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With 100 years of history, Smethport Specialty Company is one of the enduring success stories in American business. Founded by William Kerr in Smethport, Pennsylvania, their first products were magnetic toys. Originally called the Electric Toy Works and Marvel Specialty Company, they were able to stay afloat through the Great Depression with the help of Woolworth's, who sold their Electric Acrobats for ten cents. Under the ownership of Ralph Herzog, Smethport Specialty Company ceased toy production during World War II to manufacture one of the three most important weapons for our troops. Mr. Herzog's two sons, Donald and James, joined the firm in the early 1950's, developing one of the most popular toys of the twentieth century. "Wooly Willy", which uses magnetic shavings to create various hairstyles on a cardboard face, is still in production today. Smethport Specialty also made the first alphabet refrigerator magnets, but this product failed to sell because the buyers asked, "Who would want to cover their refrigerator door?" Well, a lot has changed, but Smethport Toys are still made in the USA!
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