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This Space Port fortress toy made by toymaker T. Cohn, Inc. in the early 1950s is the centerpiece of the Superior Space Port (also known as the Captain Video Space Port). The metal space-theme fort with its associated plastic vehicles and space men (and aliens), which were made by Lido Toys, was merchandise related to "Captain Video and His Video Rangers," a weekly television show that aired on the DuMont network from 1949-1956. "Captain Video" was considered the U.S.'s and world's first television show with a space flight theme. Such space-themed forts illustrate how heavily space science fiction drew upon another American popular culture genre, the Western.

Collector Michael O'Harro donated this toy to the Museum in 1993.

 Display Status

This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

James S. McDonnell Space Hangar
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture Manufacturer T. Cohn, Inc.
 Dimensions 3-D: 43.2 x 22.9 x 27.9cm (17 x 9 x 11 in.)
 Materials Overall, probably tin or sheet iron; cannon, plastic, with wood end, and accompanying wood dowels; launcher, with plastic cylinder.
 Inventory Number A19973002000 Credit Line Gift of Michael O'Harro Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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