Tonka Corporation Chronology Page 2
| 1953 - 1969 | |
|---|---|
| 1953 | Parker Brothers becomes first game company to advertise on television. |
| 1956 | Mound Metalcraft changes name to Tonka Toys, Inc. Joseph McVicker, of the Rainbow company, introduces Play-Doh® modeling compound, offered in a single color, white. |
| 1957 | Three additional colors of Play-Doh® modeling compound are added. |
| 1958 | Kenner Products becomes one of the first toy companies to use nationwide television advertising. The company was also one of the first sponsors of the Captain Kangaroo Show. |
| 1959 | Tonka acquired Empire Plastics. Parker Brothers introduces Risk® board game in the U.S. Kenner Products introduces the Give-A-Show® projector, a product which was to be a success for over 20 years. |
| 1961 | Tonka is listed on the American Stock Exchange. |
| 1963 | Kenner sets up a year-round New York showroom. Kenner Products introduces Easy-Bake® oven. Tonka introduces the Mini-Tonka® series. Tonka signs a licensing agreement with Rayon Surfaces of Auckland, New Zealand, which eventually becomes Tonka New Zealand |
| 1964 | Tonka introduces the Mighty Dump truck. On June 22nd, Tonka Toys Incorporated acquired a 3 year option to buy controlling interest in Mercury Tool and Stamping Limited of Toronto, Canada, the forerunner to Tonka Canada. Tonka acquires Mell Manufacturing Company of Chicago, Illinois. |
| 1965 | Tonka introduces the Mighty Tonka® series. General Mills purchases Cincinnati-based Rainbow Crafts, the Play-Doh® manufacturer Tonka Toys, Inc. changes its name to Tonka Corporation. |
| 1966 | Kenner Products introduces Spirograph® design toys. |
| 1967 | General Mills purchases Kenner Products. |
| 1968 | Mercury Tool and Stamping Limited changes its name to Tonka Canada. General Mills purchases Parker Brothers. Tonka introduces the Tiny-Tonka® series. |
| 1969 | Tonka had distribution and/or manufacturing capabilities in Canada, the United Kingdom, West Germany, France, Italy, Holland, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland and Sweden. |