Toy Company That Once Made The Magic 8 Ball
Do you remember playing with the Magic 8 Ball as a child? The toy was a popular novelty item in the 70s and 80s, and it was created by a company called Alabe Crafts. In this article, we'll take a look at the history of Alabe Crafts and the Magic 8 Ball.
History of Alabe Crafts
Alabe Crafts was founded in 1946 by Abe Bookman, who was a famous magician and entrepreneur. The company was based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and it started out as a manufacturer of magic tricks and illusions. Over the years, Alabe Crafts expanded its product line to include novelty items and toys, such as the Magic 8 Ball.
One of the trademarks of Alabe Crafts was its commitment to quality. The company prided itself on producing well-made products that were not only fun but also educational. In fact, many of Alabe Crafts' early toys were designed to teach children scientific principles, such as magnetism and electricity.
The Invention of the Magic 8 Ball
The Magic 8 Ball was invented in the 1950s by Alabe Crafts. According to legend, the idea for the Magic 8 Ball came from a device that was used by the mother of Albert C. Carter, one of the employees at Alabe Crafts. The device was a cylindrical tube filled with water and a floating message, and it was used as a tool for fortune-telling.
Carter and his colleagues at Alabe Crafts were inspired by the device and decided to create their own version of it. They came up with the Magic 8 Ball, which was a plastic sphere filled with liquid and a 20-sided die with answers. The die was designed to float inside the sphere, and when the user shook the ball, the die would come to rest at the bottom of the sphere, revealing one of the 20 answers.
The Popularity of the Magic 8 Ball
The Magic 8 Ball was an instant hit when it was first introduced in the 70s. It quickly became one of the most popular novelty items of its time, and it was featured in movies, TV shows, and even songs. The Magic 8 Ball was so popular that it was even used by NASA to help astronauts make decisions while in space.
The success of the Magic 8 Ball helped to establish Alabe Crafts as a major player in the toy industry. The company continued to produce other popular toys and games, such as the Ouija board, but the Magic 8 Ball remained one of its most iconic products.
The Legacy of Alabe Crafts
Alabe Crafts was in business for over 60 years, and it left a lasting legacy in the toy industry. The company was known for its innovative and high-quality products, and it helped to shape the childhoods of generations of children.
Although Alabe Crafts is no longer in business, its products continue to be cherished by collectors and enthusiasts around the world. And of course, the Magic 8 Ball remains a beloved and iconic toy that will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with it.