Chatter Telephone facts for kids
Modern version of the Chatter Telephone
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| Type | Toy telephone |
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| Company | Fisher-Price |
| Country | United States |
| Availability | 1961–present |
| Materials | Wood, plastic |
| Slogan | "Look who's talking now!" |
The Chatter Telephone is a super fun pull toy from Fisher-Price. It was first made in 1961. This toy is designed for young kids, usually between 1 and 3 years old. It looks like a friendly phone with a big smile. When you pull it along, it makes a cool chattering sound. Its eyes even move up and down! It also has a rotary dial that rings a bell when you turn it. This toy was created to help little ones learn how to dial a phone.
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What is the Chatter Telephone?
The Chatter Telephone is a classic toy that has been around for decades. It's a bright, colorful toy that kids can pull along. It has a happy face and makes sounds as it moves. This makes playtime more exciting for toddlers.
How Does It Work?
When a child pulls the Chatter Telephone, its wheels turn. This movement makes the toy's eyes wiggle up and down. It also creates a fun "chatter" sound. The toy has a rotary dial that kids can spin. When they turn the dial, a small bell rings inside. This feature was meant to teach children how to use an old-fashioned phone dial.
The History and Design of the Toy
The Chatter Telephone first came out in 1961. It was originally called the "Talk Back Phone." In 1962, its name was changed to the Chatter Telephone. The very first versions of the toy were made from wood. They had a plastic phone receiver and cord.
Who Designed It?
The Chatter Telephone was designed by a person named Ernest Thornell. He got the idea from his daughter, Tina. She used to drag a metal toy phone around when she played. This gave him the idea to add wheels to a toy phone. The wheels were put on a special bent axle. This made the eyes move in a funny way. Herman Fisher, who started Fisher-Price, wanted all his toys to be "whimsical." The moving eyes certainly made the Chatter Telephone whimsical!
Changes Over Time
In the year 2000, Fisher-Price tried to update the toy. They changed the rotary dial to push-buttons. They also added lights to make it more modern. However, many people missed the old rotary dial. So, just one year later, Fisher-Price brought the rotary dial version back. This shows how much people loved the original design!
Why the Chatter Telephone is So Popular
From the 1960s through the 1970s, the Chatter Telephone was Fisher-Price's best-selling toy. It has stayed popular for a very long time. This toy even helped Fisher-Price during tough times in the 1990s. The company had tried to make toys for older kids, but it didn't work out well. The Chatter Telephone helped them get back on track.
Today, you can still find the Chatter Telephone. You can buy it as a copy of the original toy. You can also find it in a slightly more modern style. It continues to be a favorite for young children everywhere.
