McLoughlin Bros., Inc. was a New York publishing firm active between 1858 and 1920. The company was a pioneer in color printing technologies in children's books. The company specialized in retellings or bowdlerizations of classic stories for children. The artistic and commercial roots of the McLoughlin firm were first developed by John McLoughlin, Jr. (1827–1905) who made his younger brother Edmund McLoughlin (1833 or 4-1889) a partner in 1855. By 1886, the firm published a wide range of items, including cheap chapbooks, large folio picture books, linen books, puzzles, games, paper soldiers and paper dolls. Many of the earliest and most valuable board games in America were produced by McLoughlin Brothers of New York. In 1920 the corporation was sold to Milton Bradley & Company. McLoughlin ceased game production at this time, but continued publishing their picture books. MB itself was purchased by Hasbro in 1984 and merged with Parker Brothers in 1998 to form Hasbro Games. The two became brands of Hasbro until 2009 when they were retired in favor of the Hasbro name.
"In presenting our Annual Catalogue to our friends in the Trade, we desire to call their attention to a fact or two which may interest them. We are pleased to announce that we are now able to offer a handsomer and far cheaper line of Lithographed Toy Books than is to be bought anywhere else in the world. This we are able to do because we have installed one of the most efficient lithographic plants which money can procure. While we cannot hope ever to equal by Lithography the cheapness of production we have attained through our old process, we believe a demand for a class of fine goods has arisen large enough to sustain us in their manufacture. We still continue to use our old process where it is suitable, and thus secure for our friends and customers the full advantage of both methods of work. Our lines of games, blocks and scroll puzzles are the largest, handsomest, best finished, most durable and cheapest for their size to be had in the market, while our assortments are most varied. Our new lithographic plant has put us beyond the reach of competition in these goods, just as it has in the Toy Book field. It is our fixed intention not to be undersold. Consequently the Trade may rest assured that if any goods are offered them in our lines which they think cheap, we have, or have preparation, something cheaper and better to match it. Hence, see our line before buying. All jobbers in Books, Stationary, Toys and Notions have our goods." 1895 (approximation of catalogue date)
The above color version of Celie Paper Doll is denoted below in a catalogue with a red checkmark.
Description of paper novelty village by McCoughlin Bros.
The Pretty Village from 1893: "This toy village is a set of ten cardboard houses, stores, churches, etc., printed to represent buildings, hinged together so that they fold up when the roofs are lifted off. They are about 6x3 inches on the ground, and high in proportion. when set up they make a pretty imitation of a village street. Some figures of the villagers are put up with them, to be cut out, to inhabit the settlement."
Ad from catalogue describing a pressed board dollhouse by McLoughlin Bros. 1893
Dolly's Playhouse1893: "The House is 9 1/2" x 12" inches on the ground and 17 inches to the peak of the roof when set up. It is two stories high, made of strawboard and wood, lined outside and in with paper printed to represent carpets, wall paper , brick walls and windows. This is a very fine residence for any family of small dolls."
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