Crayola at Two Rivers Landing

What do red barns, black tires and crayola crayons have in common? I bet you'll never guess! Binney and Smith are credited with creating all three.

In the late 1800's, it was Mr. Binney and Mr. Smith's red oxide pigments which were used to make paint for what has become a symbol of America, the big red barn. Their carbon pigments were also added to the traditional line of white tires to make them black. Soon, white tires were a thing of the past. The pigment not only changed the color of the tires, but made them five times more durable.

The enterprising gentlemen continued on, making pencils and chalk. Crayons came next in the year 1903, and our childhood was forever changed. Most of us can still recall that excitement and feeling of pride when we got our first box of 64 colors with the wonderful sharpener on the back. With so many diverse colors at hand, there was nothing we couldn't create!

Time passed and crayons continued in popularity. Between the years 1985 and 1992, thousands and thousands of children and adults arrived to tour Binney & Smith's manufacturing facility, a few miles from downtown Easton, Pennsylvania and adjacent to the company's headquarters. They came to see how Crayola crayons and markers were made. The tour was so popular that nearly 40,000 visitors were turned away each year due to lack of accommodations.

But company officials put crayon to paper and solved the problem. Today, you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about crayons at Two Rivers Landing in Easton, Pennsylvania. The new Two Rivers Landing complexd in 1996, to great fanfare.

In the Crayola Hall of Fame, you can see the wax splattered boots of Emerson Moser, who made 1.4 billion crayons before admitting upon his retirement he was color-blind! The 100-billionth crayon is on display, made by Fred Rogers, host of T.V.'s Mister Rogers Neighborhood. Lastly, you can see the eight enshrined crayons which were retired in 1990, amid immense protest.

Toddlers will especially enjoy the Crayola Color Garden, where they can plant neon carrots and other colorful veggies. While watering, digging and harvesting their make-believe garden, they'll learn to sort by color and shape, but have plenty of fun in the process. Nearby is the world's largest crayon caddy, totally irresistible to anyone under the age of five. At this revolving station, budding young artists can create using 100 different crayon colors and dozens of art techniques.

Of course, watching crayon manufacturing is a highlight. On the "factory floor" level you can see crayons made in the same fashion as they have been since 1903, thanks to machinery transferred from the nearby production plant. Follow along as your own souvenir four-pack is molded, labeled and packed before your eyes.

Crayola markers are also made on the factory floor. So you can get a better look, and follow the progress, the marker machine is slowed down. You'll learn the five parts of a Crayola marker and get a sample. When set at normal speed, this machine can make over 40,000 markers during an eight-hour shift.

Allow time for the Creative Studio, which is another interactive portion of your visit. Draw on the clear glass walls or grab some chalk and liven up the sidewalk. Kids love this opportunity to design and draw. In the area called "Cool Moves," anyone can participate just by moving their bodies. A color kaleidoscope records your moves and projects them on a giant screen in cool colors and patterns.

Our world is a very colorful place and Binney & Smith are partly to thank. Crayons were our first means of truly expressing ourselves and a visit to the Landing brings back wonderful childhood memories.

With so much to do, a visit to Two Rivers Landing can easily take two hours and you might need time for the gift shop.

Admission price to Two Rivers Landing includes access to the Crayola Factory (2nd floor) and the National Canal Museum (3rd floor). The National Heritage Corridor Visitors Center, located on the 1st floor isto the public and free of charge. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Prices are $7.00 for children and adults, seniors 65 or over $6.50 and children under 2 are free. Reservations must be made for groups of 15 or more.

For the most up-to-date information, changing themes and activities at the Crayola Factory, and an online preview of the Factory, click on their webpage at www.crayola.com/factory.