Barbie’s Wisconsin Roots
While Barbie is known for Malibu, her origins are in Wisconsin. Ruth Handler, Mattel’s co-founder, conceived Barbie Millicent Roberts in Willows, Wisconsin, a wholesome, Midwestern setting that predates her glamorous image. This “Wisconsin Barbie” represented possibility and independence. As Mattel grew, Barbie’s narrative shifted to Malibu, transforming her into a global fashion icon and symbol of the Californian dream. Despite her current glamorous address, Barbie’s true beginning remains in Wisconsin.
Own a Piece of Hockey History: 1950s Eagle Toys NHL Pro Hockey Game
Step back in time and relive the golden age of tabletop hockey with this remarkable 1950s Eagle Toys NHL Pro Hockey game! This isn’t just a game; it’s a meticulously preserved artifact from an iconic era.
What makes this particular set so special is its incredible condition for its age. You’ll be amazed by the impeccable, nearly perfect graphics on the original metal player characters, a testament to their durability and the care they’ve received over the decades. Unlike many vintage games, this set includes all original metal players for both teams and both nets.
Don’t miss out on adding this vintage gem to your collection!
M. B. Ross Crokinole Sets: Historical Significance and Collectible Value of America’s Earliest Crokinole Board
Crokinole is a beloved game of dexterity and strategy, steeped in tradition and played for generations across North America. But when it comes to antique Crokinole boards, one name stands out among collectors and historians alike: M. B. Ross. Known for producing what is widely believed to be the earliest American-manufactured Crokinole board, M. B. Ross Crokinole sets have become highly collectible relics of American folk gaming history.
Who Was M. B. Ross?
M. B. Ross was a turn-of-the-century inventor and manufacturer based in Springfield, Ohio. In 1880, Ross filed and received a U.S. patent for what he called a “New and Improved Game Board”—a strikingly familiar design to what we now recognize as a Crokinole board.
His design featured the same circular, disk-shooting mechanics and scoring rings that remain central to modern play. Ross’s patent predates the mass production of Crokinole boards in Canada and may in fact be the first official U.S. patent for the game.
