Chicago’s Radio Flyer Keeps Building A Better Wagon, But ‘most Of What We Do Fails’

Fast forward to the 1950s, when Sputnik and “I Love Lucy” came on the scene. It was during this time, when fear of communism loomed, that the little red wagon cemented its status as an American icon. The massive art deco structure housed a kiosk, inside of which Anna helped work a mini assembly line putting together tiny steel wagons that sold for just 25 cents each—$4.56 today. As the Baby Boomers became “wagon aged,” Radio Flyer launched some new designs to appeal to this generation.

radio flyer wagon

The wagon’s all-steel body and no-scratch edges can hull up to 200 pounds and provide ultra-durability and protection. Moving around with the wagon has never been easier with its all-terrain wheels that can maneuver easily on any surface. Safety was a major priority when designing this wagon, and that’s why this red carrier features a controlled turning radius that prevents tipping and maximizing control. This product is designed as a full-sized wagon for kids and cargo that folds compactly and offers maximum storage space underneath the seats.

“As people were buying phonograph cabinets they would say, ‘hey, can I get one of those wagons?’” Robert says. “And pretty soon he was selling more wagons than phonograph cabinets.” That kind of versatility has certainly given the iconic, fire hydrant red Radio Flyer some serious staying power. As of next year, the company will have been around a full century, with roots stretching back to the early 1900s when razor ride ons the future founder of the company, Antonio Pasin, arrived in America. People tend to forget that both of Chicago’s World’s Fairs—the Columbian Exposition in 1893 and the Century of Progress in 1933—took place during major economic depressions. So while every participating company did its best to showcase a brave face, joining in the city’s spending splurge wasn’t always viewed as the wisest investment.

If your collapsible wagon isn’t free of pinch points, be especially cautious to fold it down when children are not nearby. This foldable, portable wagon is easily stashed in any corner until you’re ready for your next walk outside. Highly durable, the BABY JOY Foldable Stroller Wagon can carry up to two passengers, has anti-slip wheels and excellent shock absorption for successful use on various terrain. radio flyer wagon It also provides an open canopy with side shading to keep the sun out for napping and offers five-point safety belts for added security. Wagons are the ideal way to stroll if you’ve got little ones, especially if they get tired while out and about. But it’s important to examine each wagon carefully before purchasing to ensure it’s safe and suitable for the ages and abilities of the children riding.

They play a unique role at hospitals across country by providing patients unable to walk a way to move throughout the hospital and helping hospital staff deliver toys and other items to patient rooms. By providing a different option for patient transportation, these wagons transform a hospitalized child’s experience by removing the fear and anxiety that may come with having to use a wheelchair. These are the Radio Flyer wagons you loved when you were a kid.

The wagon image also was used extensively in advertising, and the Radio Flyer was featured in advertisement campaigns by car makers Porsche and Chevrolet and in ads for the insurance company Northwestern Mutual Life. A vintage Radio Flyer red wagon found in Lincoln County, New Mexico.A vintage Radio Flyer red wagon found in Lincoln County, New Mexico. This can result in perforations, twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning and death. “Sooner or later you’ll have to buy the kids a big red coaster wagon. (This probably is a factor in their growing up to be 100% pure red-blooded American),” reads a 1953 ad in the Logansport Pharos-Tribune.

Littles riding along will be secure in the two five-point safety harnesses provided, while using the built-in cup holders as their parents adjust handle heights to their liking and choose whether or not to attach the canopy. Pasin says the company has come to recognize his grandfather’s red metal wagon as a blank canvas — one that still sells, but only a fraction of the 140 or so toys and wagons they also sell. His grandfather, Antonio Pasin, founded the company in after arriving from Italy three years earlier . The wagon comes with all-terrain tires that are made out of rubber. The frame is metal and the wagon is made from wood, alloy and steel.