Play-Doh Pivot Prevented Kutol Bankruptcy

Before Play-Doh became a toy, Cincinnati soap maker Kutol sold the same putty as a cleaner for coal-stained wallpaper. After World War II, natural gas replaced coal in many homes, and washable vinyl wallpaper spread, wiping out demand and pushing Kutol toward bankruptcy. Nursery teacher Kay Zufall discovered that children loved shaping the putty, so she convinced her brother-in-law Joe McVicker and his uncle Noah to sell it as a toy. The McVickers formed Rainbow Crafts in 1956, renamed the putty Play-Doh, and watched sales reach nearly $3 million by 1958.

Previous Fact Next Fact