SPECIAL GUEST:

JANET DOWNING TAYLOR - graduated from the RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) in 1961 with a Graphic Design degree. She began working at the Hassenfeld Bros. company in Pawtucket, RI in the new Product Development Department, which was directed by Don Levine. Janet was part of the original team to design and develop the first 12-inch G.I. Joe. During the initial presentation of the product, she urged her co-workers to refer to the toy as a soldier rather than a doll. Don Levine told her to use that name for the mock up packaging and design until they approved a better one. She took Ken dolls and dyed the clothing olive drab, while Sam gave him muscles so they could show what they had in mind for the total toy concept. The model maker made weapons and accessories which she had to package. They had a seamstress from the sample room work with the uniforms and help with packaging. After many name changes, it seems the name she gave the toy stuck!

Janet lives in Providence and her family is all grown up and own their own. She did freelance design for other companies after her term at Hasbro. Today she is still designing and just down the street from Hasbro. She works for Sherwood Brands in Rumford, RI. She still has fun designing gift sets and candy novelties.