Rubber Duck
After Charles Goodyear invented vulcanized rubber, the Rubber Duck appeared in the late 1800's. However, unlike today's ducky, they were a solid rubber chew toy, tasting like part of car tire, solid black that did not float so not yet a bathtub toy.
That would have to wait till the 1940's when sculptor Peter Ganine patented a duck toy made out of vinyl. It was painted bright yellow and included a squeaker.
That was not the last we heard of “Rubber Duckie,” for in 1970, Ernie sang the now-famous song, “Rubber Duckie,” on Sesame Street, which made it all the way to number 11 on the Billboard Charts in 1971. Not only are rubber ducks found in bathtubs, they also part of the Jeep off roading culture and now are found cruise ships as part of a fun hide and seek game.