LEGO: “play well” and “put together”; 80 years of history

This is not my usual kind of post, but I was so interested in this public information that I wanted to share it with you.

Who doesn’t know something about LEGO? Most of us have probably had the opportunity to play with it or at least see it or buy a kit for someone. It was in 1932, 80 years ago, that LEGO was begun with wooden toys handcrafted by Ole Kirk Christiansen in his little carpentry shop in Billund, Denmark – with his twelve-year-old son helping. In trying to decide on an appropriate name for their company, Mr. Christiansen came up with LEGO which means “play well” in Danish. Later he learned it also means “put together” in Latin! What better name could there be for his product? 🙂

The business went through many changes and devastating losses, but their motto was “only the best is good enough”, and they stayed the course. Today, internationally known, LEGO is still owned and operated by Mr. Christiansen’s family members.

At present the company is represented in more than 130 countries and employs approximately 10,000 people! Now the third largest producer of play materials in the world, LEGO has made it possible for over 300 million children to enjoy creative play with the plastic bricks since its beginning! Billions of bricks and building pieces are made each year, and – keeping up with popular interests and trends – there are many different theme kits to add to one’s collection. There are also LEGO clubs to join, as well as Legoland Parks and Legoland Discovery Centres to visit. If I understood correctly, there is even a LEGO hotel in Billund, Denmark.

Legoland Parks:

The first park was opened in Denmark in 1968. Since then the family has opened parks in Germany (Günzburg), USA (California and Florida), UK (Windsor), with parks currently in development in Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Japan, and South Korea.

Legoland Discovery Centres:

Smaller versions of the parks, these fun, indoor family attractions are located in Germany (Berlin and Duisburg), USA (Illinois, Georgia, Missouri and Texas), United Kingdom (Greater Manchester), Japan (Minato). Future centres are being constructed in Canada (Ontario) and USA (New Jersey and New York).

That is probably enough of my chatter. You will want to watch this wonderful VIDEO  to learn more of the fascinating history of LEGO. This interesting animated video is very well done; I’m sure you will enjoy it. After that, here is more information if you want it.

Do you have a stash of LEGO? What’s your best LEGO creation?

Have you ever visited a Legoland Park or Legoland Discovery Centre?

Post Script:

If you are a writer, do you have the persistence of Ole Kirk Christiansen and his son? Do you set your sights on the goal and push through to a satisfactory end? When things get difficult do you keep on trying, or do you give up and walk away, saying to yourself, “I can’t do this!”, or “This is not working out the way I expected.”, or “Who do I think I am, anyway?” Fortunately, Mr. Christiansen didn’t seem to think failure and quitting were part of his destiny.  There are readers waiting for our books. Let’s get writing!  🙂

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!  🙂