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The Tip is 'Where They're Proud' I recently saw an ad in our local newspaper for a big box home improvement store. Their newspaper ad had USA made products and American flags all over it. Several weeks later, I checked the ad again and sure enough they were still advertising their American made products. It was obvious they are proud to carry products Made in America. Their competitors made no mention of things Made in America. I have been to this store and asked what products are made in the USA? A clerk told me they primarily carry imports. Obviously they are not proud. I now realize you can buy many Made in the USA building supplies, including tools Made in USA and appliances Made in USA., in stores that are proud to carry brands Made in the USA. Here is another example of a store proudly carrying products Made in the USA. I was shopping for men's shoes in a local department store when I tried on three different pairs of shoes. I couldn't decide which pair I wanted so I went out on a limb and asked the clerk, "Are these shoes imports?" The salesman said "yes they are" so I asked, "Do you have any Made in America shoes like these?". To my surprise he said, with GREAT PRIDE, "yes sir, we have a whole line of Made In USA shoes". He brought me the same color and style with the Made in USA label. These Made in America shoes were less expensive, came with a better warranty, and were more comfortable. Looking for companies that are PROUD is simple and can have a great impact on our country. I encourage you to try this some time- just ask. You will love it when you realize you are making a difference that all of us will benefit from. With your help America will be ours again and that is a good thing. Buying Tip Continued - Read more on Made in America Products by All American Toy For future releases please send in your email address along with any suggestions for new trucks. Thank you for your interest in the All American Toy Co. toytrx@msn.com History Page since 1947! 1947 Ad 1947 Ad The All American Toy Company was founded in 1947 by Clay and Beth Steinke of Salem, Oregon. The company started when Clay thought that a large, heavy duty toy truck was needed, that could be played with for years and years and still hold together. He decided on using the late 1940's era Ford cabs as the basis for his truck, and developed a means of steering through the hood of the cab using a brass air horn. This became known as the 'Air Horn Steering', which not only made the toy truly unique, but very popular with its customers. With a heavy cast Aluminum cab, rugged steel frame, walking beam suspension and rubber tires, the company developed the finest toy log truck ever mass produced. The first cabs were sand cast, and soon the demand was so high for these toys that the company had dies fabricated in the late 40's, to increase production and consistency in quality. 1953 Catalog Back The first truck issued was the famous log truck named the Timber Toter and retailed for $19.95. These were 1/12th scale, and measured 36 inches long and weighed a heavy 10 pounds! The truck was designed with quality, durability and a high level of 'playability' in mind. Over the next decade the company produced a number of different styles to go with the Ford cab, and in the mid 1950's the company finally succumbed to lower priced toys. 1953 Catalog Front Quality was never considered as a compromise to price. Fortunately, many of these trucks and the print advertising remain intact, which can be viewed at our showroom in Salem. In May of 1990 Bill Hellie and his son Chip purchased the company from the founders and produced three limited editions. They produced 15 Bales and Brady Tow Trucks, 8 Tankers and 7 log trucks, using up the remaining original stock. Log Trailer Die Then a toy collector by the name of Patrick Russell, through a turn of events, struck a deal to obtain the company and dies in May of 1992. The dies were cracked and rusted shut. There was much concern over whether the dies would even be able to be opened, and used ever again. Patrick found the highest quality machinists and die companies in the Pacific Northwest. By September 17, 1992, after buckets of penetrating oil, and much personal effort by the employees of the die company, the dies were producing again. The company now only produces very limited runs of this truck. Log Trailer Die Both Clay and Beth Steinke, along with a few of the machinists who worked on the trucks were involved in this process, and provided insight into the company history and philosophy of quality. In January of 1997, the All American Toy Company released their first all new toy truck. With the aid of family and friends, Patrick created a new die for a 1/16th scale 1947 Kenworth 521, more commonly known as the 'narrow nose' Kenworth. These are also only produced in very limited edition runs, and in keeping with the company tradition, use rubber tires and all metal parts. Patrick Russell with 1st 10 limited editions in '96 Finally as an added touch in tribute to the founders, Patrick designed a means whereby the single air horn on the top of the cab recreates the famous 'Air Horn Steering!' Shortly thereafter both Clay and Beth Steinke passed away. Both the Steinke's, and numerous employees of the original company provided insight into the history, and were enthusiastic to offer any guidance in its resurrection. The first truck produced was a Founders Edition Log Truck, with # 92 going to Clay and Beth as a means of thanks. The All American Toy Company is still headquartered in Salem Oregon, and owned and operated by Patrick Russell. Visitors are welcome, but it is suggested you call ahead. |
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