OCR Text |
Show FOR THE KIDS Toys for Christmas Feature 'Atomic' Sets, Reflect Sciences, Arts Toys for Christmas 1950 will reproduce re-produce in detailed miniature every phase of peace-loving America's arts, industries and sciences. Although some toys are keyed to juvenile interest in atomic energy, en-ergy, jet propulsion and miniatures minia-tures of U.S. army and navy equipment, equip-ment, playthings designed to determine de-termine aptitudes and build careers ca-reers in homemaking, architecture, fashion designs, transportation, agriculture ag-riculture and chemistry dominate the new toy showings. Cowboys will lead the toy gun and holster production; although the war headlines have inspired an increase in play uniforms and nurse costume sales. Santa's toy pack will equal the record $300,000,000 (manufactur- - V r j v -1 . , . - v fi The peaceful possibilities of nuclear 'research are stressed in this new atomic energy lab set. It includes a workable Geiger counter, a cloud chamber cham-ber that makes visible the paths taken by alpha particles speeding at more than 12,000 miles per second, and a fluo- -rescent screen that shows atomic atom-ic radioactive material disintegrating. disin-tegrating. The set is guaranteed guaran-teed harmless. ers value) of the past three years with greatly improved quality, assuring as-suring parents peak play value for their money. Assistant Santas are advised to shop early for specially special-ly wanted items, as widespread shortages are expected in many popular lines because there are more than 45,000,000 children of toy age 40 per cent increase over pre-war years, and manufacturers face shortages of many basic materials. ma-terials. This estimate on 1950 prospects was given by Arthur M. Raphael, president of the Toy Manufacturers of the U.S.A. "Toy volume in 1950 is expected to equal the record sales of the past three years which have been around $300,000,000 manufacturers' value," said Mr. Raphael. "Capital- Inflated plastic and rubber toys take the spotlight this year. Here, a youngster punches an inflated clown who will always come back for more. lzing on the opportunity offered by the 40 per cent increase in the number of children -of toy age as compared with pre-war levels, manufacturers have utilized the latest research and manufacturing methods to produce more ingeniously ingen-iously varied designs. The new showings of toys, games, books and hobby equipment will offer parents more for their money of increased play value, tested age interest and better durability than ever before. Increases are noted in the number of toy designs adapted to children under five, a market which has increased 48 per cent since 1940." Cowboy careers intrigue girls as well as boys this year. Several million cowgirls are reported to be enthusiastic wearers of Western West-ern regalia complete with lariats and two-gun holsters. Juvenile firemen will get a thrill from a new model fire engine with a four foot ladder extension. A car set with a jack and wrench and removable wheels and tires gives Junior a chance to try his hand at repairs. Catering to ranch minded boys, a new sidewalk bike features saddle sad-dle bags and a rifle carrying case and holster in black leather with a smart white trim. For the three-to-five-year-olds there are convertible convert-ible four-wheel bikes; the extra wheels are removed after the child learne to balance. |