American Playground and Tuhey Towers
The small but nationally known American Playground company in Anderson, Indiana celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011. At that time, an article in the Madison County Chamber newsletter noted that the company had recently “completed its biggest and finest structure at Tuhey Park in Muncie.” Tuhey Towers, located near Tuhey Pool, consists of towers, slides, climbing ropes, and more.
In business since 1911, American Playground is the oldest manufacturer of playground equipment in the United States. According to their 1935 product catalog, located in the Minnetrista Heritage Collection, American Playground “was a pioneer in the manufacture and sale of playground devices.” The company also championed “the necessity of providing playgrounds in larger cities.” A few products advertised in that catalog included slides, merry-go-rounds, swing sets, basketball goals and scoreboards, and flag poles. American Playground is especially well-known for its spiral slides made for both outdoor and indoors. They are even becoming an increasingly popular alternative to the traditional pole in fire stations.
In addition to the 1935 product catalog and its accompanying price list, the Heritage Collection includes a more modern sling seat for a swing set. Other examples from this regional manufacturer can be found in your local playground.
minnetrista heritage collection
minnetrista collects the objects and archival material that document the people, places, events, organisations, businesses and industry of the region - in other words, the history of east central indiana.
