National Toy HOF inducts the swing, D&D, Fisher-Price Little People
Fisher-Price waited years for this moment. The Little People's day had finally come. A six-time finalist for the National Toy Hall of Fame — tied with the Magic 8 Ball for the most nominations of any plaything — Thursday was sweet relief or just reward.
The Little People joined Dungeons & Dragons and the swing as Class of 2016 Hall of Fame inductees.
"It hugely matters to Fisher-Price," said Kurt Huntsberger, vice president of product design for the company based in East Aurora, Erie County. "We are all big kids that work there."
A panel of experts chose the honorees from among 12 finalists, announcing the selections during a late-morning news conference at the Strong Museum of Play.
Other finalists included: Care Bears, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Transformers, Nerf foam balls, Clue, Uno, pinball, coloring books — and bubble wrap.
Toys are honored for their longevity and ability to foster learning, creativity or discovery through play. For the museum, the annual induction kicks off days of celebration, drawing visitors, creating last year 1.5 billion media mentions for the local institution and highlighting quality toys just before the holidays. For companies like Fisher-Price, it is recognition and reinforcement "that what you're doing matters," Huntsberger said.
The Little People, first introduced in 1959 as six wooden figures and a school bus, was called the Play Family until 1985. The popular farm set with the silo and moo-ing farm door followed, licensed Sesame Street and Disney sets, and today, the popular wheelies line that is the biggest growth segment, and a cartoon series that airs in 15 countries.
Jeremiah Lighthouse was at the museum Thursday with his wife and his 11- and 2½-year-old sons. They have a membership and were planning to visit anyway but made sure to stop over in time for the announcement. All were toys they have around the house, in some fashion.
"I didn't play Dungeons & Dragons until I was an adult," said Lighthouse, 35, thumbing through one of the books at the museum. He still has some of the books at home and the announcement sparked an interest for 11-year-old Christopher. "He wants to learn how to play it now."
The announcement is always held the Thursday after Election Day. A fine tradition, particularly this year.
"I think more people have to play with some toys," Lighthouse said, "and get their minds off the election."
Winning a place in the hall last year were the puppet, Super Soaker squirt gun and Twister.
BDSHARP@Gannett.com