A Look at the Erector Set
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had a direct impact on generations of architects and engineers, was the Erector
Set. But did you know that the Erector Set was the creation of a man who was not
only an inventor, but also an Olympic gold-medallist, magician, and brilliant
scientist?
His name was A.C. Gilbert, and he had started a toy company
called Mysto Manufacturing (which at first specialized in magic kits) in order
to finance his medical school tuition. It was during his years in medical school
that he took time off to travel to London to compete in the 1908 Olympics, for
which he won a gold medal in pole vaulting. Then, after graduation, he came to
the realization that it was actually the toy company, and not medicine, that he
wanted to pursue.
His realization certainly paid off, because one
morning in 1911, while on a train to New York City, Gilbert had the inspiration
for what would become one of the world’s most legendary toys.
He decided,
while watching construction workers from the train window, to create a
children’s construction kit. Though other companies, namely a British company
called Meccano, had similar kits already, Gilbert would make his kit more
intricate, more technical, and more realistic.
Thus, the “Mysto
Erector Structural Steel Builder” debuted at the 1913 Toy Fair in New
York, and children all over America were soon building mini-metropoli with
beams, bolts, pulleys, gears and even motors. The square girder, however, was
what really made Gilbert’s set unique. The possibilities seemed endless, and
even children who already had the basic erector set pined away and begged their
parents to get them additions and upgrades.
As the years went on, there
were more and more fantastic developments with the Erector Set, and some very
impressive models were developed that included, among many others, Ferris
wheels, zeppelins, a 1940 Parachute Jump and a 1950 Amusement Park. Over 30
million Sets sold over the years, and kids could spend hours upon hours
imaginatively building and creating new structures (and thus, keeping out of
trouble). In fact, some of today’s most legendary architects and designers were
childhood devotees of the Erector Set – among them Frank Lloyd Wright.
And to think, the Erector Set wasn’t even Gilbert’s only toy innovation.
Magic kits, model trains, a glass blowing kit, chemistry sets, an Atomic Energy
Lab that came complete with radioactive particles and a working Geiger
counter…all of them can be traced to this incredible man. Sadly, however,
after his death in 1962, rival company Meccano gained rights to his most
celebrated invention, and in 1965 Mysto was bought by the Gabriel
Company.
Today, Meccano still sells Erector Sets, though they are nowhere
near as popular as they once were. Vintage Erector Sets, however, are highly
collectible, and range in value and scarcity. Of particular interest is that,
during World War II, the metal girders used in the sets were changed to wood –
and these wooden girders are extremely rare today.
Of course, if
you want to build on your Erector Set knowledge, take a closer look at this
groundbreaking toy at the home of “All Things Erector,” www.erectorworld.com/history.html.
Ferris wheels, zeppelins, a 1940 Parachute Jump and a 1950 Amusement Park. Over 30 million Sets sold over the years, and kids could spend hours upon hours imaginatively building and creating new structures (and thus, keeping out of trouble). In fact, some of today’s most legendary architects and designers were childhood devotees of the Erector Set - among them Frank Lloyd Wright.
par
par And to think, the Erector Set wasn’t even Gilbert’s only toy innovation. Magic kits, model trains, a glass blowing kit, chemistry sets, an Atomic Energy Lab that came complete with radioactive particles and a working Geiger counter’85all of them can be traced to this incredible man. Sadly, however, after his death in 1962, rival company Meccano gained rights to his most celebrated invention, and in 1965 Mysto was bought by the Gabriel Company.
par
par Today, Meccano still sells Erector Sets, though they are nowhere near as popular as they once were. Vintage Erector Sets, however, are highly collectible, and range in value and scarcity. Of particular interest is that, during World War II, the metal girders used in the sets were changed to wood - and these wooden girders are extremely rare today.
par
par Of course, if you want to build on your Erector Set knowledge, take a closer look at this groundbreaking toy at the home of ldblquote All Things Erector,rdblquote <A HREF="http://www.erectorworld.com/history.html">www.erectorworld.com/history.html</A>.f1fs20
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Franceb0 in 1844; aviation pioneer b Wilbur Wrightb0 in 1867; legendary actor/comedian/director b Charlie Chaplinb0 in 1889; British actor b Peter Ustinovb0 in 1921; composer/conductor b Henry Mancinib0 in 1924; jazz flutist b Herbie Mannb0 in 1930; singer b Bobby Vintonb0 in 1935; basketball player-turned-actor b Kareem Abdul-Jabbarb0 in 1947; actress b Ellen Barkinb0 in 1955; actor Jon Cryer in 1965; acto b Martin Lawrenceb0 in 1965; and singer b Selenab0 in 1971.
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par On b April 17b0 , celebrating celebs include American industrialist and financier b J.P. Morganb0 in 1837; i O