The History of MAGnetic Letters & NUMBERS
Although traditionally, we might think of magnetic letters as a children’s toy, the first known magnetic letters were actually created for the space industry. Sam Hardcastle was an inventor who was asked to develop magnetic letters and numbers that the space industry could use for charting and tracking purposes. He invented fully magnetic, flexible letters that became the first rendition of alphabet magnets.
THE InTRODUCTION OF Alphabet Magnet Toys
In 1972, Fisher-Price released a toy known as School Desk Days, which included the colorful, hard plastic magnetic numbers and letters that many have come to associate with childhood. Later in the 70s, Fisher-Price began to sell and market their Magnetic Alphabet Board toy, separately from the rest of the School Desk Days accessories. These letters would be found on refrigerators, metal school desks, chalk boards, and other magnetic surfaces in homes and schools across the nation, becoming ubiquitous in childhood education. They even have a modern School Desk Days Set still available today.
Photo by Jenna Elliott
The Modern Letter Board Movement & The Reinvention of Alphabet Magnets
Although letter boards conjure up images of mid-20th century diners and restaurant nostalgia, small versions of letter boards meant for home use began to circulate around 2015. They were used to display lists, funny sayings, and short quotes as part of trendy home decor.
In 2017, Ashley and Paul Jankowski founded The Type Set Co. and merged these concepts into colorful, modern alphabet magnets and letter boards. With a focus on design, The Type Set Co. has expanded the idea of magnetic letters into something that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike as part of education, home decor, and more.
Photo by Alea Moore
Photo by Angie Webb
Fun Facts About
Alphabet Magnets
Sensory Experiences
Researchers have found that Fisher-Price magnetic letters have influenced people to make specific associations between color and letters, making some people believe that they have synesthesia, a neurological condition where sensory experiences overlap.
Font Design
While the original font used in Fisher-Price’s School Days Desk is unknown, the most well-known font used in alphabet magnets in the 1970s and ’80s is Cooper Black. It is an ultra-bold, serif-style, display font originally created in 1922 by Oswald Bruce Cooper.
MATERIALS
The first alphabet magnet toys were made with plastic using an injection-molding process, then extruded rubber magnets were securely snapped into the backs. While many are still manufactured this way, some are now made with a soft, squishy EVA foam and backed with a rubber sheet magnet.
Celebrate with us annually on May 9th
How to Celebrate Alphabet Magnet Day
Alphabet Magnet Day is about celebrating clever language and beautiful design!
Use magnetic letters in your favorite color (or color combination!) to spell out a quote, saying, pun, or phrase. Whether you love meaningful, inspirational quotes, puns that make you laugh out loud, or getting creative with the available letters on your fridge, this is a chance to show off your creativity and put your true personality on display! Find more quote ideas here.
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It all begins with words. Our friends at The Type Set Co. have gathered tons quote ideas and inspiration here.
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Start laying out your quote on the magnetic surface of your choice or just wing it and use the letters available on your fridge to spell something funny or wildly inappropriate.
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Share your favorite quote on your social media and be sure to use the hashtag #alphabetmagnetday so your fellow letter lovers can like, comment and celebrate the day alongside you.
Photo by Jenna Elliott
Where to Buy
Alphabet Magnets
While Alphabet Magnet Day is officially sponsored by The Type Set Co., there are several other small businesses we love who also produce beautiful, modern magnetic letters and letter boards including Jut Made, Wordbits, and Petal Lane.