But the company did celebrate its 80th anniversary in 1997 by building another giant 40-foot Radio Flyer wagon—sans boy—which is still parked outside their corporate offices in Belmont Cragin. Anniversary no. 100 arrived in 2017, though sadly, company matriarch Anna Pasin didn’t quite live to see it. Antonio’s widow died at the ripe old age of 107 (!!!) in 2016. Antonio believed the pocket-sized novelty prize, at a price a kid could afford, could help turn Radio Flyer into a household name once the fair’s millions of visitors had come and gone. From handmade pieces to vintage treasures ready to be loved again, Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods.
Is it large enough for the number of children you’ll be transporting, as well as their toys, snacks, and supplies? If it’s going to be a hot or sunny day, you’ll want the wagon to have a canopy for shade. Some frozen ride on toy wagons boast a folding mechanism, which is something else to consider if you have a smaller space or car. This helmet provides protection for toddlers with heads between 18 and 21 inches in circumference.
Soon, the Liberty Coaster MFG Co. was also producing tricycles, scooters and other kid vehicles—a tiny fraction of which have stood the test of time. Designed for Starlight by Radio Flyer, the Hero Wagon has an IV pole razor ride ons attachment, making it easier for all patients to enjoy a wagon ride. Plus, each wagon features seat belts for safety, smooth surfaces, and durable fabric that is easily sanitized by hospital staff between each use.
Changing the company’s name to Radio Steel & Manufacturing in 1930, Pasin also introduced his first steel wagon, called the Radio Flyer. The now classic toy was named for Pasin’s love and fascination of the radio and air flight. The high quality steel coaster wagons were a huge success and allowed Pasin to increase production while lowering the price. With affordable wagons, the slogan of the company became, “For every boy. For every girl.” Thousands of children enjoyed these classic toys.
He loved to play around with designs and ended up creating what he called the “Liberty Coaster,” named after the Statue of Liberty that greeted all new immigrants in New York City. He used it to cart around his tools, which he used to build phonograph cabinets. Pretty soon, those wagons were selling faster than the cabinets. The Radio Flyer business was born in 1917, though it would be years before he would be known by that name. And yet, the humble son of a Venetian cabinet maker persevered and found his niche in Chicago, using his carpentry skills to create a popular line of wooden coaster wagons—starting with the brand name Liberty in 1917.