Two local-area boys smile broadly on April 16, 1951, after winning the Yo-yo contest sponsored by the youth guidance committee of the Tacoma Eagles Lodge and Duncan Yo-yos. The boy on the right is Alan Michener. In 1928, Donald F. Duncan, an entrepreneur who also introduced Good Humour Ice Cream, Eskimo Pies and the parking meter, bought the Flores Yo-yo factory and the rights to the name Yo-yo. During the thirties and forties, the wily businessman promoted his product through professional demonstrators, who could "Walk the Dog," "Shoot the Moon" and "Rock the Cradle." Generations of kids competed in Duncan-sponsored contests, showing off the latest tricks. The two young winners above, wearing embossed vests proclaiming them to be Duncan Yo-yo champions, may have used the the new plastic models of yo-yos first introduced in 1950. By the 1950's, the Baby Boomers promoted America's Favorite Toy to the position of Cultural Craze; every kid in the playground had to have one. (www.yo-yos.net) TPL-8832
Fraternal Order of Eagles (Tacoma); Yo-yos; Children playing with toys--Tacoma--1950-1960; Contests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Michener, Alan;