History of Radio Flyer Wagons, America's Dream Factory For Over 85 Years
Like the Original Red Wagon that lent the company its name, Radio Flyer
Inc. has become an American Classic. From its humble beginnings, this
simple, enduring enterprise has been reinterpreted and rediscovered
with each new generation — creating a legacy of toys that continue
to inspire the imagination.
For over 85 years and counting, millions of children have used Radio
Flyer wagons to launch countless voyages into the imagination. Their
beauty, simplicity, and standards of safety become magical qualities
that nurture the wonder of childhood and bring imaginations to life.
Radio Flyer wagons are truly icons of Americana
THE BEGINNING
Born in a small town outside of Venice, 16 year old Antonio Pasin (pictured
above) dreamed of a new beginning in America. His family sold their
mule to help pay for his voyage, and before long, Pasin made his way
to Chicago where he looked for work as a cabinet-maker. Though he was
a skilled craftsman like his father and grandfather before him, Pasin
had little success finding work, and eventually became a water boy for
a sewer digging crew.
He made his way through several jobs, and by 1917 had saved enough
money to purchase some used wood working equipment and rented a one-room
workshop. In this workshop, Pasin began fashioning wagons by night and
selling them during the day.
LIBERTY COASTER IS BORN
By 1923, Pasin's business grew to include several employees. They became
known as the Liberty Coaster Company, named after the Statue of Liberty,
and soon created their first wagon Ð the Liberty Coaster. The No.
4 Liberty Coaster was handcrafted in wood and sold directly to stores
by Pasin himself. Pictured here is the historic No. 4 Liberty Coaster
— the first in the long line of historic wagons to come.
RADIO FLYER IN THE TWENTIES
The roaring twenties was a decade that began with a sense of optimism
and a carefree spirit, and ended with the fall of the stock market and
the beginning of the Great Depression. But while many had to figure
out ways to make-do in a troubled America, Antonio Pasin was on the
way to revolutionizing his vision.
Despite the rising pressures of the times, Pasin and the Liberty Coaster
Company pushed forward, with the automotive industry as inspiration.
Pasin began using metal-stamping technology to produce steel wagons
— and with his consistent eye for innovation, applied mass-production
techniques to wagon-making, creating the first wagon, "For every
boy. For every girl." These innovations earned Pasin the nickname,
"Little Ford."
As times of the 20's grew tough, America, and American's learned how
to make do, or simply do without. But even in tough times they dreamed
of a better life for their children, and continued to demand the basic
value that Radio Flyer delivered.
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