![If You Grew Up In Illinois, You Probably Owned One Of These](http://townsquare.media/site/722/files/2018/10/Mold-A-Rama.jpg?w=980&q=75)
If You Grew Up In Illinois, You Probably Owned One Of These
Many kids that grew up in Illinois got a Mold-A-Rama souvenir while visiting famous attractions in Chicago.
Illinois' Favorite Souvenir
If you were a kid growing up in Illinois, you probably had at least one of these iconic souvenirs. It was a Mold-A-Rama. Most of the big museums and zoos in and around Chicago had them in their facilities.
Children loved the plastic figures. They were cheap so parents wouldn't mind buying them one for a souvenir. Plus, it was really cool to watch them being made.
You know what's funny, I still get one if I go to an attraction that has them. In fact, last summer my family and I went to see the Marvel Exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry and we got a bunch of them.
What Is Mold-A-Rama?
The space-age-looking machine injects melted plastic into a mold created by two aluminum plates.
A blast of air removes excess plastic, hollowing out the model.
It’s cooled and hardened before the part of the plate, revealing a unique plastic souvenir after less than one minute.
2022 Is A Big Anniversary For Mold-A-Rama
This year is a big one in the history of Mold-A-Rama. It's the 60th anniversary of their debut at the World's Fair in Seattle in 1962.
Illinois Is The Home Of Mold-A-Rama
The Mold-A-Rama machines were invented in Quincy, Illinois during the 1950s. After being featured at different World's Fairs, a Chicago company purchased the technology and placed them in popular attractions around town.
You can now find them in 5 different states. There are 63 active machines including 26 in Illinois, 15 in Wisconsin, 10 in Michigan, 8 in Texas, and 4 in Minnesota. Pretty impressive for this old-school technology.
Of course, nowadays you can buy them directly on the internet from the Mold-A-Rama company but I think that takes away part of the fun. There's even merchandise.
For more info, HERE.
SEE: 30 Toys That Defined the '70s
KEEP READING: Check out these totally awesome '80s toys
MORE: See 30 toys that every '90s kid wanted
More From 97 ZOK
![All The Illinois Athletes Competing for Team USA in Paris Olympics](http://townsquare.media/site/721/files/2024/07/attachment-FI-IL-Olympians.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Illinois’ 10 Highest Paid State Employees](http://townsquare.media/site/721/files/2024/07/attachment-FI-IL.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Brilliant Hack for Catching a Game Ball at Wrigley Field This Summer](http://townsquare.media/site/721/files/2022/06/attachment-Untitled-design-9.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![My Favorite Chicago Zoo & Museum Souvenir Celebrates 50 Years](http://townsquare.media/site/722/files/2018/10/Mold-A-Rama.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Big World Record-Sized Koi Removed from Midwestern Lake](http://townsquare.media/site/721/files/2024/07/attachment-FI-Koi.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![7 Best New Foods at the Wisconsin State Fair](http://townsquare.media/site/721/files/2024/07/attachment-FI-WI-Fair.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Discover The Top Workout Trend In Illinois: Yoga Vs. Pilates](http://townsquare.media/site/721/files/2018/03/RS14477_162383291.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Most Expensive Turkey Leg In The Midwest Is In Wisconsin](http://townsquare.media/site/721/files/2024/07/attachment-giant-turkey-leg.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Why There Are So Many Earwigs in Wisconsin This Year](http://townsquare.media/site/721/files/2024/07/attachment-FI-Earwigs.jpg?w=980&q=75)