Wooden Construction Sets

Wood has been one of the most important natural resources throughout history. In addition to being an early source of fuel, humans have used wood to create tools and dwellings for centuries. Because twigs and sticks are so readily available, it is only natural that children have used wood to copy models of objects adults build. Commercially produced wooden construction sets have been popular toys since early in the twentieth century.

Tinkertoys ®
Charles H. Pajeau and Robert Pettit introduced Tinkertoys ® in 1914. These sets consisted of numerous wooden spools and sticks of varying lengths. Each spool had eight holes around the edge and one in the middle. By inserting the sticks in the holes, children constructed three-dimensional objects of nearly limitless design. By 1915 Pajeau and Pettit had orders for more sets than they could produce.

Tinkertoys ® have remained popular throughout the years. In 2001, the Toy Manufacturers of America honored Tinkertoys ® as the "Best Infant/Preschool Toy of the Year."

Lincoln Logs ®
John Lloyd Wright, son of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, introduced Lincoln Logs ® in 1924. Wright's toy construction consisted of a series of small logs notched on each end. Children used these logs to create models of log cabins built on the American frontier, similar to the one in which Abraham Lincoln was raised.

Lincoln Logs ® have remained popular since their introduction and are still manufactured today.