Maker record
Tinkertoys
Tinkertoy is an American construction toy introduced in 1914 by Toy Tinkers of Evanston, Illinois. Its sets use wooden rods and perforated round connectors that allow pieces to join at different angles, forming structures and other designs. Initially called The Thousand Wonder Builder, the toy was sold in sets packaged in a mailing tube. Tinkertoy became a long-running construction set, and the brand is now associated with Hasbro.
- Founded
- 1914
- Countries
- United States
- Locations
- Pawtucket, Rhode Island
- Founders
- Charles H. Pajeau · Robert Petit
The story of Tinkertoys
Toy Tinkers began producing and marketing Tinkertoy in Evanston, Illinois, in 1914. Charles H. Pajeau, a tombstone manufacturer, designed the wooden construction set after observing children join sticks and spools. The early product was called The Thousand Wonder Builder; a surviving set in The Henry Ford’s collection dates from 1914–1925 and identifies Toy Tinkers, Inc. as its creator.
Hasbro identifies Pajeau and his partner Robert Petit as the people who sold the first Tinkertoy sets in 1914. The toy’s basic system uses rods and round connectors with holes that accept them in multiple directions. Tinkertoy continues as a Hasbro brand.