Mr. Potato Head made history by being the first toy to be advertised on television. Invented in 1952 by George Lerner, of Hasbro, Inc. Pawtucket, Rhode Island, it was a simple concept where kids could stick plastic body parts and accessories into a real potato to make a fun looking character.
Originally the toy was sold with just the parts, and it was up to the parents to supply the potato. It came with 30 accessories including: a Styrofoam body, four noses, two pairs of eyes, ears, two mouths, hands, feet, eye glasses, a tobacco pipe, and eight felt pieces of facial hair. Thanks to the onslaught of televisions, kids could see the commercials for Mr. Potato Head.
Making history, over 1 million of these toys were sold in the first year- and just for 98 cents each!! In 1951, there were an estimated 8 television sets in the United States, and by 1955, there were 32 million. This media phenomenon contributed to the popularity of any desirable product that was advertised.
In 1964, Hasbro included a hard plastic potato body in the package. Over the next thirty years, a variety of Mr. Potato Head products were sold.
With it's interesting history, this ingenious toy has been marketed as a positive role model for kids as well as adults.
In 1987, he gave up his signature tobacco pipe, and for several years became the "spokespud" for the American Cancer Society's annual "Great American Smokeout" campaign.
For his 40th birthday, there was a ceremony on the White House lawn where Mr. Potato Head gave up his role as a "couch potato." For doing so, he received a special award from Arnold Schwarzenegger on behalf of the President's Council for Physical Fitness.
In 1995, Mr. Potato Head got a supporting role in the movie “Toy Story,” with Don Rickles doing the voice over.
Along with his wife Mrs. Potato Head, they joined up with the League of Women's Voters with their "Get Out the Vote" campaign in 1996. The two of them helped spread the word about the importance of voting in the United States.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Mr. Potato Head, Rhode Island issued commemorative license plates depicting their famed character.
Being the good company they are, Hasbro, Inc., offered to donate all proceeds from the sale of the plates to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
|
