text: Like so many other great inventions, the Slinky, a favorite of both kids and physics teachers, was just a grand accident. Richard James, a naval engineer, "discovered" this enduring toy in 1943. \n\nYou can find the original Slinky at  any Cracker Barrel Old Country Store or online store - http://shop.crackerbarrel.com/online/shopping/Product.asp?cat%5Fid=4&sku=351521