Tech History Made on January 28, 1958

On this day in 1958 the modern Lego brick was patented. In 1949 the first "Automatic Binding Bricks" were made. The blocks were like wooden blocks but made from cellulose acetate, or what we call plastic. Plastic was not so readily accepted in that time and many Legos were returned to the factory. Finally in 1958 the new brick and system we enjoy today was introduced with great acceptance. The blocks locked together but could be easily pulled apart. Although the design has varied a little over the years, if you had a brick from 1958 it would still work with a brick from today!

Lego got its name from the Danish phrase "leg godt" which means "play well" and boy do they live up to their name. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who did not have a set of Legos growing up (some of us had entire garbage cans full of them.) If you have some laying around still, pull them out and "play well" to celebrate Lego's 50th Anniversary. Or, you can click on the Lego logo (heh) to the right to view a time line of Lego accomplishments.