The Story of the Yo–Yo (p. 2)
Chapter 1: Ancient History
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There is evidence to suggest that the primitive forms of the yo–yo were around in Greece as early as 500 B.C.
During the 1700's the toy was quite popular in France. At that time it was a fashionable plaything of aristocratic adults as well as children.
Yo–yos were first manufactured in the U.S. in 1927 by Pedro Flores. In 1930, Donald Duncan saw the toy and was so excited he bought the company.
Over the next 35 years the Duncan Yo–Yo Company employed hundreds of demonstrators to promote sales. The demonstrators would go from town to town teaching kids tricks and holding contests.
Kids were given award patches for their efforts. City champions could win a bicycle.
However from 1965 to present, television advertising has become the promotion of choice. Consequently, there are few remaining yo–yo demonstrators today.
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Ancient Greek Terracotta Yo-Yo, Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Vase painting ca. 500 B.C. shows a young citizen of Greece playing with a Yo-Yo.
Louis XVII, one of the original Yo-Yo kids.
Cheerio Practice 99, wood.
O-Boy Duncan Whistling Yo-Yo.