The first was built in Topeka, Kansas, in 1956. "Connie" (aka Conni) was an actress in childrens' television best known for her clown character of Connie Cream Pies. She gave Slack to children on the show, but grew increasingly concerned about the number of children who lived virtually slackless lives. She received fan letters from many children, especially orphans in highly structured group homes, who were forced to do chores or organized activities without time for slack. She told her husband, "It's hard for me to give our children enough Slack. I can give my young fans some for 30 minutes. But what about all the children out there who don't have any?"