How an Immigrant Cabinetmaker Accidentally Invented the Toy That Defined American Childhood

After 100 years, Radio Flyer wagons are still on a roll

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.

It  was 1917, and Antonio Pasin had what you might call a product line problem. The 19-year-old carpenter had emigrated from Italy three years earlier and set up a small woodworking shop to make phonograph cabinets. But phonograph cabinets were not what Pasin was selling.

To help him lug his heavy tools around, the fresh-faced Chicago carpenter had also constructed some heavy-duty wagons—those were what customers were asking to buy. Undeterred, Pasin reoriented his company, scuttling the phonograph cabinets and going into the wagon business.

Opening a woodshop just before WWI, Antonio Pasin (center) made his first wagons out of wood.
AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber

View Subscription Options

Already a member? Sign in

Adweek magazine cover
Click for more from this issue

This story first appeared in the March 20, 2017, issue of Adweek magazine. Click here to subscribe.