Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Lincoln Logs- Almost 100 Years Old!



Lincoln Logs have been around for a long time...they are just a simple kids' toy. The logs interlock and stack to form cabins and buildings... with windows, doors and chimneys ...or not. Toddlers can play with them, and even older kids can enjoy them too - especially with a huge set like ours. :)







 There are different sized logs... the original logs were made of redwood.... more recent "logs" are made of plastic. I have watched and shopped at garage sales to find the old ones, since "plastic logs" just aren't as much fun. :) Plastic windows, chimneys and doors are okay, but logs?  No, my kids like the "real" logs better. 

Here is part of our collection of Lincoln Logs - we have 2 of the 18 gallon plastic totes - FULL of them. This is many sets all put together... a collection that has taken years to accumulate. My kids love building a whole village with these. :) 

I have a couple of small sections of green indoor/outdoor carpeting that the kids put on the floor and build their creations on at times. The pieces are large enough for the kids to sit on and build.... 


 Lincoln Logs were created after the maker was inspired by the earthquake proof Inperial Hotel in Tokoyo. They were made almost 100 years ago, in 1916.




They became very popular in the 1950s when Davy Crockett was such a popular theme.

 These are a lot of fun... and I like that the kids learn and use their imaginations. The old Lincoln Logs are getting harder and harder to find... but sometimes you can find a few here and there.

I have never added a huge tote of Lincoln Logs to my kids' set at once. No, it has been a painstaking effort... a little here.... a bucket of them there... and so on... but it has been really worth it. :)


Just a simple design... but ingenious also. 

I love it that these "old" toys are enjoyed so much. We get them out sometimes when we have company also. I have found it interesting that visiting kids who have been raised with all the latest toys and gadgets... still find these older toys to be fun. :)  

If you don't have any Lincoln Logs, it may be worth watching for them. There are new sets of them out there, but as for me, I will still be hunting for more of them at the garage sales... and our set will continue to grow. Not all children would enjoy these as much as my kids do, but it is a worthwhile activity... problem solving in figuring out where to put windows and doors and which logs to use... how big the doors have to be to drive the little cars in (I have boys and OF COURSE, little cars need to be used with this! :)..... how to split the logs up to make it fair between siblings :).... and more. 

Anyway, these are toys that have continued on for almost 100 years now.... and they remain popular enough to stay on the market.... and I am glad. :)  Thank you for joining me on my blog today.... and if your children or grandchildren.... or maybe even you... enjoyed Lincoln Logs... I would love to read about it in the comments..... :)  I hope you have a wonderful week.
Shared on:

Thank Goodness It's Thursday
Homemaking Party
Wake Up Wednesday
Work In Progress Wednesday
So Much At Home
Teach Me Tuesday
Thoughtful Spot
Hip Homeschool Hop
Roses of Inspiration
Vintage Charm Party

24 comments:

  1. This is so enlightening! I heard of this from the movie toy story 3 and was thinking what is was and now I know =) #brilliantblogposts

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    1. I'm glad you know of it now... they really are fun toys! Glad you stopped by. :)

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  2. I've heard of these a few times but never knew what they were. They look like a lot of fun, it's a shame we don't have these in the UK. Diane @ Mrs U Makes.

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    1. I didn't realize you wouldn't have them over there... that's too bad... they really are a great toy and lots of fun. :) Thank you for visiting.

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  3. I love Lincoln Logs! And yes, I agree with you that the wooden ones are better. I *think* they've now gone back to the old way of making them of wood, bu the original sets were the best. My mom still has mine, and I love that my kids play with them!

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    1. I was hoping there were some readers out there who still remembered these wonderful toys! Actually, I do not remember ever playing with them or knowing about them when I was a child... but only when my children were small and I started buying them, so I am not sure when I was first introduced to them. :) They are keeper toys, for sure. :) Thank you for visiting.

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  4. I remember playing with my father's old set of Lincoln Logs at my grandmother's house when I was a kid, and now my kids get to play with them when we visit! Such a great toy!

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    1. It is a great toy.... and I hope more "modern" kids get to enjoy them.... they are a worthwhile toy. :) Thank you for stopping by. :)

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  5. Wow, this brings back memories! Thanks for sharing at Pin-Worthy Wednesday!

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    1. So fun to think about good memories from old toys. :) Thank you for visiting and for the linky party. :)

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  6. Oh don't you love these toys! We have a set that has been here 20 years! Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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    1. I do... they are pretty wonderful! Thank you for visiting. :)

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  7. Replies
    1. I'm glad!.... Seems that a lot of people aren't familiar with these... so it is good to bring them back. :)

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  8. We have a lot of Lincoln Logs from my husband's childhood, as well as sets I bought my kids over the years. They are a wonderful toy and a great way to use their imagination!

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    1. They are wonderful... it is so nice that you have them from your husband's childhood... I love having the great toys carry on to another generation. :) Thank you for visiting.

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  9. My little one loves his Lincoln Logs....and so do I :) They are such a great toy and can keep kids entertained for quite a while. Thanks for sharing at Roses of Inspiration. Hugs!

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    1. I'm glad... they really are a wonderful toy. :) Thank you for stopping by..

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  10. These look great, I have never seen them before. Thanks for sharing with us at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings

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    1. They really are fun... a great set for kids. :) Thank you for visiting.

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  11. Hi Gentle Joy,

    I bought Lincoln Logs for my son's fourth birthday. He likes building stuff. His set is very small, so there really isn't much he could build right now, but i'd like to help his collection to grow as well. I think it would be so much fun, with a bigger collection of Lincoln Logs. Thank you for your thoughts on this wonderful old classic toy. God bless you.

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    1. That's great to start him out on a small set... it should be easy to add to it little by little until there are enough pieces to do a LOT. :) Thank you for visiting.

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  12. How cool to give us the history for these tried and true kids' toys! We still have some hiding in our basement, I think I'll have to dig them up! Thanks fo sharing at Vintage Charm! xo Kathleen Our Hopeful Home

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    1. My kids still enjoy them and I keep adding to our set when I find them at garage sales for a good price....... I enjoyed learning some of the history of these toys. :)

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