2006 Marks the 50th Anniversary of Play-Doh and the Ant Farm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Tim Walsh
PMB 180 5342 Clark Road
Sarasota, FL 34233-3227
(941) 926-8004
www.theplaymakers.com

Sarasota, Florida (April 21, 2006) – Two legendary playthings commemorate 50 years of fun in 2006 and to celebrate, author Tim Walsh (Timeless Toys, Andrews McMeel) is telling the stories of Kay Zufall, the woman who had the idea for Play-Doh and “Uncle” Milton Levine, the man behind the Ant Farm. 1956 was a vintage year for fun.

Kay Zufall ran a community nursery school in the early 1950s and one day read a magazine article on decorating for the holidays that mentioned making Christmas tree ornaments out of wallpaper cleaner, a dough-like substance that homeowners pressed on wallpapered walls to pull off coal soot. She brought the dough-like material into her nursery and the kids loved it. “She sold her brother-in-law on the idea of turning a cleaning compound into a modeling compound and the rest is toy history,” says Walsh. “When it came time to name the stuff, Kay handled that too, dubbing it, Play-Doh.” Over 3 billion cans of Play-Doh have been sold since its introduction.

Milton Levine was already a successful mail-order salesman of novelties such as a toy gun that shot potatoes and balloon animal kits when a 4th of July picnic changed his life. “He saw some ants and recalled how he used to dig up ants with a mason jar and watch them dig tunnels as a kid,” Walsh reports. “The light bulb went off and he set out to make an ant observation toy. I interviewed Milton for Timeless Toys and after 50 years and 40 million Ant Farms sold, he hasn’t lost a step or his sense of humor. When I asked him if there was anything about ants I should know for the book he said, ‘Scientists talk about how ants can lift over fifty times their own body weight, but I’ve discovered their most amazing feat yet…They put my kids through college.’”

In our country, if you create music which sells a million copies, you’re on the cover of Rolling Stone. If you write a book that sells that amount you’re on the New York Times best-seller list. But if you create a toy or plaything that sells 40 times a million or in the case of Play-Doh, 3,000 times a million, you’re relatively unknown. Milton Levine, Kay Zufall and countless other toy inventors have touched millions through their toy creations and I hope Timeless Toys helps to give them some long overdue recognition.

Timeless Toys: Classic Toys and the Playmakers Who Created Them is a celebration of classic toys and a tribute to the people who brought them to life. The book is a journey covering nearly 100 years worth of playthings and offering a delightful look back at many childhood favorites. Beyond the stories of Play-Doh and the Ant Farm, the book offers the compelling behind-the-scene origins of Clue, Frisbee, Lego, Nerf, Barbie, G.I. Joe, Matchbox and many more.

Andrews McMeel Turns The Playmakers into Timeless Toys

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Keys Publishing
PMB 180 5342 Clark Road
Sarasota, FL 34233-3227
(941) 926-8004
www.theplaymakers.com

Sarasota, Florida (November 1, 2005) – The worldwide publishing rights to The Playmakers have been sold to publisher Andrews McMeel. “We are excited about this opportunity,” said author/publisher of The Playmakers, Tim Walsh. “We sold over 10,000 copies of a self-published book at a retail of $50 in less than two years. That is remarkable. Andrews McMeel was first to recognize that the content of the book had to be exceptional for that to happen.”

The glowing reviews didn’t hurt either. The Wall Street Journal called The Playmakers, “…An illustrated compendium of America’s 20th-century favorites.” The Associated Press said it, “tells the behind-the-scenes toy stories of some of the world’s most beloved playthings…,” and Publishers Weekly called The Playmakers, “A fun book that feels like it should accompany a museum exhibition….”

Andrews McMeel has released the book as Timeless Toys: Classic Toys and the Playmakers Who Created Them. The 312 page book is a celebration of classic toys and a tribute to the people who brought them to life. “In our country, if you create music which sells a million copies, you’re on the cover of Rolling Stone,” says Walsh. “But if you create a game or toy that sells over 100 times that amount, no one knows who you are. Alfred Butts, Merle Robbins, Eleanor Abbott – these people have touched countless lives through their creations (Scrabble, Uno, and Candy Land respectively), yet remain relatively unknown. My hope is that Timeless Toys helps to change that. Andrews McMeel has improved the book’s price to $29.95 in hardcover and placed it in bookstores and gift shops across America. I think many, many readers are going to enjoy meeting these amazing inventors.”

