By the 1950s the Flexible Flyer was as popular as ever as suburban expansion boomed and American postwar optimism fueled the consumer market. However, S.L. Allen’s agricultural business was ailing. The company had begun manufacturing walk-behind tractors, but its market was shrinking. Small-scale agriculture that once thrived around U.S. cities evaporated as suburbs replaced farmland. As more rural farms grew in size the need for walk-behind implements diminished, and the firm switched to large tractors and equipment manufacturing.

Winslow Homer “Seesaw-Gloucester, Massachusetts” September 12, 1874 11 x 16 inches, Excellent Condition! Harpers Weekly Keep collections to yourself or inspire other shoppers! Keep in mind that anyone can view public collections—they may also appear in recommendations and other places.The Goettners use only a small fraction of the factory and wish to find a buyer. They rent the eastern portion of the property to two separate auto salvage yards. “It is not the cost of the property, but the cost to renovate,” said Mr. Rothenburg as he explained the difficulty involved in repurposing an industrial structure on his own. For now, the S.L. Allen & Co. factory patiently awaits it’s next chapter, perhaps ideally to be reused as a community center or affordable housing similar to the New Kensington Community Development Corporation’s project at Orinoka Mills. In the meantime, the building stands as a reminder of the “Workshop of the World,” with the words “Flexible Flyer” and “S.L. Allen”–the names that made sledding a common winter activity for children across the country–in large letters still adorning the roof. My father worked at S.L. Allen for 20 some years as did his brother in law John Hornketh, my older brother George, a cousin, and many good friends. My father’s name was Alex but everyone at the plant called him “Shorty.” Does anyone remember anything about that. I grew up at 5th & Cumberland and played ball at Hunting Park. It was a great neighborhood and my Aunt lived at 7th & Hunting Park. Macrame Boho Teepee Tent • Montessori Bamboo Wood Playground • Children Wooden Play • Cotton Learning Toddler Toy • Xmas Gift For Girl & Boy

Buyers premium is applicable on all lots at the rate of 21.00% + VAT (25.20%) for Home Interior & Collectables Sales, Militria & Sporting Sales and 21.66% + VAT (26%) for Country House and Specialist Printed Catalogue Sales. I loved my Flexible Flyer sled from about 1952/3. Once I scraped the paint off its runner, it was the fasted sled ever. Never lost a race. EDWARDIAN CHILDREN Playing on See-Saw in Snow Covered Landscape Antique French New Year Illustrated Postcard A very useful as well as practical fire kit, ideal gift for enthusiasts and excellent to add to your equipment, the vintage metal boxes are fabulous and give everything an added value. Great article. I truly hate to see buildings like this left to deteriorate only to be torn down and replaced with something that will last only a short time compared to this building. Do you know where I could get a Flexible Flyer (Airline) decal? I have a sled my mothers family owned and the finish is in bad shape. Would love to restore it.

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Agricultural implements were a seasonal product and every winter the factory would churn out Planet Junior products only to lay off staff during the slow summer months. Allen began manufacturing sleds at his factory as a way to keep business and production steady year round. His ultimate vision was to make farm supplies in the winter and shift to sleds in the summer, keeping his trained employees working full time. But the Flexible Flyer was not an instant success. The product was rejected by retailers for years and his sales staff advised him to give up the toy line. My name is Joe Petree and I am wondering if you are a cousin. My neighbor gave me a “Fire Fly” series J sled today and my research led to your article–your very informative article.

Smålandshyttan Glassworks 1960s Copper-Wheel Engraved Design, Children on See-Saw, Swedish Decorative Vase, Perfect Gift Antique Hallmarked 800 silver Lovers Birds Bell ,Solid Silver bell,Vintage Lovers Birds Bell, Antique Hallmarked 800 Silver,Collectible Bell Vintage Giovanni Raspini religious scene 925 sterling silver miniature,Sterling silver Nativity SceneEach lot shall be the buyer’s sole risk from the fall of the hammer and shall be sold with any faults and imperfections, the auctioneers NOT being responsible for the correct description or authenticity of any lot, and making no warranty whatsoever. The buyer is deemed to have inspected the lots and satisfied him or herself as to their condition and authenticity.

I worked at the bldg. around 1968/69. I think there was a school there which was run by Phila.schools.Wooden Christmas nativity scene with LED lighting | handmade | Birch | Nativity scene for Christmas | Christmas present | Luminous star | with batteries