SALEM, ORE. — A World War II scientist was looking for ways to produce synthetic rubber when, by accident, he invented a classic American toy.
The pinkish, stretchy stuff that became known as Silly Putty, along with Tonka trucks, were inducted Wednesday into the National Toy Hall of Fame. The toys join such previous inductees as the Barbie Doll, Frisbee and Mr. Potato Head.
Kelby Schmidt, 8, of Dallas, Ore., puts Silly Putty through the stretch test at The National Toy Hall of Fame in Salem, Ore.
"It kept your hands busy," baby boomer Judy Hillman said while touring the Toy Hall of Fame at the A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village in Salem.
Silly Putty still has wide appeal. Toy company Binney & Smith makes more than 6 million plastic eggs filled with the stuff each year.
Silly Putty and Tonka trucks were chosen by a panel of educators and civic leaders for providing enjoyment and creative playtime for American youngsters for years.
The Tonka brand's distinctive metal trucks first were marketed in 1947. More than 250 million of the trucks have been sold since then.
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