How an Italian Immigrant Rolled Out the Radio Flyer Wagon Across America

Then, when I have my young nephews for the day, it can completely replace the stroller and they get the fun of a stroller wagon ride, while I get room for all our family’s drinks and gear. For many people, an antique Radio Flyer wagon brings back fond memories of their childhood. A true piece of classic Americana, the wagons hold a special place in the hearts of the millions of children who played with them over the years.

Well, here, finally is the version many of us dreamed of, complete with rear-mounted engine, spoiler and “butterfly” drag-style steering wheel. Since its release, it has also been released under names Hot Rod Wagon and Draggin’ Wagon. Character wagons – Popular characters like Mickey Mouse and Davy Crockett found their way onto the wagons of this era. These were various colors, including bright blue and yellow, and they featured the standard steel wagon shape with the name on the side.

In the 1990s, Radio Flyer worked to expand its product line and step up its marketing to maintain its market share. It used the Radio Flyer name on toy bicycles, such as the Totally Rad Flyer Bicycle. Its name received wide press in 1992 with the release of a movie called ‘Radio Flyer,’ the story of the imaginary journeys of two boys in their Radio Flyer wagon. Already by the year 1930, Radio Steel was the world’s largest producer of children’s coaster wagons, and it set the standard for what a wagon should look like.

In January 2021, Evancho was hospitalized following a car accident that left her back broken in two places, and was soon diagnosed with osteoporosis. Built in 1990, 26 tons of steel and reinforced concrete, 12-foot-high, 27-foot-long . Spiering spent six to seven days a week for a year building the $36,000 sculpture, for which he received a $30,000 commission. Families fled en masse to the suburbs, where they boomed out babies who needed to be carted around their subdivisions or glide under their own power on the tricycles and scooters Radio Steel began to produce. The Tesla toys, both Flintstones-type “foot to floor” and electric powered, were introduced six years ago and have been good performers. “The CyberQuad—a version of Tesla’s Cybertruck—sold out in 24 hours,” Pasin said.

When the United States entered World War II, many industries converted to making wartime products. Radio Steel halted its production of wagons frozen ride on toy to manufacture so-called blitz cans. These were five-gallon containers used for either fuel or water, mounted on tanks, trucks, and jeeps.

As shown in this picture, the kids love to pull their siblings and cousins, but once the wagon gets loaded up it can get kind of heavy for the little guys. This is where the push handle and pull handle work in tandem, allowing two people to share the load. Whether you have an old wagon you’d like to restore or you’re in the market for one of these classic toys, Radio Flyer wagons have both sentimental and monetary value to kids of all ages. Take your time looking around to find the model that’s right for you. When Antonio Pasin came from Italy to the United States in 1914, he was only sixteen years old. Three years later, Antonio had saved enough money to open a small woodworking shop.

radio flyer wagon

Emand for Liberty Coasters was so high that Pasin abandoned his cabinetmaking ambitions to focus solely on the wagons. By 1923, he had begun working with steel instead of wood and painting the metal wagons bright red. The electric bikes, sold under the Flyer name, have only been around since last year, and they reinforce the family orientation. There are two models, both very retro styled, offering pedal assist and a throttle.

Whether you’re looking for an upgrade or a new wagon for your littles, at Target you’re sure to find one to suit your needs and lifestyle. A young sixteen year-old from Italy by the name of Antonio Pasin immigrated from Venice to the United States. Coming from a family of cabinet makers, Pasin was naturally gifted in design and carpentry skills. After moving to America, he started his first company, Venetian Furniture Company, which was inspired by his childhood home of Venice. 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.

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While many of the items on Etsy are handmade, you’ll also find craft supplies, digital items, and more. Starlight Radio Flyer Hero Wagons provide a source of comfort and a sense of normalcy to sick kids during some of their most difficult times. The moment a child must be placed into a wheelchair can be scary and cause fear that something bad is going on – that is when our Hero Wagons come in.