Uncle Milton Ant Farm Co-Inventor Dies At 97

[The Straight Story]

Milton Levine, the novelty toy entrepreneur who dreamed up the hugely popular ant farm, has died at the age of 97. Uncle Milton's Ant Farm has sold more than 20 million copies. Host Melissa Block speaks to Levine's son, Steven.
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MELISSA BLOCK, host:

If you happen and enjoy one of the more than 20 million ant farms sold over the past 50-some-odd years, give thanks to Milton Levine. He was the novelty toy entrepreneur who dreamed up the hugely popular Ant Farm. Milton Levine died last week in California. He was 97. He liked to joke about just how powerful ants proved to be.

Mr. MILTON LEVINE (Co-Inventor, Ant Farm): That's something I'll never do. I'll never step on an ant. Put three of my kids through college.

BLOCK: Put three of his kids through college, one of them, Steven Levine, who ran the family business when his father retired. Steven, welcome to the program. I'm very sorry to hear about your loss.

Mr. STEVEN LEVINE (President, Uncle Milton Industries Inc.): Well, thank you. I appreciate it.

http://www.npr.org/2011/01/26/133249612/Uncle-Milton-Ant-Farm-Co-Inventor-Dies-At-97

[Generic Other]

1. My machinima name is Larkworthy Antfarm

I feel as though I have lost a family member. Very very sad day. Bye bye Uncle Milty!