Slinky Toy

Richard James

Jan 1, 1943

In 1943, Richard James was working with tension springs when one of the springs fell to the ground. He saw how the spring kept moving after it hit the ground and an idea for a toy was born.

Gimbel's Department Store

Jan 2, 1945

Slinky debuted at Gimbel's Department Store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

American Toy Fair

Jan 3, 1946

The slinky deputed at the American Toy Fair.

Cult involvment

Jan 4, 1960

Around 1960, Richard James suffered from a mid-life crisis and left his wife, six children, and the Slinky Empire to join a Bolivian religious order/cult.

Poof Toys

Jan 5, 1998

Betty James added other toys to the line: Slinky Jr., Plastic Slinky, Slinky Dog, Slinky Pets, Crazy Eyes (glasses with Slinky-extended fake eyeballs) and Neon Slinky. The line was sold in 1998 to Poof Toys.