Tonka Catalogs

Early Beginnings

• The company that became Tonka was founded in 1946 in Mound, Minnesota, under the name Mound Metalcraft. Its founders were Lynn Everett Baker, Avery F. Crounse, and Alvin F. Tesch. The business originally made metal garden tools. Hennepin History Museum -+2Wikipedia+2

• In 1947, Mound Metalcraft acquired patents to a toy steam shovel and a crane (from a local competitor, Streater Industries) and began producing those two toy models. That same year they made about 37,000 units of the two designs (steam shovel and crane). corp.hasbro.com+3The Strong National Museum of Play+3Hennepin History Museum -+3

Growth & Branding

• As toy production proved more successful, the company shifted away from garden tools toward toys as its primary business. Hennepin History Museum -+1

• In 1955, Mound Metalcraft officially changed its name to Tonka Toys Incorporated. The brand name “Tonka” comes from the Dakota Sioux word “tanka” meaning “great” or “big,” and is also a reference to Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota. Wikipedia+2Hennepin History Museum -+2

• In the early years their branding (logo) featured an oval, waves, and seagulls (in homage to Lake Minnetonka). The logo and colors evolved over time. Wikipedia

Product Milestones

• Among the early and enduring products was the Mighty Dump Truck, first introduced in 1964 (some sources say 1965). It became one of the iconic and best-selling Tonka toys. corp.hasbro.com+2The Strong National Museum of Play+2

• Over the years Tonka expanded its line beyond dump trucks, adding cranes, bulldozers, fire trucks, semis, wreckers, forklifts, and more. The Strong National Museum of Play+1

Expansion & Changes

• In 1964, Tonka acquired the Mell Manufacturing Company (Chicago) enabling them to produce barbecue grills under a “Tonka Firebowl” label. Wikipedia

• In 1968, Tonka moved its headquarters from Mound to Minneapolis. Wikipedia+1

• By the mid-1970s, Tonka had become a large operation: in 1974-75, annual sales reached about US$102 million, with facilities in multiple countries, and the original Mound plant employed over 2,000 people. Our Community Now

Later History — Ownership & Licensing

• In 1987, Tonka purchased Kenner Parker Toys (which included things like Parker Brothers etc.) for about $555 million. This purchase was financed largely by borrowing, which would later strain the company. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

• In 1991, Tonka was acquired by Hasbro. At that time, headquarters moved out of Minnesota, and many manufacturing operations were relocated. Wikipedia+2Hennepin History Museum -+2

• In the years following, Hasbro licensed out manufacture and distribution of Tonka trucks:

  • In 1998, a licensing deal with Funrise Toys began. Wikipedia

  • On July 4, 2019, the license was transferred to Basic Fun!, a toy company. Wikipedia+1

Recent Developments

• In 2022, Tonka celebrated its 75th anniversary with its licensee Basic Fun! launching the “Together, We Tonka” campaign. PR Newswire

• In 2024, Basic Fun!, the company owning the Tonka brand license, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of restructuring efforts. Our Community Now+1