Intended to be a metal part for warships, the original Slinky toy was first invented in 1943 by Richard James. It is pretty remarkable that an object once created for war became a beloved children’s toy. The invention was hardly a fad and became a highly entertaining toy that has delighted generations. The metal Slinkies were first sold in New York, and today, the plastic Slinkies are made in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, and Plymouth, Michigan.
The Slinky is also named Spring and was the inspiration behind other huge hit toys like the Slinky Train and the Slinky Dog. To this day, the metal (or plastic) spring entertains thousands of children around the world during hours of boredom.
Made in the USA: Igloo Coolers
Coolers have become an essential item for any situation where a refrigerator is needed but not available. The famous Igloo cooler brand began creating coolers in 1947, and they are still made in Katy, Texas, today. According to the Igloo website, the coolers are made in a 1.8 million-square-foot, three-building facility.
Truly capturing the individualistic spirit of America, the brand has branched out from the simple cooler to now feature special sizes, prints, and designs so you can make your cooler all your own. To this day, people still have the Igloo Coolers they purchased more than 20 years ago, proving how good quality this product is.
Made in the USA: Hershey’s Chocolate
There's Godiva, there's Cadburys, there's Nestle, and there is Mars, however, none of them is anything like our favorite American candy brand. The Hershey brand has become synonymous with quality Chocolate since 1900. And for well over 100 years, the delicious confection has mostly been made in America, justifying its reputation.
For decades, the American public has enjoyed Hershey’s chocolate bars, chocolate syrup, peanut butter cups, and, of course, chocolate kisses. The Hershey Company does have a handful of production plants in Brazil and Mexico but is still headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania. They also have production plants in multiple U.S. locations.
Made in the USA: Airstream
Few things speak to the American soul more than exploring the open road. Since 1952, the Airstream brand has captured that American essence in its trailers. The trailers are not only highly functional, providing many of the comforts of home while traveling, but also have a classic, high-shine design.
All Airstream trailers are proudly made in the USA at their factory in Jackson Center, Ohio, which provides jobs for hundreds of Americans, and not only that, they are often passed down from generation to generation as they never seem to break down. Makes you want to take a road trip, doesn't it?
Made in the USA: Lodge Cast Iron
Lodge Cast Iron is not only made in the USA, but it is also a family-owned business. Lodge Cast Iron boasts lifetime durability for its products. This, along with their quality craftsmanship, can certainly be handed down as an heirloom within families. The versatile and ultra-durable cast iron skillets and cookware have been manufactured in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, for over 123 years.
It has been referred to as the Original Slow Cooker and has been part of the American kitchen for decades. In addition, it is a camping companion and is known to bring out the best flavors of soups and stews.