PALMER TWP., Pa. — Palmer Township has gotten special recognition from the state Historical & Museum Commission with a historical marker to commemorate the classic Crayola crayon.
The commission added 45 new historical markers across 21 counties last week, with the sole highlight in the Lehigh Valley honoring the history of the Crayola crayon.
The landmark art supply has captured the imaginations of generations.
“The new markers span over 350 years of Pennsylvania history, highlighting a wide range of topic and individuals,” including “the industrial innovation of Northampton County’s Crayola Crayon.”Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission release
The markers are intended to commemorate significant people, places, events and innovations throughout Pennsylvania.
There are more than 2,500 existing markers.
The famous art supply was highlighted in a release from the PHMC, stating, “The new markers span over 350 years of Pennsylvania history, highlighting a wide range of topic and individuals,” including “the industrial innovation of Northampton County’s Crayola Crayon.”
"Pennsylvania’s Historical Markers are more than just signs; they are powerful storytelling tools that connect us to our past," PHMC Executive Director Andrea Lowery said.
"Each marker is a testament to the remarkable individuals and events that have shaped our state and our nation.
"We are proud to expand this program and continue our mission of preserving and interpreting Pennsylvania’s history for future generations."
'Helped expand art education'
In the PA-SHARE Project Detail Report shared to LehighValleyNews.com by Palmer Township Director of Planning Craig Beavers, the application for the marker highlights how the Crayola crayon was invented in 1903 by Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith and first produced at the Binney & Smith Mill.
“The area's abundant natural resources allowed the company to innovate with pigments, introducing dozens of new colorful art supplies for children."Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission release
“The area's abundant natural resources allowed the company to innovate with pigments, introducing dozens of new colorful art supplies for children," the report states under “Historical Significance.”
"The company experienced popularity and growth during the 20th century and expanded to Forks Township in 1978. The Crayola crayon was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1998 and remains an iconic childhood item.”
Another application document also highlights that the classic Crayola crayon was one of the first commercially available color art supplies made available to schools.
“The availability of color and marketing toward educational institutions helped expand the field of art education to students across the United States,” it says.
'Markers strengthen our communities'
The document also cites Binney and Smith’s expansion and relocation to Palmer Township — advantageous because of the Lehigh Valley’s natural resources for slate and pigments.
That “allowed the company to expand and grow across the state and internationally, serving as a major business for the region to date,” it says.
Sites for the marker included an area along Bushkill Drive or Edgewood Drive near the Bushkill Creek in Palmer or Forks Township.
State Tourism Deputy Secretary Anne Ryan said the historical markers are more than just mere road signs.
“These markers not only preserve history, but they also strengthen our communities, inspire curiosity in residents and visitors alike, and encourage travelers to explore new destinations across the state."State Tourism Deputy Secretary Anne Ryan
Rather, they serve as “touchpoints that connect people with the stories of our past, inviting every person who passes by to pause, learn, and take pride in the shared heritage that belongs to us all,” Ryan said.
“These markers not only preserve history, but they also strengthen our communities, inspire curiosity in residents and visitors alike, and encourage travelers to explore new destinations across the state.
“Each marker helps drive tourism by turning our history into meaningful experiences that bring people to Pennsylvania and keep them coming back.”
Details of the next round of approved markers will be announced in the coming months.
