Sunshine Doll Pram around

1946

When Sunshine Waterloo introduced a toy version of their baby pram, the company was swamped with orders. Unable to fill the demand, Sunshine decided to delay the rollout of this popular toy and expand its production facilities. Post-war material shortages impacted Sunshine Waterloo’s manufacturing ability, adding to this delay. The doll pram featured a welded body design, baked enamel paint, and attractive leatherette upholstering. Sunshine Waterloo cleverly advertised the toy to be “just like Mommy’s,” making it a must-have toy for children everywhere.

In 1930, Waterloo Manufacturing Limited and Australian H.V. McKay Limited merged to become The Sunshine Waterloo Company. They sold innovative self-propelled grain combines throughout North America and Argentina. The Depression forced the company to manufacture more affordable items like electric ranges, baby carriages, roller skates and metal shelving. During WWII, Sunshine employed many local women to build bombs, landmines, gun mounts and nose assemblies for the Mosquito fighter-bomber. After the war, tricycles and bicycles rolled off the line until 1954. Until they closed in 1990, modern steel office furniture production was their focus.

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