Hobbies And Interests
The 1910s and 1920s
In 1914, Antonio Pasin, an Italian immigrant from a family of woodworkers, arrived in Chicago at the age of 16. By day he worked finishing pianos in a factory, and by night he crafted children's wooden wagons, which he began selling on the street in 1917. Named after the Statue of Liberty, Pasin began the Liberty Coaster Wagon Co. in 1923. Using examples from Henry Ford in the auto industry, he worked towards mass production. In 1927, Pasin named a model the Radio Flyer after the new radio invention.
The 1930s and 1940s
Despite the great depression, wagon sales continued to be high. Liberty Coaster Wagon Co. was renamed Radio Steel &Manufacturing. Beginning in 1941 during World War II, Radio Steel was enlisted to help with the wartime effort, as were many companies at the time, which halted wagon production.
The 1950s and 1960s
In the 1950s, Radio Flyer's production began to include themed toys as well as garden carts after Antonio's son took reign on the company. In the 1960s, the company celebrated its 50th anniversary.
The 1970s and 1980s
Though the industry was moving to more high-tech toys, Radio Steel continued with its core business while also developing several patented safety features. New designs included the Evil Knievel wagon. In 1987, they changed the name of the company to Radio Flyer Inc.
The 1990s and Present
The company began producing lines of plastic wagons in 1994, right before Pasin's grandsons took over management in 1996. At the Toy Industry Hall of Fame in 2003, Antonio Pasin became the 44th toy innovator to be inducted. The company continues to be a family-run business.