An Andrews McMeel press release positions the company as, “an emerging leader in book and calendar publishing and gift and stationery merchandising. In 1997, the privately-held company became Andrews McMeel Universal to reflect its diversification into magazine publishing and new media. Every year, the company publishes the work of more than 125 syndicate creators and writers, more than 300 books, and a prestigious line of calendars and gift and stationery items.”

Tim Walsh brings 15 years of experience to the project. In 1990 he co-invented TriBond, a board game that has sold over 3 million copies in thirteen countries. In 1994, he invented the board game Blurt!, which has sold over 1 million copies. Both games are sold by Mattel. Timeless Toys is his first book.

The Playmakers Wins Grand Prize at the 2004 Writer’s Digest International Self-Published Book Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Tim Walsh
(941) 926-8004
info@theplaymakers.com
www.theplaymakers.com

Sarasota, Florida (August 1, 2005) – The Playmakers: Amazing Origins of Timeless Toys took home the grand prize at the 2004 Writer’s Digest International Self-Published Book Awards. Tim Walsh earned $3,000 as the author/publisher of the book, which features the 20th century’s best toys, games and dolls and the inventors who brought them to life.

“I am humbled and honored to have this book win such a prestigious award,” Walsh said. “This was a huge undertaking — a nearly three-year project, but moments like this validate all the time it took to complete.” Walsh conducted over 150 interviews for The Playmakers , tracking down the inventors of the Ant Farm, Sea-Monkeys, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Twister, and Spirograph among others. The book contains over 420 color photographs and 150 black and white images, across 312 pages. “I’ve met many readers and toylovers at signings and author events since the book was released [in March of 2004] and their enthusiastic response has been wonderful,” Walsh confesses. “And it’s great to know that The Playmakers is now being recognized by my peers in the writing community as well. This is fantastic!”

There were 2,300 books entered in the 13th annual competition. Writer’s Digest announced the award and publsihed an excerpt from The Playmakers in their August issue. Since 75 toys are profiled in the book, Walsh admits that choosing just one chapter to give to Writer’s Digest was tough. “How do I choose between Wiffle Ball and Super Ball?” Walsh asked. “They were two of my favorites growing up.” Beyond the story of the first ball that curved on its own and the first ball you could bounce over your house, The Playmakers offers the compelling behind-the-scene origins of Play-Doh, Clue, Lego, Barbie, G.I. Joe, and many more. Ultimately, the editors of Writer’s Digest choose The Teddy Bear chapter as their favorite, proving that everyone has their own timeless toy favorite.

Writer’s Digest was founded in 1920 and is the world’s leading magazine for writers. It is owned by F&W Publications, a leading publisher of books and magazines for creative people.

The Playmakers Book Goes Into Its Second Printing

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
Contact: Keys Publishing
PMB 180 5342 Clark Road
Sarasota, FL 34233-3227
(941) 926-8004
www.theplaymakers.com

Sarasota, Florida (October 22, 2004) – Keys Publishing announced today that its book, The Playmakers: Amazing Origins of Timeless Toys has sold out of its first printing. “We couldn’t be more elated at the early sales of this book,” said author/publisher Tim Walsh. “To sell 3,000 copies of a $50 gift book before the holiday season is remarkable.” The Playmakers was released in February of this year.

The Playmakers is a celebration of classic toys and a tribute to the people who brought them to life. “In our country, if you create music which sells a million copies, you’re on the cover of Rolling Stone. If you write a book that sells that amount and you’re on the New York Times best-seller list,” says Walsh. “But if you create a game or toy that sells over 100 times that amount, you’re… “Who?” William Gruber, Merle Robbins, Eleanor Abbott – these people have touched countless lives through their creations (View-Master, Uno, and Candy Land respectively), yet very few know who they are. I hope The Playmakers helps to change that.”

Keys Publishing has gone back to print for 6,000 more copies of the book featuring blurbs and endorsements from some well-known people who know a thing or two about play. Some noteworthy comments include:

“The Playmakers is a walk through the enchanted land of toys. For those of us who live in this fantasy land, it is a wonderful story of our best and brightest.” — Alan Hassenfeld, Chairman, Hasbro Inc.

