The Toys That Built America Season 2 Episode 3 The Idea Man

In season 2 episode 3 of The Toys That Built America, titled "The Idea Man," viewers are taken on a journey through the mind of inventor Eddy Goldfarb, who is responsible for some of the most well-known toys of the mid-20th century.

The episode begins with a look at the toy industry during the 1950s, when innovation and creativity were at an all-time high. The introduction of new materials like plastic and the widespread availability of electricity paved the way for inventors like Goldfarb to create toys that were not only fun to play with but also safe and durable.

Goldfarb's story begins in the mid-1940s when he was working as a draftsman for a toy company. He came up with the idea for a wind-up racetrack that would allow children to race two cars at once. Despite initial resistance from his boss, Goldfarb persisted and eventually convinced the company to produce his invention. The result was the hugely successful Skittle Bowl, which sold over 15 million units.

From there, Goldfarb went on to create a plethora of other toys, including the Yakity Yak Teeth, which featured a pair of oversized teeth that would chatter when wound up, and the Electric Football game, which used electromagnets to move tiny players around a vibrating playing field.

One of Goldfarb's most famous inventions was the talking Barbie doll. Goldfarb was tasked with creating a new feature for the iconic toy, and he came up with the idea of adding a simple sound mechanism that would allow Barbie to say a few phrases. The result was a massive success, and the talking Barbie became one of the most popular dolls of all time.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a glimpse of Goldfarb's creative process and the challenges he faced as an inventor in a rapidly changing industry. He credits his success to his willingness to take risks and his ability to see the potential in new materials and technologies.

The episode also explores the impact that Goldfarb's toys had on American culture and the toy industry as a whole. Many of his inventions set the standard for what a good toy should be, inspiring countless other inventors and toy manufacturers to push the limits of creativity and innovation.

Overall, "The Idea Man" is a fascinating look at one of the most influential inventors of the 20th century and the toys that helped shape American childhoods for generations to come.