How the Slinky became a classic American toy

Key Points:

• The Slinky, a classic American toy, was invented accidentally in 1943 by engineer Richard T. James when he noticed a spring "walking" after falling off his desk during a Navy ship trial run.
• Richard's wife, Betty James, helped name the toy "Slinky" and supported its development despite initial skepticism, with the family securing a key sales spot at Gimbel's Department Store in Philadelphia in 1945.
• The Slinky gained cultural significance, notably appearing as Slinky Dog in the Disney-Pixar "Toy Story" franchise, symbolizing an American-made invention that remained produced in the U.S.
• To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, Disney is hosting a series of special events including a live concert, unique park experiences, and a two-hour primetime ABC special titled "Disney Celebrates America: The Pursuit of Happiness."
• The celebration includes a 24-hour multiplatform broadcast across ABC, Disney+, Hulu, National Geographic, FX, Freeform, ESPN, and other channels, featuring prominent anchors and showcasing America's stories and traditions coast-to-coast.