Frank Lloyd Wright wasn’t the only architect in the family. His second son, John Lloyd Wright, also created something (but on a much smaller scale than, say, Monona Terrace).
He invented Lincoln Logs. Yes, that’s right, the famous toy that’s now part of the National Toy Hall of Fame .
They were invented sometime around 1916-1917 when John was working in Japan with his father on the famous Imperial Hotel . The foundation of the building was designed with interlocking log beams, which gave John an idea.
He started a toy company, got a patent for a “Toy-Cabin Construction,” and started producing Lincoln Logs.
Now owned by Hasbro, you might be able to find them at big box retailers or these local independent shops:
- Kismet Books , 101 N. Main St., Verona
- Meep Meepleton’s World of Fun , 912 Williamson St., Madison
- The Next Generation , 161 E. Main St., Stoughton