8 Questions
What was the original purpose of the wax crayon invented by Binney and Smith?
To mark crates and barrels
Who created the name 'Crayola'?
Alice Binney
In what year did the Peekskill Chemical Company start?
1864
What was the product line of Binney & Smith expanded to include?
Shoe polish and printing ink
What was the problem with the initial wax crayon invented by Binney and Smith?
It was loaded with carbon black and too toxic for children
How many children use Crayola Crayons every day?
Over 18 million
What was the original price of the first box of eight Crayola crayons?
A nickel
Where did Binney & Smith begin producing pencils for schools?
Easton, Pennsylvania
Study Notes
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.
Learn about the accidental invention of Crayola crayons by cousins Edwin Binney and C.Harold Smith, and how the brand became a household name. Discover the origin of the word Crayola and the first box of crayons sold in 1903.
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