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The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Jennifer Pendergast
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
A COLORFUL HISTORY
Edwin brought eleven-year-old Mary and four-year-old Edwin Jr. the fruits of his labor. “Look what Papa has for you!”
Mary rolled a wax stick in her hand. “We already have crayons. The violet color is pretty, though.”
Edwin Jr. took one. “Yellow! It’s like sunshine.”
Their mother gave each of the children a coloring book. “Let’s see what they do on paper, shall we?” She smiled. “These crayons need a special name. Let’s see. Craie is French for chalk and ola is Latin for oily. What about Crayola?”
Edwin Binney kissed his wife Alice’s cheek. “My dear. You’re a genius.”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Lovely origin story Rochelle. I’ve always bought Crayola for my kids and grandchildren
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Dear Sadje,
Crayola crayons are still inexpensive entertainment, aren’t they? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes they are. They now also make washable marker which the kids love.
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Another fascinating piece of history – one that I never thought to think about – I just accept that Crayola always existed! 🙂
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Dear Iain,
I remember being thrilled to get the big box of 64 with the built in crayon sharpener. They’ve always been there, haven’t they? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And here I thought Crayola was a creamed shellfish! Nice one, Rochelle
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Thank you, Neil. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Every time I read your work I learn something new!
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What a lovely thing to say, Mr. B. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle, this was a nice piece with wonderful facts about the crayons. We take such things for granted and you have brought the past to life. Thank you.
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Dear James,
Crayolas have definitely been a constant. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yep, I think most of use grew up with Crayola. The second half of the video got a bit too much into marketing, but the first half was interesting – I did not know the history nor put “dustless” chalk in with Crayola crayons. Anyway, like the story 🙂
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Dear Trent,
I agree about the video. But the first part was great. I never knew the history before either. I sure have loved my crayolas over the years. The off brands never could compare. Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And an institution is born! Never liked crayons. I kept breaking them. Colours are fabulous.
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Dear Tanille,
I love crayons…always did. 😉 Definitely an institution. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The smell of a new box of crayons–it was my perfume when I was little :). I’m not an artist like you, Rochelle, but crayons did bring out some creativity just because–COLOR!
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Dear Linda,
There’s nothing to compare to the scent of crayolas. 😉 I’m guilty of going to my bin of them and just sniffing. 😉 Thank you for adding your own brand of color to this challenge.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I remember getting nice crayons instead of the nasty wax ones they gave more sticky hands than colour. Still prefer a pen though, if I’m honest.
Thanks for another great history lesson, and for choosing my photo this week!
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Dear Jen,
I had great fun with this story. I’ve always been a Crayola fan. Thank you and thank you for the photo.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, what a fun and educational story. I never thought about why they were called crayola or what it meant. I don’t think there is a person alive who hasn’t held one in their hand (in places they are available.)
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Dear Lisa,
I can’t remember a time without Crayola, although where the name came from was new to me. Offbrand crayons just never worked as well. Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, me neither, and no, they didn’t. You’re very welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
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What a delightful history! I remember when we got a box of 24 (?) crayons and thought we’d died and gone to heaven.
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Dear Alicia,
The 24 count box was nice but when I got the 64 count with the sharpener on the back…that was special. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Show off. Said with a wink and a smile. Just “color” me jealous.
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What a fascinating tale, you never fail to impress with the amazing tales you tell, brilliant stuff
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Thank you so much, Shrawley.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I still love a new box of Crayola crayons. Thanks for the history.
Tracey
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Dear Tracey,
I’m with you. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another snippet of history! I prefer the finer points of pencils or felt tips for colouring, but those. Croyolas mmelts ell to colour wax candles!
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Dear Liz,
Wax encaustic is fun to do with melted crayolas, too. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle for this delightful story of the Crayola invention. Brings back so many endearing memories. Even my children enjoyed the feel and smell of those endless hours creating. Still have my original box from the sixties, just never seem to become perishable. You’re right the pictures added the unforgettable scent.
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Dear Susan,
An original box from the sixties? That’s impressive. Thank you for a great comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Like so many names, I’d never given a thought to how it came about! Nice one, Rochelle!
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Dear Keith,
I’d never really given thought to the name either. Crayola has always been in my lifetime. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another teaching moment. I love it.
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Thank you, Athling.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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i remember the days. a box of crayolas was the greatest gift a kid could have.
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Dear Plaridel,
Great memories, aren’t they? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
You are the queen of the historical fiction! I love the story of how the name came to be. Of course a woman thought of it 😉
Shalom and lotsa colourful love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Everything has a beginning, doesn’t it? 😉 I love to sniff out those historical snippets. Thank you for coming by.
Shalom and lotsa jet-lagged hugs,
Rochelle
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This is so true. And you are the expert at sniffing them out!!
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Things that make you go “Hmmm…”
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Hmmm…thank you for reading, Dawn.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely. A genius, yes. I read a story the other day on the history of Crayola. An insightful read.
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Thank you so much, Brit. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah took me back to the smell of opening a box of crayons – perfect!💜
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Dear Angela,
One of life’s simpler pleasures. 😉 ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story of the Crayola. You always find a story in the simplest of things. Good job.
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Dear Jan,
History is so much fun. 😀 Thanks m’luv.
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There’s nothing like a good creative collaboration. Crayola has become so synonymous with crayons that I didn’t realize there were different types of crayons.
I hope you’re enjoying your vacation.
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Dear Nobbin,
I’ve only used a few crayons that weren’t crayola. Usually they came with bargain basement coloring books. Not the same as Crayolas.
Back from Israel and still battling jet-lag. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fascinating!
I loved creating crayola art. Easy and fun!
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Crayola was an institution for my kids, growing up. And the smell! But yes the colour was far superior and not just a stick of sticky wax. Lovely story. I love history, whether it be crayons or castles!
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Dear Fleur,
Few things are as much fun to me as finding history of the simplest of objects. Thank you for coming along for the ride.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There is nothing quite like nostalgia and history. I’m always up for a trip down memory lane or far beyond in history 🙂
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Your crayon story brightens my day. Thank you.
Shalom,
Ronda
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Dear Ronda,
Your comment brightens my day. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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