It’s pretty easy to understand why big, flashy toys weren’t “in” during the Great Depression – but toys were still wanted, especially during those very rough times.  There had to be a way to make a less expensive toy for kids to use and abuse during those troubled times, and Tootsietoys was just the company to fill that need.

Though a number of other toys were created by Tootsietoy, they were known primarily for their die-cast car.  Die-casting was a relatively new technology at the beginning of the 20^th century, making its debut at the 1893 Columbian Exposition.  Metal items could be created simply be melting metal into a smooth liquid and pouring it into a mold.  Manufacturer Charles Dowst brought the technology back to the States and by 1906, he saw the potential in those newfangled “horseless carriages” and started up a business of manufacturing small cars for kids to play with.  In just a few short years, Henry Ford had a hit on his hands with the Model T, and Dowst had a hit with his miniaturized models.  Detailed with high quality at an affordable price, Dowst picked up a pretty penny or two with his replications of popular new cars at the time. 

Though anyone could play with the toys, it might be a little obvious in saying that the girls felt left out.  So, after trying out new lines of toys, in 1922, Dowst Manufacturing Co. created a line of dollhouse furniture.  He called them “Tootsie Toys” in honor of his granddaughter, and two years later they adopted the cute phrase as the name of their company. 

Throughout the Depression, Tootsietoys went on to create a great number of die-cast toys.  By the end of World War II, Tootsietoys turned its attention to a number of other non-die-cast toys.  The most popular item ever put to market by Tootsietoy was their bubble solution, which remains a top-seller to this day. 

Though their attention was divided, Tootsietoys always kept its eyes on what made it the company it came to be.  Their line of die-cast cars continued to expand, even as they merged with Strombecker, a plastic-toy manufacturer.  Together they put out a number of specialty car replicas, with Tootsietoys sticking to their die-cast line and Strombecker.  Soon, as their technologies began to merge, cars would no longer be made purely by die-cast.  Their last die-cast-only vehicle was created in 1969.  For many this was the end of an era, despite their continued line of replicas that included plastic parts.

Tootsietoys remains a relevant company, these 130 years later.  Today, toy collectors get their chance at truly historical gems on internet auction houses that have popped up across the Internet, keeping the rich history alive for anyone who might be keeping their ears open for it.  With jump ropes, bubble-makers and building blocks, as well as their line of replica vehicles, Tootsietoys is still the premiere company to go to for car enthusiasts and enthusiasts of fun in general.