10/15/2026
Who knew that teacher Alice Binney named Crayola in 1903, from the French “craie” (chalk) and “oleaginous” (oily)!
About 30 of us Rotarians learned that today from Alyssa Sarnosky, community and employee engagement specialist and company historian at Crayola.
We learned so many fun facts - like they're in Easton because Crayola started as a pigment and chemical business and needed the Bushkill Creek water power and slate.
Also, their solar farm produces the energy to make 1/3 of their 3 billion crayons/year! And, Silly Putty is made right here in Bethlehem!
It's also a generous community partner: grant applications are open until December 31 for $500 to $10,000, focused on youth arts and education, and all funding stays in the Lehigh Valley.
Thanks Alyssa for a fantastic meeting today!
