FAO Schwarz was founded in 1862,
making it the oldest toy retailer in the US. Now, thanks to the
Internet Archive, a brochure published in 1911 by the company's New
York store — the inspiration for Home Alone 2's Duncan's Toy Chest — has been
digitized. It shows toy tastes from a century ago with line drawings
and early photographs. Prices range from 25 cents for glass beads, to a
staggering $50 (upwards of
$1,170 today) for a "handsomely painted" toy car. Some
entries, such as those found on the page devoted to hammocks, or the polished
hardwood hoop designed to be beaten down a street with a stick, would be
difficult sells to modern kids. But browse further and you'll realize
that many of the
catalog's other offerings — dolls, strollers, wagons, and kites —
can still be found in modern toy stores.
Follow Me On Twitter &
Instagram: @effiongeton
No comments:
Post a Comment