He’s widely recognized as the inventor behind the iconic Crayola crayon, a creation that would go on to shape childhoods around the world. Before he gained fame, though, his journey began in 1885 when he took over his father’s company, Peekskill Chemical Co. It was there that he started tinkering with different materials, and during one of his experiments—mixing slate waste, cement, and talc—he accidentally developed the first dustless white chalk. That innovation set the stage for even greater things. Then, in 1903, he introduced the very first box of Crayola crayons, marking a turning point in art supplies for kids everywhere. While he was the mind behind the product, credit for the name goes to his wife, Alice. She cleverly combined two French words: “craie,” meaning chalk, and “ola,” derived from “oléagineux,” which translates to oily. And so, the name Crayola was born—thanks to her creativity and his groundbreaking work. He truly laid the foundation for a colorful legacy, and today, whenever someone picks up a Crayola crayon, they’re holding a piece of his vision. His impact is still felt, and his story continues to inspire inventors and dreamers alike.