1967 Ohio Art Company Lite-Brite Deluxe

The Lite-Brite Deluxe was an exceptionally creative toy manufactured by Ohio Art Company and released in 1967, allowing kids to create colorful pictures through the use of small, translucent pegs that fit into a light-up board. This article takes a comprehensive look at the history, features, popularity—along with the collectability—of this nostalgic children’s cherished toy.

Background

Lite-Brite, a staple in the world of children’s toys, initially made its appearance thanks to the creative minds at Marvin Glass and Associates—with Hasbro bringing it to market in 1967, the concept was straightforward yet effective: use a light source to illuminate colored pegs arranged on a grid, thereby creating vibrant designs. At its core, it amalgamated art and light in a manner that was both captivating and instructive.

The Ohio Art Company—which is renowned for the Etch A Sketch—also played a role in creating toys that sparked imagination. Established in 1908, Ohio Art began with lithographed picture frames before transitioning to toys. They weren’t the original creators of the Lite-Brite, but their involvement in the toy industry made them a plausible collaborator in producing variations like the Lite-Brite Deluxe. Their expertise in toy manufacturing is well-documented, and they’ve been key contributors in bringing various creative toys to fruition.

The creation of Lite-Brite occurred during an era when toys were evolving to become more than mere playthings; they were instruments for learning and creativity. This was a period marked by innovation in toy design—companies striving to create products that could both entertain and educate. The ability of Lite-Brite to straddle this boundary made it a noteworthy addition to any toy collection.

Features

The original Lite-Brite was a straightforward yet ingenious device, featuring a lightbox with a black paper grid where users could insert colored pegs. The light—would shine through the pegs, illuminating them and creating a vivid picture. The basic design was accessible to children, allowing for both guided and freeform creativity. The templates provided outlines for specific images, but the real entertainment was in creating unique designs from scratch.

Over the years, Lite-Brite evolved to incorporate several notable features—initially, it utilized incandescent bulbs, but later models transitioned to LED lights, which offered superior energy efficiency and extended lifespan. This alteration also addressed safety concerns, as LEDs operate cooler than incandescent bulbs. The templates, originally paper-based, also saw upgrades to reusable plastic versions, which were more robust.

The Lite-Brite Deluxe, specifically, was an enlarged version that came with additional pegs and templates—occasionally incorporating electronic features such as sound. This enhancement expanded the creative possibilities, allowing for more intricate designs and even interactive elements. Variations such as the Flat-Screen Lite-Brite and Lite-Brite FX were introduced, which employed LED technology and included supplementary interactive features like sound and music.

Popularity and Legacy

Lite-Brite rapidly became a favorite among children following its release, due to its unique amalgamation of art and technology. It was a toy that fostered creativity and fine motor skills while providing a sense of accomplishment upon completion of a design. Parents valued its educational merit—though some were less enthusiastic about the small components, which could easily become misplaced.

Throughout the decades, Lite-Brite sustained its popularity, adapting to evolving times with updated versions and features. Its enduring allure lies in its simplicity and the open-ended nature of the play it offers. Unlike numerous electronic toys that prescribe how they’re played with, Lite-Brite provides users the freedom to create whatever they can envision.

In terms of cultural impact, Lite-Brite has been referenced in various media and remains a nostalgic icon for many who grew up in the ’70s and ’80s. It’s not uncommon to find it in compilations of classic toys or see it appear in retro-themed events and collections. The toy’s influence can also be observed in the development of analogous products by other companies, all striving to capture the magic of light-up art.

Advertisements / Commercials

Checkout this vintage TV commercial for the 1967 Ohio Art Company Lite-Brite Deluxe where children insert colored pegs into a black, perforated board that lights up from behind. The kids create pictures by arranging the pegs into different shapes and patterns. The commercial shows children making designs like a clown face and a sailboat, demonstrating the toy’s ability to produce illuminated artwork by following templates or creating their own images.

Availability and Collectability

Today, Lite-Brite is still available, although it has undergone several updates and changes over the years. Modern versions frequently utilize flat-screen technology and incorporate additional features like sound, yet the core concept remains unaltered. These newer models are readily accessible in toy stores and online, catering to a new generation of creative children.

For collectors, vintage Lite-Brite sets—particularly those in good condition with original parts—can be highly sought after. The value of these sets fluctuates, depending largely on their condition, completeness, and rarity. The Deluxe versions, with their supplementary features, are especially appealing to collectors who appreciate the history and progression of the toy.

In summary, while the Lite-Brite Deluxe may not be as pervasive as it once was, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many. Its combination of creativity, simplicity, and nostalgia ensures that it remains a cherished toy, both for those who recollect playing with it as children and for new generations discovering it for the first time.