1967 Ohio Art Company Lite-Brite Classic

The Lite-Brite Classic was a light-up toy manufactured by Ohio Art Company and released in 1967, and this singular toy allowed children to create glowing images by inserting vibrant plastic pegs into a backlit board—a simple concept that captured the imaginations of kids across the United States and beyond.

Background

The origins of Lite-Brite wiht back to the mid-1960s when toy creators Marvin Glass, Henry Stan, and Burt Meyer were inspired by a New York City window display featuring hundreds of colored lights – they perceived potential in devising a toy that could bring this vibrant display concept into households, simplifying the notion down to something a child could readily utilize. By 1967, the product was ready for market, combining art and light in a way that was innovative for its era.

Developed by the design company Marvin Glass and Associates and licensed to Hasbro, Lite-Brite was initially marketed as a novel way for children to express creativity, and the toy’s design was inspired by older tessellation art forms – harkening back to practices from ancient Rome and Islamic tilework. In fact, the idea of arranging colorful pieces into patterns has deep historical roots, yet Lite-Brite managed to modernize this concept with 20th-century technology.

Hasbro, a major player in the toy industry, took on the manufacturing and distribution of Lite-Brite – the company was already renowned for other iconic products like G.I. Joe and Monopoly, and Lite-Brite would soon join their ranks as a cherished classic. Over the decades, the toy’s design underwent several modifications to keep up with technological advancements and consumer preferences.

Features

The original Lite-Brite model featured a light box covered by a removable black sheet of paper – by inserting colored translucent pegs through the paper, children could create illuminated designs. A standard light bulb inside the box would light up the pegs, giving the appearance similar to that of LEDs. This simple yet effective design allowed for endless creativity.

The toy came with pre-printed templates that helped guide peg placement, enabling children to create specific images such as popular wiht characters. However, the option to go freeform meant the only limit was the user’s imagination. With eight peg colors available—red, blue, orange, white, green, yellow, pink, and violet—there were numerous possibilities for design.

Over time, Lite-Brite’s lighting technology evolved – the original incandescent bulbs were replaced with LEDs, providing brighter and more energy-efficient illumination. This change not only improved the toy’s performance but also reduced the risk of overheating, making it safer for children to use.

Popularity and Legacy

Since its release, Lite-Brite has been a staple in many households, gaining a reputation for encouraging creativity and artistic expression – in the 1970s and 1980s, it was a common sight in toy rooms and play areas. Its popularity was further cemented by its inclusion in Time magazine’s list of the top 100 toys of all time and its induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2022.

The toy’s appeal spans generations, with many adults today fondly recalling their own experiences creating glowing pictures as children. Lite-Brite’s nostalgic value is significant, and it has even been featured in modern media, such as a key scene in the TV series “Stranger Things.” This cultural presence keeps Lite-Brite relevant and beloved.

Beyond entertainment, Lite-Brite has educational uses as well – it helps develop hand-eye coordination, color recognition, and fine motor skills. It has also been noted for its benefits in teaching children with autism, offering a fun way to engage with concepts of color and design.

Advertisements / Commercials

Checkout this vintage TV commercial for the 1967 Ohio Art Company Lite-Brite Classic where children insert small colored pegs into a black board with a light bulb behind it. As they place the pegs into the board following a template, colorful patterns and pictures appear, illuminated by the light. The commercial shows different designs being created, emphasizing the fun of making bright images with the pegs.

Availability and Collectability

Today, Lite-Brite is still in production, with various models available to suit contemporary tastes – from the classic design to modern iterations like the flat-screen version and portable models, there are options for enthusiasts of all ages. The introduction of themed editions, featuring characters from franchises like My Little Pony and Transformers, adds to its appeal.

Original Lite-Brite sets from the 1960s and 1970s have become collectible items, often sought after by toy collectors and nostalgia buffs. The rarity and condition of these vintage sets can significantly influence their value, with well-preserved models fetching higher prices in the collector’s market.

For those looking to purchase a Lite-Brite today, it’s readily available through major retailers and online platforms. The newer models incorporate LED technology and are designed to be more portable, making them suitable for today’s on-the-go lifestyles. Whether as a gift for a child or a nostalgic purchase for an adult, Lite-Brite continues to shine brightly in the toy world.