This Day in History February 4, 1959

By Ruth on February 4, 2015 in history, toys

It was on this date in 1959, that the first Barbie doll was invented. Ruth Handler invented the doll and named it after her daughter. A bit later, Ken came along (named after her son). It was not initially received well by the powers that be, but little girls loved it.

Proverbs 31:30 ESV

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

For more information:

http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/february4th.html

https://lizbooks.wordpress.com/2009/02/04/february-4-2009/

http://triviatoday.com/blog/article.asp?a=F41D79&e=mccartneymc42@aol.com

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RuthView all posts by Ruth

“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” — Franz Kafka Ruth is an inspirational entertainment journalist who instinctively sees the best in all and seeks to share universal beauty, love and positivity. She is an artist who leads with her heart and gives readers a glimpse of the best of this world through the masterful use of the written word. Ruth was born in Tacoma, Washington but now calls Yelm, Washington her home. She lives on five acres with her parents, a dog, two miniature goats, cats and a teenage daughter who is a dynamic visual artist herself. Ruth interviews fellow artists both inside and outside of the film/television industry. At the core of all she does is the strength of her faith.

Tags: history, toys

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15 Comments

Lynne B September 1, 2016 Reply

Thanks for that bit of Barbie trivia!
Cheryl Everitt July 4, 2016 Reply

I had forgotten how Barbie and Ken came into being! Thank you!
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  Ruth July 4, 2016 Reply
  
  Glad I could help Cheryl!
mary czerczyk June 21, 2016 Reply

I remember when Barbie first came out.She wore a black and white bathing suit and ponytail. My Mom bought me the brunette Barbie.
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  Ruth June 21, 2016 Reply
  
  Cool memory! thanks for sharing
ANN*H October 16, 2015 Reply

This is interesting to know. I like reading about toys history in case I have any of these older toys still in my home. I like to collect older things all the time . thanks for Barbies info
marla king April 29, 2015 Reply

I always loved my Barbie dolls.
marla king February 24, 2015 Reply

Barbies have been around a long time.
Deanna February 4, 2015 Reply

Sarah, Ken is Barbie’s boyfriend. Skipper and Kelly are Barbie’s little sisters.
Alleluialu February 4, 2015 Reply

This really amuses me because a friend of mine celebrates her birthday today. I will have to tell her that it is Barbie’s birthday, too.
Babs Hightower February 4, 2015 Reply

Hi Ruth :).

This was great I love Barbie
Babs Hightower recently posted…LET THEM TALK by Susanna Carr Release day & Giveaway
Sarah M February 4, 2015 Reply

I’m trying to remember – did they pair Ken with Barbie or Skipper? Because if Barbie and Ken were a couple, that’s weird that they’re named after her kids. Cool that it’s still around after all that time.
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  Ruth February 4, 2015 Reply
  
  I know I had the same thought about Ken and Barbie since they are boyfriend and girlfriend but I think the creator just used the names of her kids to memorialize them. Thanks for asking Sarah. And thanks for answering Deanna!
  Ruth recently posted…Educational Comic Books For Those With Special Needs
becca February 4, 2015 Reply

That’s pretty interesting. Where do you find the fun fact for this day in history?
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  Ruth February 4, 2015 Reply
  
  Becca I actually do a lot of searching around, and the sites where I got my information are always listed below the post. Thanks.