The Frisbee, a simple yet ingenious flying disc, has a fascinating origin story that intertwines entrepreneurship, innovation, and a touch of whimsy. It all began in the late 19th century with a pie company in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

The story starts with the Frisbie Pie Company, founded in 1871 by William Russell Frisbie. The company’s pies were famously sold in tin pie plates stamped with “Frisbie’s Pies.” College students in the region discovered that the empty pie tins could be thrown like a disc and caught, providing hours of fun and a new kind of entertainment. They would shout “Frisbie!” as a warning when the tin flew through the air.

Fast forward to the 1940s and 1950s, when a man named Walter Morrison saw potential in this playful activity. Morrison, an inventor and entrepreneur, took inspiration from the pie tin-throwing pastime. He and his wife, Lu, initially sold a flying disc they called the “Whirlo-Way.” Later, Morrison refined the design and partnered with a company called Southern California Plastic to manufacture a plastic flying disc that would be more aerodynamic and durable than pie tins. This was branded as the Pluto Platter, capitalizing on the era’s fascination with UFOs.

In 1957, the Wham-O toy company bought the rights to Morrison’s invention. Wham-O, known for popularizing quirky toys like the Hula Hoop and the Super Ball, recognized the potential of the flying disc. They rebranded it as the Frisbee, a nod to the original pie company that had started it all. The name stuck, and the product soared—literally and figuratively—into popular culture.

By the 1960s, the Frisbee had become more than just a toy; it was a cultural phenomenon. Games like Frisbee Golf and Ultimate Frisbee emerged, along with trick-throwing competitions and recreational use in parks and beaches worldwide.

Today, the Frisbee is more than a nostalgic throwback; it’s a symbol of ingenuity and the human capacity for fun. From humble pie tins to an iconic piece of Americana, the Frisbee’s story is one of simplicity transformed into greatness.

Have an origin story you want to know more about? Send your request to contact.origin.zone@gmail.com and submit your idea and be recognized in future posts.