Our History

The Bill Ding stacking clown toy was first created by the Stombecker Company in 1931 in Moline, IL. Designed to help children develop hand‑eye coordination, it quickly became a beloved classic. Production continued until the 1960s, when the toy production was discontinued, until Chicago Cutlery purchased Strombeck in 1980, acquiring, you guessed it, the rights and patents to Bill Ding.

Five years later, Stuhr Enterprises (now Stuhr Products) purchased Chicago Cutlery’s wooden division, bringing Bill Ding to Wilton, IA, where each toy was handcrafted. Stuhr Products was named after its original owner, Edwin Stuhr of Letts, IA. His daughter, Lori Bashore, later inherited this remarkable legacy. Today, the business remains a true family enterprise. After being passed down to Lori’s three children (Ed Stuhr’s grandchildren) the next generation continues to honor the traditions, standards, and vision that built the company. Bill has been at home with this family‑owned company ever since.

We hope you enjoy many happy memories with Bill Ding, just as generations before you have. Here’s to 90 years of Bill Ding!

Please note that while our wooden toys are no longer manufactured in Iowa, our commitment to safety and quality has only grown stronger. Every batch is inspected, certified, and safety‑tested in the United States to ensure they meet or exceed all U.S. safety standards. This combination of global manufacturing and American safety verification allows us to maintain the craftsmanship you expect while ensuring rigorous, transparent safety oversight.

Copyright 2026 Stuhr Products LLC