National Play-Doh Day is celebrated annually 16 September.
The inventor of Play-Doh, the American Joe McVicker originally sold it as a wallpaper cleaner but the world had other plans for this product. He heard from a school teacher that the modelling clay used in schools was not pliable enough for the kids to play with.
He discovered that the squishy material he used to manufacture his cleaning product could be used as a substitute and he sent a sample to the school.
Teachers and pupils alike received it very favourably, and he supplied the product to all Cincinnati schools.
In 1956 the wallpaper cleaner became Play-Doh and a year later the manufacturer offered a softer Play-Doh in primary colours.
Kids mixed these to make other colours, inevitably ending up with brown. They use the play dough to make interesting shapes such as mock hair, colourful spaghetti and pretend ice cream that does not melt.
In the 1980’s Play-Doh expanded its palette to eight colours and later versions sparkled with glitter, glowed in the dark or smelled like shaving cream.
It is estimated that 700 million pounds of Play-Doh have been through children’s hands. It was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame in 1998.
Hasbro has recognised National Play-Doh Day since 2006.
To celebrate, find a can of Play-Doh and let your imagination run wild! Make interesting shapes, build houses, mix colours and just have fun.
Post photos and videos of your colourful creations on social media using #NationalPlayDohDay.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
