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Did you know that a fall out between architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his son, John, would (or should we say wood) set the blueprint for one of the most iconic American toys?!
At just 24, John Lloyd Wright was working alongside his father, Frank Lloyd Wright, as chief assistant on the design of Tokyo’s earthquake-proof Imperial Hotel. Unfortunately, after a disagreement, John and his father’s relationship crumbled (unlike the hotel!).
📍 Halley & Stanley Creek, Idaho
John didn’t let this setback stump him too much, though: he focused his attention on a new build—this time on a much smaller scale. Inspired by the structural design of the Imperial Hotel, John developed a toy construction set featuring miniature interlocking logs, and thus Lincoln Logs were born.
There is some debate over the origin of the toy’s name. According to some, Lincoln Log sets were named to pay homage to a US president known for top hats, beards, and a childhood spent in a log cabin. Others say it was not a nod to Honest Abe but a subtle nod to Frank Lincoln Wright, his dad’s birth name. Whether its presidential or architectural, these logs’ lore has stacked up quite a story!
📍 Banff National Park, Canada
📸: Jae Kim
Launched in 1918 amidst post-World War I patriotism and nostalgia for the American frontier, the Chicago-made Lincoln Logs became incredibly popular. The Logs’ legacy lasted even through World War II’s material shortages, and by the 50s, they were mass-marketed on TV. By miniaturizing his father’s masterpiece, John created an iconic toy that is still used today, almost 100 years later!
