The substance that would become Play-Doh actually began its life as a wallpaper cleaner. We have
Joe McVicker to thank for turning it into a sculpting material: In 1955, when he learned that the modeling clay used in a Cincinnati, Ohio school was too tough for kids to work with, he took another look at the cleaning product he manufactured and thought it would be better. He shipped some to the school, where it was well-received. After that, he sent it to
all Cincinnati schools—and the rest is history. By 1956, Play-Doh was being sold in stores. This vintage can, which dates to 1959, features an elf.