The Fort Pierce Art Club, “Color Fort Pierce Beautiful”
Article provided by the Fort Pierce Art Club, Photos by MaryAnn Ketcham
The Fort Pierce Art Club, “Color Fort Pierce Beautiful,” an event
Honoring Edwin Binney, Founder of the Cryaola Crayon and former Fort Pierce Resident
On March 30, 2024, the Fort Pierce Art Club presented "Color Fort Pierce Beautiful." The fun and artful event honored Edwin Binney, the inventor of the crayon and an important figure in the history of Fort Pierce, Florida. The event was held at the Riverwalk Community Center in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce with free admission.
Attendees had a chance to have a "Mini Crayola Crayon Experience" and learn more about one of Fort Pierce's most famous and colorful residents, Edwin Binney, and his contributions to the region. The day included hands-on activities for kids and adults alike, allowing them to express their creativity and experience a day full of fun, all while learning more about the fantastic history of the region.
Edwin Binney spent much of his life in Fort Pierce, where he was a prominent inventor and a significant figure in the history of Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County, and beyond. He was born in Shrub Oak, New York, where he took control of his father's business, Peekskill Chemical Company, as an adult. While experimenting with a mixture of slate waste, cement, and talc, Binney created the first dustless white chalk, which won a gold medal at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904.
Binney went on to co-found the firm Binney and Smith, where he produced the first box of Crayola Crayons in 1903. His wife created the brand's name by combining elements of two words: craie (French for "chalk") and ola, or "oily," since the crayons were made using petroleum-based wax. In 1984, Hallmark purchased the company, and today, they continue to bring more art products for children and adults around the world.
Beyond his business endeavors, Binney demonstrated his love for Florida's wildlife, citrus groves, farming, fishing, and boating. His contributions include his pivotal role in making Fort Pierce a port city. He financed the dredging of the inlet to accommodate larger vessels and expanded the Port of Fort Pierce. He also donated significant tracts of land for community use, including property to the north of the port for a community park, property where the Fort Pierce Coast Guard Station is located, and the Fort Pierce Sea Scouts where the Pelican Yacht Club now resides.
The Fort Pierce Art Club invited the community to join them as they honored and told stories of the many contributions of Edwin Binney. Special guests included Edwin Binney's family and representatives from Corporate CRAYOLA.
The History of Edwin Binney in St. Lucie County was presented, and Edwin Binney and his family's contributions to this county were highlighted. Attendees learned about the Man of Color who helped to create a beautiful Fort Pierce.
A new portrait of Edwin Binney was revealed and on display, with Artist Bezo signing and selling prints.
