National Crayon Day

Today is a day to celebrate the crayon, Crayola crayon being the most famous name.  No matter your age, coloring a page with crayons can be very soothing and nostalgic.

Here is a brief history of the Crayola crayon for you.

In 1864, the Binney and Smith company began in Peekskill, NY. The company started with a pigment for foundries and cast iron stoves called “lampblack.” They used waxed marking crayons for the cartons. 

You’ll find the company next in Pennsylvania where it works with teachers to come up with a dustless chalk to be used on slate boards in schools.  The Crayola division began in the company. 

You can flash to 1903 when the first box of Crayola crayons hits the market.  Much research was done in order to create something safe for children to use.  

The first box was made up of eight crayons.  The colors were red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, brown, and black.  Each crayon was wrapped in paper and labeled with the color.

Over the years the boxes changed.  In 1949, the box grew to hold 48 colors placed in a box with “stadium seating.” Later In 1958 the classic 64-color box was introduced with a built-in sharpener. Finally in 1993, ninety-six colors were packaged into what they called the Big Box.

Consequently, Crayola crayons are in most school classrooms today.  There are other brands but Crayola is still among the best and most favored of crayons.

Here are a few fascinating crayon facts for you:

• Mrs. Alice Binney is credited with the Crayola name.  (“Craie” means chalk in French and “ola” is short for “oleagineux” which means oily.)
• Involving the public, the company has changed crayon names over the years. 
• Crayola has many products now including markers and pencils.
• In 1984, the company became a subsidiary of Hallmark.
• You can visit two museums called The Crayola Experience.  These are designed for children.  They are located in Easton, PA and Orlando, FL.

#NationalCrayonDay