“What walks down stairs alone or in pairs and makes a slinkity sound?.” The Slinky was invented in 1943 by mechanical engineer Richard James and was the hit of the 1946 American Toy Fair. In 1960 James joined a religious cult in Bolivia and his wife Betty was left with his debt (from his cult donations) and six kids. But she led the company to continued profits, moving it to Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania where Slinkies are still made today. Her company, James Industries, was sold to Poof Products in 1998. Betty was inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame in 2000. She finally retired (in her 80s!). Tom James (a son?) continues to manage the company. At $2.99 the Slinky is still a bargain among toys.