Remembering Burt Meyer: Chicago’s Master Toy Designer
Chicago mourns the passing of Burt Meyer, the brilliant inventor and artist who brought joy to generations through iconic toys like Lite-Brite, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, and Mouse Trap. Meyer, who passed away on October 30 at the age of 99, played a pivotal role in establishing Chicago as a vibrant hub for toy design. His creative genius shaped the childhoods of many, making the pre-video game era unforgettable for kids of all ages.
Chicago: A Golden Era of Toy Innovation
Burt Meyer’s career flourished within the walls of Marvin Glass & Associates, a legendary Chicago toy studio that operated from the 1940s to the 1980s. This period marked a “golden era” for toy design, transitioning from simple wood and steel playthings to mass-produced plastic toys fueled by post-World War II prosperity. The firm, where Meyer was a key contributor, developed countless beloved games, cementing Chicago’s reputation as a creative powerhouse in the industry.
Crafting Iconic Toys That Defined Generations
Meyer’s touch is evident in some of the most enduring games and toys. He helped develop:
- Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots (1966): These battling robots, initially inspired by a boxing arcade game, became a cultural phenomenon. They’ve been featured in “The Simpsons,” promoted “Toy Story 2,” and are even slated for a Vin Diesel movie, proving their lasting appeal far beyond the Baby Boomer generation.
- Lite-Brite (1967): A creative light-up art toy that continues to captivate. Its recent appearance in Season 4 of “Stranger Things” highlighted its timeless magic and ability to connect across different eras. Meyer recalled the Lite-Brite prototype instantly impressing Hasbro’s CEO.
- Mouse Trap: One of the first three-dimensional board games, this intricate contraption was born from Meyer and Marvin Glass’s observation of a Rube Goldberg cartoon.
- Other Favorites: His portfolio also includes classics like Toss Across and Mr. Machine, further showcasing his versatile talent.
Later in his career, Meyer co-founded Meyer/Glass, creating more popular games such as Pretty Pretty Princess, Catch Phrase, and Gooey Louie. Christopher Bensch, chief curator for the Strong National Museum of Play, lauded Meyer for his “special capacity to transform toy and game concepts into three dimensions, generating iconic playthings.”
The Philosophy of a Playmaker
According to Meyer, the secret to being a successful toy designer was simple yet profound: “You have to have a childlike imagination.” This philosophy guided his work, allowing him to tap into the universal desire for fun and wonder. His son, Steve Meyer, noted that his father was “very happy and pleased with Lite-Brite and how it’s brought joy to people. That what his life was about — bringing joy to the world.”
More Than Just a Toymaker: A Life of Adventure
Beyond his prolific toy career, Burt Meyer lived an extraordinary life filled with adventure. A Navy veteran, he used the GI Bill to study art before joining Marvin Glass & Associates. His passions extended to the skies and beyond:
- Aviation Enthusiast: Meyer was a pilot until he was 90, building his own amphibious seaplane and a glider plane from scratch. He even helped found the Windy City Soaring Association.
- Global Explorer: At 59, he cycled solo from the Pacific Ocean to Charleston, South Carolina. At 69, he embarked on a 130-mile ski trip to the North Pole with a dog-sledding team. He also kayaked the Northwest Passage and scuba-dived in Fiji and the Solomon Islands.
His zest for life was perhaps intensified after surviving a workplace shooting in 1976. As his son observed, the experience “just fueled his desire to live a life to the fullest.”
A Look at Some of Burt Meyer’s Contributions
| Toy Name | Year Introduced (Approx.) | Key Impact / Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots | 1966 | Iconic battling robots, inspired movies and pop culture references. |
| Lite-Brite | 1967 | Creative light-up peg art; National Toy Hall of Fame classic. |
| Mouse Trap | Early 1960s | One of the first 3D board games, Rube Goldberg-inspired chain reaction. |
| Pretty Pretty Princess | Later career | Popular dress-up board game for children. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Burt Meyer
- Who was Burt Meyer?
Burt Meyer was a prolific American toy inventor and designer, largely based in Chicago, known for his work on classic toys like Lite-Brite, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, and Mouse Trap. - What famous toys did Burt Meyer help create?
His notable contributions include Lite-Brite, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Mouse Trap, Toss Across, Mr. Machine, Pretty Pretty Princess, Catch Phrase, and Gooey Louie. - What was Marvin Glass & Associates?
It was a prominent Chicago-based toy design studio active from the 1940s to the 1980s, responsible for developing many classic toys that were then licensed to larger manufacturers. - How did Meyer describe the key to toy design?
He believed that a successful toy designer “have to have a childlike imagination.” - What were some of Burt Meyer’s other interests besides toy design?
He was an avid pilot, adventurer, cyclist, kayaker, scuba diver, and even skied to the North Pole.
Burt Meyer’s legacy is a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring appeal of play. His work continues to spark creativity and joy, reminding us that the spirit of adventure can be found in both the simplest of toys and the grandest of life’s journeys.
Remembering Burt Meyer Chicagos Master Toy Designer
