Gameboard showing people involved in moral and immoral situations 1843.

The mansion of happiness, an instructive, moral & entertaining amusement / Thayer & Co's. Lithogy., Boston.

Two old men in toy workshop

Bain News Service photo 1915

First Barbie Doll 1959 Barbie Doll was invented by Ruth Handler

The first Barbie doll shown at New York Toy Fair in 1959. The original Barbie sold for $3. Fashions were sold separately priced from $1 to $5.

1961 Ken Doll

The Ken Doll was introduced at the American International Toy Fair as Barbie dolls boyfriend on March 11, 1961. Ken doll was 12 inches tall, had molded plastic hair (blond and brunette) and came dressed in red bathing suit trunks with a yellow towel and sandals.

1960 Dream House For Barbie Doll

1969 Christie Doll The 1969 Christie Doll was Barbie Doll's Bestfriend.

Barbie doll had a series of best girlfriends that were intended to reflect the racial diversity of the real world. As early as 1968, Barbie dolls African American friend Christie was introduced and, over the years, Hispanic, Asian and multiethnic friends Teresa, Kira and Kayla dolls joined the group. Barbie doll has also had friends with wheelchairs (Becky) and eyeglasses.

1979 Barbie Dream House

1979 Barbie Dream House

Courtesy of Mattel

The Speak and Spell Toy by Texas Instruments 1978

The Speak and Spell toy was one of the first electronic handheld toys. As the name suggests the Speak and Spell invented by Texas Instruments was intended to be both fun and educational. It taught children how to spell.