Sleepy History Play-Doh
Jul 20, 2025
Discover the fascinating journey of Play-Doh, originally a wallpaper cleaner from the 1930s. Explore its inventive transformation into a beloved children's toy. Learn about the key innovations and marketing strategies that turned it into a global creative staple. The tale reveals how something practical became a colorful playground for imagination, highlighting the unexpected intersections of work, creativity, and childhood joy.
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Brothers Revitalize Cutall Company
- Cleo McVicker helped save the failing Cutall Products Company by revitalizing sales and recruiting his brother Noah for manufacturing expertise.
- Together, they steered the company towards developing new products, laying groundwork for future innovations.
Soot Drives Wallpaper Cleaner Demand
- Flock wallpaper was widely popular but prone to accumulating soot from coal fires, dulling its appearance.
- This drove demand for wallpaper cleaners that could gently remove soot without damaging delicate materials.
Noah Creates Dough Cleaner
- Noah McVicker invented a dough-like wallpaper cleaner made of flour, water, and salt to gently lift soot without damaging wallpaper.
- The off-white putty showed soot discoloration after use, proving its effectiveness for consumers.