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Wiffle Ball and Bat

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The invention of the Wiffle Ball and Bat was inspired by the exact customer the Wiffle Ball was targeted at - kids. It was 1953, and Dave Mullany was 45 years old and out of work in Fairfield, Connecticut. This was before the “convenience” of the internet, so a job search was an in-person effort. Since this was also before the “convenience” of video games, when kids got … [Read more...] about Wiffle Ball and Bat

City Threads Boys’ Boxer Briefs

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City Threads started out making “New York” embroidered sweatshirts for kids and the company grew from there into a full line of kids’ clothing. Co-Owner Joe Willis explains how the company got into making underwear for kids, and how that line’s sales surprised both he and fellow co-owner and wife Shayna Samuels. As Joe tells it, “My wife and I started this company before we had … [Read more...] about City Threads Boys’ Boxer Briefs

Birdwell Beach Britches Style 311 Board Shorts

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Part of the surfing lifestyle legend, Birdwell Beach Britches were created by Carrie Birdwell Mann in 1961. The surfing shorts were popular with the Newport Beach lifeguards and the brand developed a loyal following - how many swim trunks have a reputation of being hand-me-downs from one generation to the next? The business was family owned until 2014 when it was purchased by … [Read more...] about Birdwell Beach Britches Style 311 Board Shorts

Bringing Back The Iconic Folding Chair Of Summer

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If you were once young enough to spend your summers with the classic American lawn chair in the background, you’re probably old enough now to get annoyed pulling yourself up out of the current deep-pocket camping chairs. The bad news is, you’re not getting any younger; the good news is, your chair is back. Back in the 60s and 70s, US-made lawn chairs were everywhere, and most … [Read more...] about Bringing Back The Iconic Folding Chair Of Summer