watch alpha particles glow.
According to the Science History Institute, the toy was removed from the shelves but the Gilbert Company continued to assure parents that “the tiny bit of radioactive material included with each set was essentially harmless.” Sure. Allowing kids to play with uranium sounds super safe. Is anyone shocked that they discontinued this crazy toy?
No, don't think I want one in the house...
Power Mite Tools
Some things never change when it comes to little boys and the toys they like to play with. These days, guys love to play with toy power tools, just as they did in the 1960s. One thing that has changed is safety standards. Power Mite Tools were miniaturized functional power tools made for kids.
You read that right. Parents gave boys power drills, sanders, and even a power saw that featured sharp blades. Somehow the fact that these tools were smaller than adult power tools made them safer for children. That sounds like solid logic to me. What could go wrong?
I would love to have one of these. Seems ideal for crafts and model building...
Satellite Shoes
Moon Shoes were popular in the 1980s but they started out in the 1950s as Satellite Jumping Shoes. These dangerous contraptions were made of metal and exposed springs that strapped on over a kid’s shoes. The idea was that they would bounce like tiny trampolines on their feet.
These looked like some sort of torture device for clowns. They were also extremely risky as kids twisted their ankles attempting to catch air. Thank goodness they improved upon them in the 80s, making them out plastic materials and covering the inner workings. Although, that still didn't stop little ones from injuring themselves.
NOTE: This is just the beginning. I will be on the look-out for additional interesting items. And, as always, I welcome suggestions from visitors. Just drop a note to the Web Master, hopefully with a link to the item.
You know, after looking at this, I am beginning to wonder how any of us survived.