The company, founded by woodworker Albert Schoenhut, initially made toy pianos.

[2] In 1908, Rolly Dolly dolls were created, which featured pear-shaped bodies with weights inside that allow the toy to bob back and forth without tipping over.

[3] A fifty-three piece set called Teddy Roosevelt's Adventures in Africa was also made, based on the Smithsonian–Roosevelt African Expedition.

[4] After submitting a patent application 1909, the company patented the All-Wood Perfection Art Doll in 1911,[5] which featured solid wood heads (some with carved hair, and others with wigs), compressed spring metal joints, and holes in the feet, which allows the dolls to be manipulated and posed on stands.

[9] Schoenhut Art Dolls, in addition to many other early toys made by the company, have become collector's items.