Radio Flyer Toys-An American Success Story

The Radio Flyer Company is an American success story.  I like success stories.  Nothing buoys my spirit greater than reading about one man's dream becoming a success through his own imagination, vision, persistence and hard work.  The Radio Flyer Company is one of those stories.  The company was started in the early 1900's by a 16 year-old boy who immigrated to America from Venice, Italy, with only his woodworking skills.  Antonio took on any and every job he could find to earn enough to start his own business.   He set out to build a life and fulfilled his dream in the process.  His name was Antonio Pasin.  He came to Chicago as many immigrants of that era did to find and live out his American dream.  He went far beyond that in accomplishment. He not only built a toy empire; but gave his children and grandchildren the opportunity of living the same dream.  What more could a man want from life?

Photo Source: MorgueFile.com

Radio Flyer has seen it's way through the decades by keeping to it's original purpose...and that is to provide toys "for every boy and for every girl".  This mantra continues today. The business has passed down from generation to generation.  It's great to see a family tradition being maintained and protective of it's original purpose and business vision.  The toys have always been an integral part of many children's lives.  A young mans' dream of owning a wagon turned into his life passion. That's how many dreams come true. 

I was never fortunate to own any Radio Flyer toys.  I was the last of six children and I tailed behind 3 older brothers.  What I remember was a hand-me down tricycle and a scooter that had a mixture of worn out parts.  When I graduated to riding a bicycle...I inherited by brothers bike and somehow I learned to ride putting my legs through the bars to reach the pedals.  I don't remember us actually owning a wagon to play with.  How I would have loved to own a "real and original" Radio Flyer wagon and tricycle.  In todays' affluent world...new toys are the norm.  We've come a long way in that area, because not only are the toys new; but they are new designs that captivate the imagination and provides many forms of mobility to children of different ages.  There doesn't seem to be a limit on what new toys Radio Flyer will give us in the future.  One thing is sure...they will all be good. 

Wikipedia tells that Pasin's company built 1500 toy wagons a day during the Great Depression and how he got involved in the World's Fair in Chicago in 1933.  Antonio Pasin   In 2003, Pasin was inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame 13 years after his death. 

Today's Radio Flyer product designs for toddlers are aimed at children who are just building their mobility skills. By the time they are three and four years old, they will be ready for the next line-up of toys that build balance and steering techniques.  Scooters are wonderful toys to teach them speed and balance.  From there the sky is the limit.