Richfield Historical Society

Lincoln Logs

A 53-piece set of Lincoln Logs was once a favorite toy of Vernon Mayer who lived in the Mill House located in the Richfield Historical Park. Vernon even wrote his name on one of the roof pieces. His younger sister, Carol, also enjoyed playing with these Lincoln Logs. Vernon and Carol were the children of George and Martha Mayer and were youngsters in the Mill House during the 1930s-1940s. The price of a single set was $1, a double set $2 and a triple set $3. The price today ranges betweem $30 to $50 for a 111-piece set.

Lincoln Logs were invented sometime around 1916–1917 when John Lloyd Wright was working in Japan with his father. John was the second son of the well-known architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The mold for the toy was based on the architecture of the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, designed by the inventor's father. The foundation of the hotel was designed with interlocking log beams, which made the structure "earthquake-proof" and one of the few buildings to remain standing after the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake at crumbled Tokyo.

When John returned to the U.S, he organized The Red Square Toy Company (named after his father's famous symbol), and marketed the toy in 1918. Wright was issued a U.S. patent on August 31, 1920, for a "Toy-Cabin Construction". Soon after, he changed the company name to J. L. Wright Manufacturing. The original Lincoln Log set came with instructions on how to build Uncle Tom's Cabin as well as Abraham Lincoln's cabin. Subsequent sets were larger and more elaborate. The toy was a hit. Lincoln Logs are believed to be the first toy to be marketed to both boys and girls and appeal to a "simple" type of creativity.

In 1999 Lincoln Logs and John Lloyd Wright were entered into the National Toy Hall of Fame.  In September 2014 the manufacturer announced the return of production from China to the U.S.

Photos: Vernon Mayer; Lincoln Logs owned by the Mayer Children; Lincoln Logs today.