Mary Meyer Baby Toys

The year 2008 marks the 75th year that Mary Meyer has been offering customers the finest in stuffed toys. Currently the third generation of the Meyer family runs this close-knit Vermont-based family business. It was their grandmother, Mary Meyer, who started this wonderful company back in 1933.

"Mary Meyer was born in 1904 and lived in New York City during her childhood. When she was a little girl, she learned how to sew from her mother by mending the family's hats, blouses, and pantaloons. Everyone noticed how much Mary loved to sew.

Mary's father was a manager in one of New York City's finest hotels during the 1920's. She learned about style and fashion from him. The glamorous people in the beautiful clothes of the Roaring 20's were the inspiration for her own creations. As a teenager, Mary went to a public school that specialized in sewing. There she learned how to make patterns and work with fabrics that would later become colorful pincushion animals. Everyone loved these toys.

When Mary was 24, she attended a political rally where she met a talented salesman named Hans Meyer. They fell in love and within a year they were married. In 1933, the Great Depression had arrived in New York City and times were tough. Nobody thought that this was a good time to start a business. In fact, everyone advised Mary and Hans against it. However, they were each other's biggest fans. . . the world's best salesman and the world's greatest seamstress, and the company was born.

Hans went on the road selling while Mary and her small staff remained in the shop sewing and stuffing. They would eagerly await Hans' return to hear which of their products had sold the best. By now, the teddy bear had become the toy of choice for most children.

By the early 40's, city life had worn thin on Hans who grew up in the country. The hills of Vermont reminded him of his hometown in Germany. Like a good salesman, he sold Mary on the idea of a farm, a toy shop, and raising their two children in the Green Mountains. In Vermont, they raised cows, tended horses and built their business. The business grew and needed more room. This time Mary sold Hans on the idea of the toys taking over the barn. The barn in Townshend village slowly became a toy factory.

Over the years, many West River Valley residents worked at the Mary Meyer toy factory. The Mary Meyer Company is still a family-owned and run business. The lure of "the Green Mountains of Vermont" is still strong."

- Taken from the 75th Anniversary Everyday 2008 Catalog