Bit #1: Where did Mr. Potato Head come from?

A "Bit" is a piece of history, coming to you from Fitzsimmons Weekly

Bit #1: Where did Mr. Potato Head come from?

Photo and links from mrpotatohead.net

1960s were big years for Hasbro, as their most successful line of toys were released. 

 During the World War 2 era, George Lerner enjoyed success as a well known inventor and designer. Just before 1950, he designed and produced a first generation set of plastic face pieces. The push pin shaped noses, ears, eyes and mouth parts could be pushed into fruits or vegetables to transform the food into an endless array of magical anthropomorphic playmates.
    The toy wasn't an immediate hit however. There was still a World War 2 mentality to conserve resources. Toy companies didn't think that customers would accept the idea of wasting a piece of food as a child's toy. But after awhile, George finally sold the toy to a cereal company, who planned to use the pieces as a premium giveaway in cereal boxes. 

From MrPotatoHead.net

   Even with the toys looking to be doomed from the start, Hasbro picks up the line and builds a fully-fledged toy lineup with them. As strange as that lok

Here are a few examples... and if you'd like to check out my collectors site dedicated, look here

Update 5/5/2016: Links are completely broken. Website was closed in 2015.

1966 Collection
Real Katie Carrot: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1960/19606.htm
Real Oscar Orange: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1960/19604.htm
Real Pete Pepper: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1960/19603.htm
Real Mr. Potato Head: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1960/19601.htm
Real Cooky Cucumber: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1960/19605.htm
Real Jumper Potatoes: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1960/19609.htm
Real Special Event Characters: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1960/196010.htm#donut
Real First Disney Products: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1960/196011.htm
Real Tooty Fruity Toys: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1960/19607.htm#replacement2

1970 Collection
Real Early 1971 Mr. Potato Head: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1970/19701.htm
Real Potato Pals (Birds, Bugs, etc.) : http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1970/19705.htm
Real Late 1972 Mr. Potato Head: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1970/19702.htm
Real Mr. Potato Head FIRST accessories Pack: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1970/19703.htm
Real SUPER Mr. Potato Head Combo Pack: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1970/19704.htm
Real Mr. potato Head Rider: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1970/19706.htm


1980 Collection
Real Bendy Arm Mr. Potato Head: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1980/19801.htm
Real Super Mr. Potato Head V. 2: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1980/19802.htm
Real First Mr. Potato Head Full Family Pack: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1980/19803.htm
Real Potato Head Kids: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1980/19805.htm
Real Authentic Mr. Potato Head Products of the 80's: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1980/19806.htm
Real McDonald Sponsorship Products: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1980/19807.htm
Real Potato Head Kids Puzzles: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1980/19809.htm
Real My Little Pony PHK sponsorship: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1980/19808.htm

Real Crazy Mr. Potato Head: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1990/19902.htm

Collection 1990 

Real 1990 Collecter Mr. Potato Head: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1990/19901.htm

Real Mr. Potato Head Dress Up Kits: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1990/19903.htm

Real Mr. Potato Head Dolls: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1990/19904.htm

Real Mr. Potato Head Magnets: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1990/19905.htm

Real More Mr. Potato Head Products: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1990/19906.htm

Real Mr. Potato Head Ceramics: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1990/19907.htm

Real MPH art: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1990/199011.htm

Real Rarest collectibles of the 90's: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/1990/199012.htm

2000 Collection
Real Collector's Holiday Sheet: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/2000/20001.htm
Real Darth Tater: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/2000/200013.html
Real 2000's Products: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/2000/20002.htm
Real 2000's Collectibles: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/2000/20006.htm
Real Theme Park Updates: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/2000/20007.htm
Real Remakes of Originals: http://www.mrpotatohead.net/2000/20008.htm