Hasbro was founded in 1923 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island by Henry, Hilal, and Herman Hassenfield, three brothers who immigrated to the United States from Poland. Between 1923 and the late 1930s Hasbro, formally known as Hassenfield Brothers Incorporated, manufactured pencil box covers, and hat liners, and cloth ziper pouches filled with school supplies. In 1930 the Hassenfield brothers brought in an annual revenue of half a million dollars.
Manufacturing Toys and More (1930s)
During the late 1930s the Hassenfiled brothers began to manufacture toys, which was an extension to the companys line of school supplies. By 1942 the company focused its attention on making toys, and strictly became a toy company. In 1952 Hasbro released its classic Mr.Potato Head toy, the first ever toy to be advertised on television. by 1960 the companys revenue was at 12 million. In 1961 the company created G.I.Joe action figures, which later would become controversial in 1969 for promoting the Vietnam War, and war to children. In 1989 Hasbro acquired bankrupt rival Coleco Industries for 85 million
Hasbro headquarters in Pawtucket, with Mr. Potato Head, one of Hasbro's most iconic products