The origins of the Frisbee can be traced back to the late 19th century in New England colleges, where students would play catch with pie plates made by the Frisbie Baking Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut. These students would yell “Frisbie!” to warn passersby away from the spinning discs.
The Frisbie Baking Company’s Influence on the Frisbee’s Birth
This early game of catch with pie plates laid the foundation for the creation of the modern Frisbee. The name “Frisbee” itself is derived from the Frisbie Baking Company, and it’s fascinating to think about how a simple pie tin could evolve into a beloved toy. In the 1940s, Walter Morrison and Warren Franscioni created a plastic version of the Frisbie, which they sold at county fairs.
The Airfoil That Changed the Game
The innovative design of Morrison’s plastic Frisbie featured an airfoil at the outer edge, known as the Morrison slope, which gave the toy its lift in flight. This design innovation would go on to become a crucial element in the Frisbee’s success. Hoping to capitalize on the public’s fascination with UFOs following the 1947 sightings in Roswell, New Mexico, Morrison initially called his creation the “Flying Saucer” and later the “Pluto Platter.”
Wham-O’s Acquisition and Rebranding
Fast forward to 1955, when Wham-O founders Arthur “Spud” Melin and Richard Knerr, who were also the creators of the Hula Hoop, bought the rights to Morrison’s toy. In 1958, Wham-O renamed the toy the “Frisbee,” and sales soared, eventually reaching 100 million units before Mattel bought out Wham-O.
The Counterculture Movement and the Rise of Frisbee Sports
In the early 1960s, the flying disc became a symbol of the counterculture movement, with people treating it as a sport. Wham-O’s first “professional” Frisbee was released in 1964, and enthusiasts founded the International Frisbee Association in 1967. The first Frisbee Golf Tournament was held in California in 1968, and New Jersey teenagers later invented Ultimate Frisbee, a game that is still played enthusiastically today.
The Legend Behind the Frisbee Name
The name “Frisbee” has a rich history, and it’s often attributed to the Frisbie Baking Company pie tins that college students in New England loved to toss around. Many colleges have claimed to be the home of the first person to fling a Frisbie, including Yale College, which argues that Elihu Frisbie grabbed a passing collection tray from the chapel and flung it out onto the campus in 1820. However, this tale is unlikely to be true, as the words “Frisbie’s Pies” were embossed on all the original pie tins.
Early Inventors and Their Contributions
Walter Frederick Morrison and his partner Warren Franscioni are credited with inventing the first plastic version of the Frisbie in 1948. Morrison’s father was also an inventor, and he invented the automotive sealed-beam headlight. Ed Headrick, an inventor at Wham-O, patented the modern design of the Frisbee, which featured a band of raised ridges called the Rings of Headrick, giving it stabilized flight. Headrick held the utility patent for the modern-day Frisbee and went on to invent the Wham-O Superball, which sold over 20 million units.
The Evolution of the Frisbee and Its Impact on Popular Culture
Today, the Frisbee is owned by Mattel Toy Manufacturers, one of at least sixty manufacturers of flying discs. Wham-O sold over 100 million units before selling the toy to Mattel. The Frisbee has become an iconic symbol of recreational fun, with its influence extending to popular culture, music, and art. Its impact on the toy industry is undeniable, and it continues to be a beloved toy for people of all ages.
The 50-Year-Old Frisbee and Its Enduring Legacy
As the Frisbee celebrates its 50th birthday, it’s clear that its impact will be felt for generations to come. From its humble beginnings as a pie tin to its current status as a cultural icon, the Frisbee has come a long way. With its enduring popularity and influence, it’s safe to say that the Frisbee is here to stay.
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