Since the early 1940s almost every New Zealand child has grown up playing with the famous ‘Buzzy Bee’ toy. The inspired creation of Auckland brothers John and Hec Ramsey, the Buzzy Bee has rolled its way into the young country’s iconography, a feat which owes much to its simplistic, yet effective and fun design.
Hec Ramsey first became interested in manufacturing toys following a career in wood turning, releasing the famous ‘Mary Lou Doll’ in 1941. The doll was to become an overnight sensation with young New Zealand children, and Hec’s new life as one of the countries top toy designers had begun. Over the next decade Hec and his brother released a number of popular toys including Richard Rabbit, Alli-gator, Katie Caterpillar, and of course Buzzy Bee.
The original Buzzy Bee toy is still very similar to the more contemporary model that sells today, featuring a full wooden body, quivering antennae, and spinning wings, all of which combine when with a classic buzzing sound as the toy is pulled along by its owner. The simplicity of the toy is really what makes it so great. It was cheap to manufacture, and incorporated all the things that hold a young persons attention; interactivity, noise, motion, and lovely bright colours.
The Buzzy Bee really is up there with the most classic toy designs ever produced, having remained in production for more than 50 years. I’d sure love to get my hands on one of the originals!