Harden Elkington
The yoyo is an iconic toy that has been around for centuries and continues to be a beloved pastime.
While its origins are somewhat mysterious, it is believed by many to have originated in ancient Greece or China.
But who was the first to invent the yoyo?
While there is no definitive answer, many credits a Filipino immigrant in the United States named Pedro Flores as the inventor of the modern yoyo.
This article will explore his story and how he popularized this classic toy.
Early History of the Yoyo
The earliest known use of the yoyo was in ancient Greece, where it is believed to have been used for a game called “Disc and String.”
In this game, players would throw a disc-shaped object attached to a string into the air and then try to catch it again without letting go of the string.
The game was eventually brought to the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia, where it evolved into a more recognizable form.
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The Modern Yoyo
The modern yoyo was popularized by Pedro Flores, a Filipino immigrant who moved to California in the early 1920s.
After seeing children playing with a variation of the ancient Greek game while in the Philippines, Flores began making and selling his own version of the toy.
His version included two discs fastened together with an axle and string attached, which could be made to spin and return to the user’s hand when thrown.
Flores’ Yoyos Become Popular
Flores quickly found success with his yoyo designs.
In 1928, he opened the Yo-yo Manufacturing Company in California and began mass-producing yoyos for sale across the United States.
By 1932, he had sold over 45 million yoyos, and his success caught the attention of businessman Donald Duncan Sr., who purchased Flores’ company in 1929 and renamed it the Duncan Yo-yo Company.
The Legacy of Pedro Flores
Flores went on to open two more yo-yo manufacturing companies before closing them both in 1932.
His yoyo designs and business savvy were instrumental in popularizing the yoyo across America, making it a beloved childhood toy that continues to be enjoyed today.
While there is much debate about who invented the yoyo, Pedro Flores’ legacy lives on as one of its most important innovators and historians.
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Final words
The yoyo is a delightful pastime that has been around for centuries, and it’s only getting more popular with each passing day.
Its beginnings are shrouded in mystery, but one thing we do know is that Pedro Flores was the inventor of the modern-day yoyo.
His story is an inspiring one, as he took a simple toy and made it into an iconic pastime.
It’s amazing to see how one man could have such a huge impact on something that is now beloved by people around the world.
Thanks to Pedro Flores, we can all enjoy the magic of yoyo spinning for years to come!
