By Madison Wilson, Contributing Writer
One of your favorite childhood toys could be a part of the “Forgotten Five,” for the first time, you can vote it into the National Toy Hall of Fame.
The “Forgotten Five” are the five toys that made it to the finals each year, but they would be overlooked and not chosen.
“They’re like Susan Lucci was to the Emmy Awards, or Steve Tasker to the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” says Chief Curator Christopher Bensch.
The Fisher-Price Corn Popper, My Little Pony, PEZ, Pogo Stick, and Transformers are among this group.
These are a handful of great toys now being considered for the National Toy Hall of Fame.
The Fisher-Price Corn Popper was presented in 1957, serving as an amusement and educational device for young children.
“The corn popper would be so intriguing to me as a child because all of the balls would bounce around in it and fly out,” said Lavardo Richards, a sophomore majoring in marketing.
The bright flying balls and sounds of popping would help stimulate the senses of children while developing their curiosity and discovery.
“I remember the corn popper being my favorite as a child. It encourages a child to move, keeps them occupied and it is a fun and creative toy that I haven’t really seen anywhere else,” said Chrischelle Thompson, a sophomore majoring in business management.
In the 1980s, My Little Pony was made known. Over 20 years later, in 2003, the miniature pastel ponies were reintroduced.
“Out of all the toys in the Forgotten Five, the little pony was my favorite because all their different colors are what appealed to me most as a child. I would braid their hair and I really enjoyed playing with them,” said Isabella Ruiz, a junior majoring in marketing.
PEZ was first introduced as just a breath mint in 1927, but in 1948, PEZ was transformed into a candy with a little mechanical box to dispense the PEZ bricks.
“I always remember getting PEZ sticks for Easter and the Christmas holiday,” said BreylanLaguerre, a freshman majoring in cyber security.
First patented in the United States in the early 20th century, the pogo stick runs by a spring-loaded pole that ranges below the footpads.
The pogo stick has endured its popularity in American life due to its uncomplicated yet challenging design that encourages agility and physical activity.
Transformers are a toy line of action figures that can shapeshift into different characters, primarily based on Marvel movies, comics, and cartoons.
“Bumblebee and Optimus Prime were my favorites because I really liked The Beavers movies. I would get them from McDonald’s as a treat toy when they were doing a promo deal with McDonald’s, said Laguerre.
All these toys hold their unique abilities and strengths. While they have all been forgotten, they are now in the spotlight.
The winner, along with all the other inductees, will be announced in November. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite!
