Wooly Willy is a toy in which metal filings are moved about with a magnetic wand to add features to a cartoon face.[1] The toy was originally manufactured in Smethport, Pennsylvania and was launched on the toy market in 1955. It remains in production as of 2016.[2]
Funny Face, Betty Brunette, and Dapper Dan were similar toys.
The Woolly Willy trademark is currently held by the Beloit, Wisconsin-based company PlayMonster, formerly known as Patch Products, which purchased the Smethport Specialty Company in 2008.[citation needed]
The artwork for the first Wooly Willy was created by artist Leonard Mackowski of Bradford, Pa. His signature is found hidden in the grass on the reverse side.[4]
Priced at US$0.29, Wooly Willy was successfully launched on the market in 1955.[3] A buyer for G. C. Murphy dime store chain initially purchased six dozen of the toy and expected not to sell them for a year. The buyer called Herzog just two days later and ordered 12,000 for nationwide distribution.[5] F. W. Woolworth Company also distributed the toy. More than 75 million Wooly Willies have been sold.[5]
Wooly Willy became a hit with young baby boomers, and remains in production as of 2010[4] by the Smethport Specialty Company, which is now owned by PlayMonster. PlayMonster was known as Patch Products until 2016.[5][6]