The Story of Wolverine Toys

THE STORY OF
WOLVERINE TOYS
The Wolverine Supply and Manufacturing Company was founded in Pittsburgh
in 1903 by Benjamin Bain. The company designed and manufactured
household utensils and broom holders as well as the tools and dies to
make them. Bain also found the opportunity to begin a toy manufacturing
business and in 1913, he purchased property in Manchester where he
constructed a large 3-story toy factory. The building still stands
today.

Wolverine Toy Company manufactured sturdy sand-operated mechanical tin
(or pressed steel) construction-type toys for boys that would eventually
be sold in major department and toy stores across the country.
Eventually, Bain added vehicle toys such as trains, boats, trucks and
cars that were all powered by a spring-powered motor. The company later
branched out into toys for girls.

Fortunately, Terry Mowrey, of the North Hills has been a collector of
these fascinating toys for many years and has published a beautifully
illustrated book about Wolverine Mechanical Toys which features the
history of the company and the toys that many children cherished. Join
Terry as he displays his collection of colorful mechanical Wolverine
Toys and describes the early history of the North Side company that
found great success for many years. If you have any Wolverine Toys in
your possession, bring them along for others to see. If you have stories
of relatives who worked for the Wolverine Company, bring those along,
too. Registration for this program will begin on April 17th.