Tonka, an iconic name in the toy industry, was established on September 19, 1946, in Mound, Minnesota. The company began as Mound Metalcraft, founded by Lynn Everett Baker, Avery F. Crounse, and Alvin F. Tesch. Initially, their focus was on producing gardening tools and metal tie racks. However, the acquisition of toy patents from the building’s previous occupant led them to venture into toy manufacturing.