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Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
PLAY WELL
“Every detail matters,” impoverished carpenter and toymaker Ole Kristiansen told his son. “Only the best is good enough.”
Godtfred, the third of five children, never forgot his father’s words.
Together, they worked to build their toy business. Neither gave up on their dream despite three separate fires that threatened to raze their hopes to the ground.
“Children need toys that strengthen their imaginations and creativity,” said Godtfred.
Ole beamed with pride when his son redesigned his plastic interlocking bricks. Children loved them.
Godtred blinked back tears at Ole’s untimely funeral. “Fader, I promise you, I will make Lego a success.”
- Note: Lego is from the Danish “Leg Godt” which means “Play Well”. 😀
For those who want to know more. CLICK
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Lovely piece of history. I love lego and so does my grandson.
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Dear Sadje,
Finding this history was so much fun. Like child’s play. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re most welcome Rochelle.
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Iconic…and part of so many’s childhood. So much between the words here, of fathers, and sons….
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Dear Ain,
It’s always a challenge to say what you want to in 100 words. I’m glad it came across to you. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your historical posts are always so educational. I never knew that’s what Lego means
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Thank you for that lovely comment, Neil. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love how you create a story, but based around historical fact. Always interesting!
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Dear Trish,
If only I’d approached history in school the way I do now. 😉 Hindsight…and we didn’t have the internet back then. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And so empires are built, Lego has stood the test of time,
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Dear Michael,
Quite the dynasty, the Kristiansen family. And one built on such fun. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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He certainly lived up to that promise. It is wonderful – if expensive these days!
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Dear Iain,
Lego has certainly grown into an empire, hasn’t it? I doubt if even Godtfred had a clue just how big it would get.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a fun bit of history.
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Many thanks, Mason. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome.
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Another nice little history lesson. Of course everyone loves Legos!
I usually ping back to the original post so people can find it. I hope you don’t count that as putting links into comments 🙂 If it is an issue, let me know.
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Dear Trent,
From such humble beginnings came the favorite toy of children for decades.
As for the links in the comments…I’m trying to discourage people who don’t comment on my story but merely leave THEIR story link in my comment section. I’m just a bit cranky about that. That’s why I pay for inLinkz. Putting a link within the confines of your comment is something different. I often do that myself. I hope that clarifies it for you.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was about 95% sure that was what you meant, but didn’t want to assume I wasn’t causing you extra work with the links.
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I had a set of interlocking bricks that predated the name of LEGO. They had been my mother’s back in the early 50’s. At a few of the foster homes I was in, they had LEGO’s and I loved them… still do. They are a wonderful toy to have about. Also makes a great stress reducer, and inspiration when you’re trying to lay out a new world for writing. Heheh! Are you doing NANO this year? I’m deep into two working stories for it at the moment. Have a great week! ~ Shalom, Bear
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Dear Bear,
I remember have some white interlocking blocks back in the 1950’s. It had clear ones for windows. I’m not sure they were official Legos though. My children had them and I can honestly say my bare feet made contact with them more than once. 😉
As for NANO I’ve never done it. Perhaps it would spur me on the current potential novel. I’ve had a couple of major disappointments lately re my last two manuscripts that I won’t go into here. Suffice it to say it’s shaken my confidence as a writer and the muse is only whispering here and there. Best wishes to you and your NANO endeavors.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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One of the reasons why I finally decided to do Nano this year… the slump. I did submit some writing out there and received some pretty abusive responses. Left me wondering why I e even pick up the pen/keyboard. Sigh… I hear you there. It’s a mighty tough market these days…even tougher than it was a few years ago. It seems that if it’s not chuck full of evil beasts/demons, witches, and/or blood and guts they don’t want to see it. Even the so-called christian publishers are that way. Deeep water sighs. IT’s hard to see how the world is declining…and soo fast, too. May you find your inspiration again. Write for yourself, first. Enjoy the process. Enjoy the creation. Then, F* the world! Sorry, no better way to say it this morning. Hope you have a better week of writing and life. ~Shalom, Bear.
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Thank you, Bear. This means a lot. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love how you take an insignificant picture and produce a history lesson out of it. Always educating us with your great stories.
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Dear Jan,
It’s what I DO! 😉 Oh that we’d had the internet when I was in school. Thanks m’luv.
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Dear Rochelle,
Is there a household who never owned at least a few of these? Is there a parent alive who has not stepped on one of these at least once? They are a brilliant invention and I love what Lego means. So cool.
Shalom and lotsa learnin’ love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Great pain is caused by finding a Lego in the dark in bare feet. Finding the history of the block was great fun. Thank you.
Shalom and lotsa creative hugs
Rochelle
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I think of it and my whole body recoils…
I love that you love searching for the history of things and then share them with us.
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I was a Block City/Lincoln Logs/Erector Set young un but Legos seem even so much more popular now than I ever even noticed in my day. I think I must have grown up with every variation possible of that kind of thing except Lego
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Dear Larry,
I, for one, loved Tinker Toys. Hm. Might have to look into that history. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I heard of Tinker Toys but can’t remember having ever gotten any. The fifth of November is such a big day even John Lennon once referred to it
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Thanks for the history on a truly great toy.
