Letter from Mrs. Frank Morgan to Consumer Research Bureau
4/10/1969
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On April 10, 1969, Dianne Morgan of Harpswell, Maine, mailed a complaint to the National Commission on Product Safety about a stuffed Easter bunny. She had purchased the doll for her two-year-old daughter and was greatly pleased to find “the perfect gift for a small child to cuddle.”
Two days later, Morgan “noticed small holes in the rabbit’s ears, and sharp little prongs sticking through the satin fabric.” When she cut the ears open for a closer look, she surprisedly uncovered “what looked like T.V. cable” sticking out of the rabbit’s head. These wires “could cause great harm if chewed on or scratched on the skin, or most of all stuck in the eyes.” Like many other caregivers who came across risky toys, Morgan denounced the manufacturer: “Why on earth […] does a toy company use such harmful materials in the construction of a child’s toy. They might just as well give a tot a razor blade or darning needle.”
This letter and dozens of others were sent to Federal agencies, especially the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). They serve as invaluable resources for learning about the toy safety crisis of the 1960s and 1970s. The troubling experiences of children and their families not only showcased the hidden risks of contemporary toys but also contributed to new laws regulating the safety of consumer products.
Two days later, Morgan “noticed small holes in the rabbit’s ears, and sharp little prongs sticking through the satin fabric.” When she cut the ears open for a closer look, she surprisedly uncovered “what looked like T.V. cable” sticking out of the rabbit’s head. These wires “could cause great harm if chewed on or scratched on the skin, or most of all stuck in the eyes.” Like many other caregivers who came across risky toys, Morgan denounced the manufacturer: “Why on earth […] does a toy company use such harmful materials in the construction of a child’s toy. They might just as well give a tot a razor blade or darning needle.”
This letter and dozens of others were sent to Federal agencies, especially the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). They serve as invaluable resources for learning about the toy safety crisis of the 1960s and 1970s. The troubling experiences of children and their families not only showcased the hidden risks of contemporary toys but also contributed to new laws regulating the safety of consumer products.
Transcript
623
R.F.D. #1
S. Harpswell, Maine
April 10, 1969
R.F.D. #1
S. Harpswell, Maine
April 10, 1969
Consumer Research Bureau
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
NCPS
May 3, 1969
LO402 P1302
May 3, 1969
LO402 P1302
Dear Sir:
This letter is in reference to a toy I recently purchased for my 2 year old daughter. I really have no idea to whom I write but thought you might be able to help me.
Before Christmas I heard reports on the radio of how the public was being sold harmful toys. I would like to report such a toy: a small stuffed easter bunny—the perfect gift for a small child to cuddle.
Two days later I noticed small holes in the rabbits ears, and sharp little prongs sticking through the satin fabric. I cut the ears open and found what looked like T.V. cable, keeping the ears supported. I gave it a slight tug and the wires came out easily. These prongs are needle sharp and could cause great harm if chewed or scratched on the skin, or most of all stuck in the eyes.
Why on earth, in a modern age as this, does a toy company use such harmful materials in the construction of a childs toy. They might just as well give a tot a razor blade or darning needle. At least you could see the weapon at a glance instead of finding it, hidden in a so called "cuddle toy."
I cannot tell you how strongly I feel on this matter, or how terribly important it is. The public is being deceived and cheated by these manufacturers. Even more important, defenseless children can be seriously injured by something, that looks like it was made in heaven.
Everyone says "Write to your Congressman, Washington, or anyone who will listen." I'm glad to say I've finally done it, and if it can save the sight or life of one child, then I feel I have done the right thing. Thank you for your time and patience.
This letter is in reference to a toy I recently purchased for my 2 year old daughter. I really have no idea to whom I write but thought you might be able to help me.
Before Christmas I heard reports on the radio of how the public was being sold harmful toys. I would like to report such a toy: a small stuffed easter bunny—the perfect gift for a small child to cuddle.
Two days later I noticed small holes in the rabbits ears, and sharp little prongs sticking through the satin fabric. I cut the ears open and found what looked like T.V. cable, keeping the ears supported. I gave it a slight tug and the wires came out easily. These prongs are needle sharp and could cause great harm if chewed or scratched on the skin, or most of all stuck in the eyes.
Why on earth, in a modern age as this, does a toy company use such harmful materials in the construction of a childs toy. They might just as well give a tot a razor blade or darning needle. At least you could see the weapon at a glance instead of finding it, hidden in a so called "cuddle toy."
I cannot tell you how strongly I feel on this matter, or how terribly important it is. The public is being deceived and cheated by these manufacturers. Even more important, defenseless children can be seriously injured by something, that looks like it was made in heaven.
Everyone says "Write to your Congressman, Washington, or anyone who will listen." I'm glad to say I've finally done it, and if it can save the sight or life of one child, then I feel I have done the right thing. Thank you for your time and patience.
Very truly yours,
Mrs. Frank Morgan Jr.
Mrs. Frank Morgan Jr.
Enclosed are the ear wires and label from the toy. They may be useful to you.
Sterling Best Ever Prod.
Brooklyn, NY
All New Material
Cellulose
Sterling Best Ever Prod.
Brooklyn NY
PA #23 MASS T46 NY 793
CAL. F. 2887 OHIO 3974
This primary source comes from the Records of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Full Citation: Letter from Mrs. Frank Morgan to Consumer Research Bureau; 4/10/1969; Administrative Records, 1968–1970; Records of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Record Group 424; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/letter-mrs-morgan-to-consumer-research-bureau, April 28, 2025]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
