The invention of Cabbage Patch Kids

The phenomenon began in 1983, when designer Xavier Roberts introduced the world to Cabbage Patch Kids.
Invention: Cabbage Patch Kids in 1983
Function: noun / Trademark
Definition: From the beginning, Roberts captured attention by making each character an individual with its own personality, so every Kid was truly one of a kind and unique. All Kids were up for adoption and needed good, nurturing homes to call their very own.
Trademark: Reg. No. 1298970 issued October 2, 1984
Inventor: Xavier Roberts
Criteria: First to invent. Entrepreneur.
Birth: 1955 in Cleveland, Georgia

Nationality: American
Milestones:
1983 Xavier Roberts introduced the world to Cabbage Patch Kids.
1982 Original Appalachian Artworks, Inc. signs a long term licensing agreement
1979 Xavier and five school friends open "BabyLand General® Hospital" to the public.
1978 Xavier wins a first place ribbon for sculpture at the 1978 Osceola Art Show in Kissimmee, FL.
1976 Xavier creates his first soft-sculptures.
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In 1976, a 21 year old art student, Xavier Roberts rediscovers "needle molding" a German technique for fabric sculpture from the early 1800’s. Combining his interest in sculpture with the quilting skills passed down from his mother, Xavier creates his first soft-sculptures. While working his way through school as manager of the Unicoi Craft Shop in Helen, Georgia, Xavier develops the marketing concept of adoptable Little People® with birth certificates. Xavier wins a first place ribbon for sculpture with "Dexter" at the 1978 Osceola Art Show in Kissimmee, Florida.

Returning home to Georgia, he organizes five school friends and incorporates Original Appalachian Artworks, Inc. Xavier and his friends renovate the L.G. Neal Clinic, a turn of the century medical facility in Cleveland, Georgia, opening "BabyLand General® Hospital" to the public.

In 1982, Original Appalachian Artworks, Inc. signs a long term licensing agreement allowing a major toy manufacturer to produce a Toy replica of Xavier’s hand made soft sculpture Originals. These Toy versions are recognizable by their smaller size, vinyl head and adoption fees usually under $30.00. At the same time, the name Little People® is changed to the "Cabbage Patch Kids®" which is used for both the Toys and the hand made Originals.