Creation and Growth
The Judy company began when Ruth bought her daughter, Judy, a $.50 toy, and Hymie knew he could make a better toy than that. Hymie went to his basement workshop and created his first toy: a wooden hollow block. Soon friends and their friends wanted to have some for their children. The company was officially born in 1937. Hymie and Ruth both had psychology backgrounds, which helped with good toy ideas. Eventually there were so many requests the company had to hire more people to help with the production. Hymie moved his small business into a bigger building (then bought the building next door) and his company kept growing. Ruth resigned from her old job to be part of The Judy Company. The company started to make jigsaw puzzle and workers would individually jigsaw the piece. The main products were the Judy puzzles and in 1951 Hymie invented the Judy clock. Schools and parents purchased these toys because they were really good for learning and because they were fun! Ruth had an idea to hire handicapped people both with mental and physical disabilities. The Judy Company became known for this. At one time the company employed around 300 workers, half with disabilities. The workers were treated well, Hymie and Ruth encouraged them to create their own union and no one ever went on strike! The Judy Company became a national company, known for its quality products and good service. Hymie would always think about how he could improve the company.
Hymie and Ruth sold the Judy Company in 1968 to General Learning Corp. in New York, an affiliate of General Electric Co. and Time Inc., but the Judy clock is still being made.
Hymie and Ruth sold the Judy Company in 1968 to General Learning Corp. in New York, an affiliate of General Electric Co. and Time Inc., but the Judy clock is still being made.