The Origins Of America's Favorite Toys

The National Toy Hall of Fame — which is, indeed, a real place in Rochester, New York — has announced this year's inductees: Dominoes and Star Wars action figures.

The latest entrants into the Hall of Fame, which were selected from a list of nominees that included Lite-Brite, the Magic 8 Ball, the tea set, and Twister, will join many other beloved toys that have been inducted over the past 15 years.

Though the ubiquity of the nation's favorite toys may make kids feel like they've been around forever, the real stories behind these popular playthings is often both surprising and illuminating.

Here, 10 of the most fascinating origin stories in the National Toy Hall of Fame.