Submitted by: ThomasC-ludge via Submit a Kludge!

Favorite Comment: Leisan says, “Guess the reboot of ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ has already started filming.”

Submitted by: Jeremy via Submit a Kludge!

Provided that they don’t go in the trunk. – Frankie Fix-It

Favorite Comments: coyote INFJ says, “Mow room in the trunk?”

Submitted by: Martin Spasov via Submit a Kludge!

Well if it floats, it floats. – Frankie Fix-It

Favorite Comment: baronobeefdip says, “Ah, I just love the surfer’s version of Deliverance. Wait…what?”

Submitted by: Poringo via Submit a Kludge!

Favorite Comments: evildave says, “Is it meaningful that more people picked ‘Children’ than any other options?” To which Grantski replies, “It’s called comedy “ To which ducttapemom replies, “It’s called parenthood.”

Submitted by: Tyler via Submit a Kludge!

It will be mine. Oh, yes, it will be mine. – Frankie Fix-It (via Wayne Campbell)

Favorite Comment: Protector one says, “Fixcalibur.”

Via: The Daily What

Well no wonder they turn on us. We’re turning them into surly short order cooks. Quick, teach it to smoke a cigarette while it flips! – Ms. Fix-It

Favorite Comment: Les says,“Hal, flip the pancakes.” “I’m sorry Dave, I can’t flip your pancakes.”

Submitted by: Patrice Guillemette via Submit a Kludge!

Favorite Comments: Czernobog says, “I think this is a fantastic idea that practically radiates creativity.”

Favorite Comment: shushnik says, “Don’t expect me to gravel at your doorstep.”

Welcome Fixers to another Historical Thursday! This week we will be entering the wonderful world of accidental creations. In 1943 a naval engineer named Richard T. James was attempting to develop a way to monitor horsepower on naval battleships, when he dropped one of the tension springs and it hit the ground and continued to move he was inspired to create the beloved, Slinky! The name being coined by his wife, Betty James, from the Swedish word for sleek and sinuous.

After spending two years figuring out the best materials to use for the toy, it was presented for debut at Gimbel’s Department Store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the 1945 Christmas season. Despite James being nervous about the reception of his product, 400 Slinkies were sold during the 90 minute Gimbel demo.

Following the successful demonstration, the James founded James Spring & Wire Company (later renamed James Industries) with $500 dollars and began production. Today, all Slinkys are made in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania using the original equipment designed and engineered by Richard James. Each one is made from 80 feet of wire and over a quarter billion Slinkys have been sold worldwide.

Information courtesy of: Inventors.com, and WEB.MIT.EDU

Images courtesy of: Inventors.com, and Wikipedia

As always, if YOU have an idea for a future Historical Thursday, please email it to me at thereifixedit@gmail.com.

Submitted by: Joal Morris via Submit a Kludge!

Talk about reinventing the (steering) wheel). -Frankie Fix-It

Favorite Comment: Sarkasm says: “Laadiiiesss and Geeeentlemen. Welcome to the 23rd annual lawnmower jousting tournament. We are proud to announce the return of the legendary Black Craftman, who has fully recovered from his injuries.”