“The Playmakers is as close to time travel as I’ll ever come. What a cool, beautiful book – full of all the toys I had, coveted or never knew existed.” — Steve Rushin, Sports Illustrated columnist

“A fun book that all can enjoy – It’s awesome baby!” — Dick Vitale, ESPN sportscaster

“The Playmakers is personal, detailed, lavishly illustrated…and well-organized into witty, bite-sized essays…. a pleasure to read.” —Scott G. Eberle, Vice President for Interpretation and Director of Play Studies, National Toy Hall of Fame and Strong Museum

“If you want to see joy and wonder fill a person’s face, watch someone open The Playmakers …the most interesting history of our favorite toys and games ever told.” — Reyn Guyer, developer of Twister and Nerf

Tim Walsh brought 15 years of experience to the project. In 1990 he co-invented TriBond, a board game that has sold over 3 million copies in thirteen countries. In 1994, he invented the board game Blurt!, which has sold over 1 million copies. Both games are sold by Mattel. The Playmakers is his first book.

Inventor of Operation to Appear at CHITAG

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Tim Walsh
Keys Publishing
PMB 180 5342 Clark Road
Sarasota, FL 34233-3227
(941) 926-8004
www.theplaymakers.com

Sarasota, Florida (August 6, 2004) – The inventor of Milton Bradley’s Operation game will be appearing at the Keys Publishing booth (#405) at the Chicago International Toy and Game Fair at Navy Pier. John Spinello will join author Tim Walsh in signing copies of Walsh’s new book, The Playmakers, personalizing the Operation chapter for fair-goers on Saturday, September 4th from 11:00AM-12:00PM. In addition, a drawing will be held to award one lucky gamester with an original 1965 Operation game autographed by Spinello!

In 1962, John Spinello was an industrial design student at the University of Illinois when he was given the assignment to design a toy. He scored the highest grade in the class with his electric game where players took a metal probe and carefully inserted it into different holes within an electrified box without touching the sides of the metal-framed openings. If they failed, a bell would startle them. After signing a deal with the legendary toy designer Marvin Glass, Spinello’s game evolved. The electric metal probe that players inserted changed into the now familiar electrified metal tweezers. The surgical theme was introduced and Operation was born, released by Milton Bradley in 1965.

“I know what this is… This is an espresso machine.”

“No, no wait. It’s a snow cone maker.”

“Is it a water heater?”

“No, it’s the prototype of everyone’s favorite Skill Game.”

Parents' Choice Chooses The Playmakers!

The prestigious Parents’ Choice Foundation has awarded The Playmakers: Amazing Origins of Timeless Toys its gold award. Read the full review here.

You're Invited to a Launch Party with a Twist!

Contact:
Tim Walsh
Keys Publishing
PMB 180 5370 Clark Road Suite A
Sarasota, FL 34233-3227
(941) 926-8004

Sarasota, Florida (May 4, 2004) Join us May 10th from 6-8pm for a groovy open house and launch party for the The Playmakers! We’ll mix food and fun at Bamboo, a great restuarant right off University Parkway and I-75 in Sarasota.

We’ll have plenty of copies of The Playmakers on hand for your persusal and with 312 pages and over 550 photographs of classic toys, dolls, games, trucks, cars, and playsets, you’ll appreciate the comfy chairs and couches that Bamboo has to offer! The books are $50 and $10 from every one we sell this night will be donated to Young Life, a wonderful, non-profit organization that provides mentoring to teenagers right here in Bradenton and Sarasota. It’s a great book and a great cause… but there’s more!

My very special guest for the evening will be non-other than the co-inventor of the Twister game and the Nerf ball, Reyn Guyer. Reyn will join me in signing copies of The Playmakers, personalizing the Twister and Nerf chapters for you. We will have cool door prizes throughout the evening including autographed books, Twister beach towels, Nerf hoop sets and the Creme de la Creme of the night, an original 1966 Twister game and an original 1969 Nerf ball, both autographed by Reyn! But there’s still more!

David Jones from Oldies 108 will be on hand to pump up the festivities with great tunes from the 1960s (in honor of these two classic ’60s playthings) and the chance to win even more groovy prizes. Don’t miss it!

The Playmakers.com Launches on a Special 100th Anniversary

Contact:
Tim Walsh
Keys Publishing
PMB 180 5370 Clark Road Suite A
Sarasota, FL 34233-3227
(941) 926-8004

Sarasota, Florida (January 5, 2004) – Today Keys Publishing launched www.theplaymakers.com to promote its new book The Playmakers: Amazing Origins of Timeless Toys. The launch coincides with the 100th Anniversary of The Landlord’s Game. Never heard of that game, you say? Read on, and it will undoubtedly ring a bell.

