On this day: March 3

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1951 • neutral • 7 views

March 3, 1951: First confirmed recall of a dangerous toy in U.S. history

A 1950s-era toy store aisle with mechanical pull-toy figures and cardboard boxes on wooden shelves, mid-century signage, and customers in period clothing.

On March 3, 1951, U.S. authorities publicly confirmed the first major recall of a toy deemed dangerous to children: the King Lumina “jumping jack” toy, withdrawn after reports of mechanical failures and injuries. The episode marked an early step toward federal oversight of toy safety.

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