Ever wonder what a postman, a fishing lure, and a bug have in common? Here at the Cootie Sculpture, the story unfolds. This isn’t just any sculpture. It’s a larger-than-life tribute to the classic Cootie game, dreamed up right here in Minnesota. The Cootie Sculpture embodies the playful spirit of its inventor, Herbert Schaper.
In 1948, Schaper, a Minneapolis postman and avid fisherman, whittled a wooden fishing lure that resembled a bug. This whimsical creation sparked an idea. He added six legs, christened it a “Cootie,” and envisioned it as a toy. This wasn’t just any bug. It was inspired by the paper-and-dice “cootie bug” game popular in the 1920s. Schaper’s Cootie game, with its colorful plastic body parts and simple rules, became a sensation. He started production in his basement, and by 1950, over 5,000 Cootie games had been assembled there.
Schaper’s initial investment was a mere $1,200. He tested the market by offering a few dozen Cootie sets to Dayton’s department store. They sold out almost immediately. This early success validated his hunch. The Cootie game was a hit. The Cootie game’s success led Schaper to establish his first production plant in North Minneapolis in 1952. The factory employed 125 people. By 1953, sales reached $1.5 million, solidifying the Cootie’s place in toy history.
Schaper’s ingenuity extended beyond the game itself. He was an innovator in toy manufacturing. The Cootie was one of the first games to be made using a plastic mold. He also pioneered the use of television advertising for toys, a move that further propelled the Cootie’s popularity. He even created a comic book, “The Friendly Cootie Bug,” to promote his games.
The Cootie Sculpture we stand before is a testament to Schaper’s creativity and the enduring appeal of his iconic game. While the original wooden Cootie bug may be long gone, its legacy lives on. This playful sculpture reminds us of the simple joys of childhood and the power of a single idea. From a humble fishing lure to a national phenomenon, the Cootie’s journey is a true Minnesota success story.