The Odd Beginning of Play Doh

Play Doh didn't begin as a type of modeling compound or art and craft material at all. In the early part of the 1900's, it was used as a wall cleaner, especially to remove soot stains coming from fireplaces and stoves. At that time, many homes burned coal. which left a dark residue on walls. Noah McVicker of Kutol Products, a soap maker based in Cincinnati, Ohio, had formulated the reusable putty-like cleaner at the request of Kroger grocery stores.

After World War II, however, many homes transitioned from coal to natural gas, and there wasn't as many stained walls. Therefore, the demand for the pliable wall cleaner diminished. Joe McVicker, trying to save his Kutol company, discovered that a teacher was using the wallpaper cleaner for her students to make Christmas ornaments. He took the same ingredients: flour, water, salt, boric acid, and mineral oil and added coloring to sell in the toy market.

Play Doh was marketed as an educational tool in the Cincinnati schools in the mid-50's. In 1956, it was introduced at an educational convention and picked up to sell in department stores. When major childrens' television shows advertised the product in 1957, Play Doh's success was ensured, and it's been around ever since. In 2003, the Toy Industry Association put it on its "Century of Toys" list.

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