Figure:Dancing Dutch Girl

Born into a family of toy makers in Wurtenberg, Germany, Albert Schoenhut (1848-1912) moved to Philadelphia at the age of 17 and started his own toy manufacturing company just six years later. The A. Schoenhut Company (1872-1935) originally produced toy pianos, but later expanded its inventory to include other musical instruments, dolls and dollhouses, circus figurines, and other toys. Schoenhut prided himself in making high-quality toys, stressing durability and superior craftsmanship. The toy maker also offered great variety in style and price, ensuring that Schoenhut toys would reach more Americans. Furthermore, Schoenhut believed that to fully work, good toys ought to require children's participation, and thus he produced many toys, such as musical instruments and rolly-dolls, with interactive qualities. Though the original company went out of business during the Great Depression, Schoenhut toys remain popular amongst collectors today.