Toys! at The Henry Ford

The 1960s were a space-y decade. Futuristic toys were all the rage, inspired by the technological race between the United States and Russia to conquer the "last frontier" of outer space. Space-themed 1960s television shows like Lost in Space and Star Trek helped fuel this craze for space-related toys.

Japan
Date: 1960-1965
ID: 96.81.2

Ray Gun
Science fiction movies and comics inspired whimsical space toys. For kids, this inexpensive and colorful ray gun was a comic book fantasy brought to life. When the trigger was pressed rapidly, sparks could be seen through the clear plastic window.

Remco Industries, Inc.
Harrison, NJ
Date: 1965
ID: 96.88.2

Jet Propulsion Set
The space race brought about a new emphasis on learning about science in school and at play. This space-themed "experimenter-fun toy" was designed for "thinking boys and girls."

Date: ca. 1960s
ID: 91.327.1

Toy Robot
Battery-operated robots were among the most popular of the futuristic toys. This robot has pistons in his chest that move up and down as the robot walks.

Tracianne
San Jose, CA
Date: 1969-1975
ID: 95.80.1

Apollo Game
On July 20, 1969, American astronauts, Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin, became the first to land on the moon. Players of this moon landing-inspired board game could participate in the extraordinary space adventure of these Apollo 11 astronauts. The object of the game was to be the first to "land" on the moon, collect moon rocks, and return safely to earth.

Determined Products, Inc.
San Francisco, CA
Date: 1969
ID: 2001.128.2
Gift of CarolAnn Missant

Snoopy Astronaut Doll
Charlie Brown's outrageous beagle, Snoopy, from the comic strip, "Peanuts," was the subject of many children's toys. During the late 1960s, themed Snoopy figures were marketed as "Peanuts Pocket Dolls." This astronaut Snoopy appeared the same year that the Apollo spaceship landed on the moon.