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Hollidaysburg unveils Slinky Center exhibit at Reiser House

Ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Reiser House

The Hollidaysburg Borough marked the official opening of the Slinky Center at Reiser House Tuesday morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which welcomed borough council members, state representatives and members of the community.

Hollidaysburg has been home to the Slinky toy since 1964. To celebrate the Slinky's history and significance to the area, the borough partnered with Just Play, the toy's manufacturer, and the James family, the founders of the toy, to create the Slinky Center.

At the exhibit, visitors can learn information about Slinky's beginnings, see outlines of the toy's design, timelines of the toy's progression and look at old toys made with the Slinky like the Slinky Dog.

Mayor Chad Repko said promoting the piece of history was needed in the community.

"I think it's a tremendous point of pride, especially with something so recognizable. It means so many different things to so many different people generationally. It means a lot," he said.

Back in April, the council reached a compromise over the debate of Repko's proposal to convert part of the Reiser House at Canal Basin Park into a museum for the Slinky. With the approval, the Reiser House is now split with displays of the canal basin and exhibits of the Slinky.

The slinky is one of America's most iconic toys that has been passed down and recognized by several generations. At Just Play Slinky, more than 15,000 Slinkys are made each day and 3 million each year.

In 1943, Richard T. James "accidentally" invented the Slinky after dropping a spring and watched it "walk" across the floor while working on a naval ship as a mechanical engineer. He thought it would make a great toy and further developed the concept that would later be named the Slinky by his wife Betty James, who later took charge of the company in 1960.

Paul Luther, general manager at Just Play Slinky, said the Slinkys are made on the same machine on which Richard James made the originals.

Becky James Morris, daughter of the founders, said she's excited about the Slinky Center and said her mother would be thrilled.

"It allows Slinky to be represented after all these years being in Hollidaysburg and I feel like the ribbon cutting is important for our family to thank everyone for how welcoming the community was to my parents," she said.

When James invented the Slinky, Morris said Gimbels Department Store in Philadelphia gave him an area at the end of the counter to sell his toy. Morris said her mother felt bad because she thought no one would buy the toy, so she gave her friend money to buy one.

As they arrived at the store, it was full of people swarming the counter, waving dollar bills around to buy a Slinky. He sold his entire inventory of 400 Slinkys in 90 minutes.

Repko had the idea to establish the Slinky Center when he was canvassing while running for mayor and knocked on Morris' door. It was then he learned about her parents.

"To have the family still here and be a big part of the community, I think that says a lot," Repko said.

Something that resonated with Repko about the Slinky is its simplicity and price tag. He said it's not a $200 or $300 toy, but it's reliable and within reach for a lot of kids.

On Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the borough is hosting an open house at the Slinky Center for the public to walk through the museum and learn about the Slinky. There will be Slinky-themed activities and kids events, as well as food vendors.

Mirror Staff Writer Jayla Nartatez is at 814-946-7535.