The History of Crayola Crayons

Invention of Crayola Crayons

• Most inventions happen by accident.
• Crayola brand crayons were the first kids' crayons ever made, invented by cousins Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith.
• The first box of eight Crayola crayons appeared in 1903, sold for a nickel.
• The initial colours were black, brown, blue, red, purple, orange, yellow, and green.

Origins of Crayola

• The word Crayola was created by Edwin Binney's wife, Alice, combining the French words for chalk (craie) and oily (oleaginous).
• In 1864, the Peekskill Chemical Company was started by Joseph W. Binney in Peekskill, New York.
• The company provided coloured paint for painting barns in America and produced black colour for car tyres.

Partnership and Expansion

• The partnership of Binney & Smith was formed around 1885 with Edwin Binney and his nephew C. Harold Smith.
• The company expanded its product line to include shoe polish and printing ink.
• In 1900, the company purchased a stone mill in Easton, Pennsylvania, and began producing pencils for schools.

Development of Crayola Crayons

• Mrs. Binney's interest in art led to the research of colourful drawing tools for kids.
• A new wax crayon was invented, initially used to mark crates and barrels, but was too toxic for children.
• Later, the colour and wax-mixing techniques were adapted for a variety of safe colours.
• In 1903, a new brand of crayons with superior working qualities was introduced, named Crayola Crayons.

Impact of Crayola Crayons

• Crayola Crayons are used around the world by over 18 million children every day.