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Dear D.
It’s always a pleasure to share history nuggets when I find them. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And what a success it is! And still sticking by the inventors’ principles. Lovely piece of history, Rochelle.
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Dear Penny,
I’ve heard one should never despise small beginnings. Thank you for your sweet comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely piece of history, thank you Rochelle. I love lego, and I think the copy bricks these days show just how well-designed the original is. You don’t get the same grip with the knock-offs.
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Dear Jen,
I always enjoy finding out the origins of things and am happy when others enjoy going along for the ride. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And what a success it is!
Great father’s great son. Lego is super cool!
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Dear Anita,
From generation to generation to generation. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love this story! Like so many, my son spent countless hours happily playing with “Leg Godts.” He certainly made his father proud. So well written, Rochelle!
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Dear Brenda,
I wonder what Ole would say about his company now. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom
Rochelle
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I always enjoy these historical tidbits from you! And … I adore legos. 🙂
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Na’ama Y’karah,
Late reply. Current thanks. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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XOXO 🙂
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Dear Rochelle,
Wondeful! So that’s the story behind Lego. What a fascinating look at the people behind one of the greatest toys ever invented! And yes, my children “played well” for many, many hours, thanks to Godtfred.
Shalom u’vracha,
Dora
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Dear Dora,
I can remember my kids playing with Legos. I can also remember stepping on them in my bare feet. Picking up their toys was never their strong suit. Glad you enjoyed the story. It was a fun research and write. Thank you.
Shalom u’vracha,
Rochelle
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Oh, my Dear Rochelle,
You make story telling and history fun. Thank you.
Peace,
Bill
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Dear Bill,
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hey, Rochelle,
You are most welcome.
Peace,
Bill
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I was given Lego for years as birthday and Christmas presents. Sadly I had been interested in Meccano and everyone had misunderstood. I made a lot of money boxes in various designs though, so maybe Banking was already written into my future.
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Rochelle, you never fail to make your posts a success. You are wonderful, thanks so much, that was ace
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How awesome! I have always loved Legos, and now young Hannah does too. So cool to learn the backstory of something so wonderful, from you. Thank you!
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Dear Rochelle,
Love this. My son would have been thrilled to learn about who was responsible for the toy which has brought so much joy to so many kids.
Shalom,
Adele
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I confess, gasp, I have never played with legos! But then, I did have a strange childhood. My aunt, who lived in the states, supplied me with all sorts of trendy toys, but somehow, I missed legos. I suspect the kids I babysat had legos hidden away somewhere . .
Thanks for the history lesson!
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A lovely piece. I believe they even released an animated version of their history on one of the Lego anniversaries.
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Ah Legos, loved them. Great story, Rochelle.
What I love about the company is that they make serious efforts to get away from oil-based plastic. I hope they succeed in finding something suitable, then Lego will be even more fun.
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They can’t have imagined that it would become such a worldwide success, and never seem dated even in today’s technological environment.
Regarding links, I trust the following is acceptable!
Here’s mine!
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Dear Keith,
Of course Ole had no idea what Lego would become. His main goals were to feed his family and make children happy. I’d say he achieved them.
As for your link, I’d like to know how you do that in the comments. And, yes, it’s acceptable. There are some who just drop their link without commenting on my story. Unlike Sammi and some other blog facilitators my page isn’t the place for linking. I pay a fee to use the inLinkz. Sorry if I seem cranky.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love learning the history of Legos as much as I love Legos. Well done.
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Many thanks, Athling. 😀
Shalom
Rochelle
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I love these little snippets of history. He kept his promise–Legos are a legend!
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Dear Linda,
I just love finding these historical nuggets. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My kids started out 50 years ago with a basic Lego set, and they’re still all hooked!
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Legos never go out of style, do they, Liz?
Shalom
Rochelle
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Legos are awesome for creativity! One of the best toys out there… until you step on one with a bare foot!! LOL!
Cool info about the history~
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Dear Courtney
Roger that on bare foot meets Lego. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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thanks for this story that has brought back many a happy childhood memories. 🙂
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Dear Plaridel
Glad you enjoyed. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle for this historical piece on Lego origins. Beautiful photographs.
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Thank you Susan. Glad you enjoyed. 😀
Shalom
Rochelle
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Anothet fantastic historical fiction slice. I read through the link. Surely, what an inspirational story behind the magical world of Lego. Very well written, Rochelle, You are the prima donna of such a genre!
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Dear Neel,
Thank you for such a magnificent, head-swelling comment. 😀 Made my day.
Shalom
Rochelle
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How it all began!
I had Lego from a young age. And my bookcases are currently covered with it, of the Star Wars variety. Some of us never grow out of it 🙂
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Dear Ali
Growing up is highly overrated. Viva childhood that never ends. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom
Rochelle
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A fascinating history of that legendary toy – Lego, and where its name came from. Thank you Godfred and Ole.
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Dear Francine,
I love learning the beginnings of things we take for granted. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom
Rochelle
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The best toys ever! Fountain of creativity. Love this one Rochelle
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Many thanks, Laurie.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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