Slinky Facts

Some Slinky trivia: The Slinky business boomed during the 1950s, but in 1960, Jamesabandoned his invention, joined a religious cult and moved toBolivia, where he died in 1974. His family, including his wife,Betty, 77, continue to operate the business. More than 250 million Slinkys have been sold. The original Slinkysold for $1 retail. The same Slinky sells today for $1.99. The Slinky is made of 80 feet of wire. Slinkys come in two steelsizes, original and junior. Two plastic sizes comes in colors,including neon pink and green. Slinkys are still made on the original machines designed andengineered by James in 1945. Slinkys have been used as a component in pecan-picking machines,drapery holders, antennas, light fixtures, window decorations, gutterprotectors, pigeon repellers, birdhouse protectors, therapeuticdevices, wave-motion coils, table decorations and mail holders.