Chapter 1: Ancient History
There is evidence to suggest that the primitive forms of the yo-yo were around in Greece as early as 500 B.C.  During the 1700's the toy was quite popular in France.  At that time it was a fashionable plaything of aristocratic adults as well as children.
 

Ancient Greek Terracotta Yo-Yo
Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Louis XVII, one of the
original Yo-Yo kids.

 

Vase painting dates about
500 B.C. shows a young citizen
of Greece playing with a Yo-Yo.

Cheerio Practice 99, wood.
O-Boy Duncan Whistling Yo-Yo.

Yo-Yos were first manufactured in the U.S. in 1927 by Pedro Flores.  In 1930, Donald Duncan saw the toy and was so excited he bought the company.  Over the next 35 years the Duncan Yo-Yo Company employed hundreds of demonstrators to promote sales.  The demonstrators would go from town to town teaching kids tricks and holding contests.  Kids were given award patches for their efforts.  City champions could win a m bicycle.  However from 1965 to present, television advertising has become the promotion of choice.  Consequently, there are few remaining yo-yo demonstrators today.