Invented in 1943 by Richard James and named by his wife Betty, the Slinky was manufactured here at James Industries until 1965. In 1960 Richard left his family and gave control of the nearly bankrupt company to Betty. Betty turned the company into a multimillion-dollar enterprise with worldwide distribution. In 2001 she was inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. The Slinky was one of the most popular toys of the 20th century.