American Crayon subject of upcoming talk

NORWALK — Sandusky native John Kropf, author of The Color Capital of the World: Growing up With the Legacy of a Crayon Company, will be the speaker at the Firelands Historical Society's February program. His presentation will focus on the history of the American Crayon Company, formerly located in Sandusky and once the largest manufacturer of crayons and color paints in the country. The family-owned and operated factory was also known for its innovative products, among these a variety of pencils, paste and chalks not only for the classroom but for industrial workers as well. Kropf, a descendent of the factory's founders, currently lives in the Washington D.C. area, but grew up in Sandusky while the Crayon Company was still in operation. His book covers its history from its pre-Civil War beginnings to its closing in 2002, and preserves the memories and the stories of generations of families who worked there. Kropf will also share memorabilia from his American Crayon Company collection. The program is open to the public and will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 19 at the Laning Young Research Center on Case Avenue in Norwalk. Refreshments will be served.