Brand record
Auburn Rubber
Auburn Rubber was an American toy maker whose molded rubber range included cars, trucks, trains, planes, tractors and separately sold farm animals. The company began making toys in Auburn, Indiana, in 1935, alongside other rubber products. Its vehicles were marketed as ‘Safe Play’ toys, described as noiseless and rust-proof alternatives to metal toys. During the postwar period, the range returned to full toy production; in 1959, production moved to Deming, New Mexico, where rubber was gradually phased out in favor of plastic.
- Founded
- 1935
- Countries
- United States
- Locations
- Auburn, Indiana, United States · 1935
- Founders
- Unknown
The story of Auburn Rubber
The Auburn Rubber Company, later also known as ARCOR, was located in Auburn, Indiana. It began in 1913 as the Double Fabric Tire Company, making rubber tires. By 1935, it had shifted into other rubber products, including sheets for shoe soles and a line of toys. The company molded toy vehicles from black rubber and added colored finishes and silver details. Its range included cars, trucks, trains and planes, while farm animals were sold separately. Vehicles were marketed as ‘Safe Play’ toys and described as noiseless and rust-proof compared with metal toys.
During the Second World War, the company made wartime supplies, mainly combat-boot soles and linings for jerry-cans. After the war, it returned to a full toy line. In 1959, toy production moved from Auburn to Deming, New Mexico, as part of a job-creation program. Rubber was gradually phased out in favor of plastic, and the Deming facility closed in 1969.
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