On January 5, 1904, Elizabeth J. Magie, a writer, public stenographer, and gifted actress received a patent on a board game that was destined to become something special. The object, as stated in the patent, was “to obtain as much wealth or money as possible.” The game featured a square board with 40 spaces and 22 properties, four railroads and Jail and Go to Jail spaces. In the game, a player could get out of jail by rolling doubles or by paying $50. It had a luxury tax and two utilities (one water, one electric). It had the markings of the most successful commercial game in history. It had the markings of Monopoly.

“It’s fitting that we launch this website on the anniversary of Lizzie’s patent, because this book is all about unknown and under-appreciated toy inventors,” author Tim Walsh says. “Without Lizzie, there would be no Monopoly. Imagine the implications of that to the toy business. Imagine our American culture without that game. It’s hard to do.”

For 30 years Lizzie’s game was passed on from player to player, until it ended up in the hands of Charles Darrow, the man often credited as having “invented” the game in 1934. In actuality, Darrow (along with several other key players in the tale), improved the game until it reached its current form. Monopoly was launched by Parker Brothers in 1935 and went on to sell over 150 million copies.

The Monopoly story is covered within the pages of The Playmakers, along with 75 other classic playthings. The level of detail in the book is impressive. For instance, the Monopoly chapter offers:

• A never-before-seen picture of The Landlord’s Game from 1910. Ultra-rare !
• Detailed biographical information on Lizzie Magie and Charles Darrow.
• A picture of Darrow’s first round Monopoly board which sold for over $64,000 in 1992.
• The actual rejection letters Darrow initially received from Parker Brothers and Milton Bradley.
• The missing link between bracelet charms and the famous Monopoly tokens

The Playmakers: Amazing Origins of Timeless Toys debuts at Toy Fair in February and today at www.theplaymakers.com. The book will be released to the general public in March.

New Book Gives Unknown Toy Inventors Their Due

Contact:
Tim Walsh
Keys Publishing
PMB 180 5370 Clark Road Suite A
Sarasota, FL 34233-3227
(941) 926-8004
www.theplaymakers.com

New Book Gives Unknown Inventors Their Due

Sarasota, Florida (January 2, 2004) – Game inventor and author Tim Walsh will debut his first book The Playmakers: Amazing Origins of Timeless Toys at The American International Toy Fair in February. “This project was over two years in the making and I am extremely proud of the detail the book offers,” Walsh says. “These playthings are a permanent part of our pop culture.” But The Playmakers is more than just the toys for Walsh.

“In our country, if you create music which sells a million copies, you’re on the cover of Rolling Stone. If you write a book that sells that amount, you’re on the New York Times best-seller list,” contends Walsh. “But if you create a game or toy that sells over 100 times that amount, you’re… what was your name again? William Gruber, Merle Robbins, Eleanor Abbott, Leslie Scott* — these people have touched countless lives through their creations and yet very few know who they are. I hope The Playmakers helps change that.”

A celebration of timeless toys and a tribute to the people who brought them to life, the hardcover edition of The Playmakers includes:

• 312 pages with over 420 color photos
• Over 130 additional images of vintage ads, patent drawings, illustrations and historical photographs
• Profiles on 75 toys, offering compelling behind-the-scene stories of the creation of Play-Doh, Clue, Frisbee, Lego, Nerf, Matchbox and many others
• 15 ultra-rare prototypes are pictured, providing a glimpse of the scarcely-seen predecessors to Monopoly, Barbie, GI Joe, Magic 8 Ball, Operation and more
• In-depth toy timelines, company and insider profiles and rare interviews with industry icons provide a comprehensive look at the business of making and marketing toys.

Author Tim Walsh brings 15 years of experience to the project. In 1990 he co-invented TriBond, a board game that has sold over 3 million copies in thirteen countries. In 1994, he invented the board game Blurt!, which has sold over 1 million copies. The Playmakers: Amazing Origins of Timeless Toys debuts at Toy Fair in February and at www.theplaymakers.com. The book will be released to the general public in March.

*Come inside The Playmakers and meet William Gruber the inventor of View-Master, Merle Robbins the co-inventor of Uno, Eleanor Abbott the inventor of Candy Land and Leslie Scott the inventor of Jenga.

ISBN: 0-9646973-4-3
AUTHOR: Tim Walsh