Whatever Happened to the Indian Red Crayon?
Everyone knows Crayola. The brand has been a cultural staple since 1903. But whatever happened to the brand’s Indian Red crayon? For years, this controversial color claimed its place in the iconic 64-crayon box. But that all changed in 1999 with the help of Pat Hartmann.
The Origin of the Indian Red Crayon
In 1958, Crayola added 16 colors to its growing list of crayons, one of which was the Indian Red crayon.
Although this crayon eventually sparked backlash and controversy, Crayola’s intentions were never in malice. Instead, the company stated that this color was a pigment produced in India and used in oil paintings.
Still, 41 years later, the crayon company decided it was time to change the name after many individuals expressed concerns over the cultural harm the name was doing, especially for schoolchildren.
That said, there were many reported instances stating children thought the Indian Red crayon was meant to describe the skin color of Native American people.
How to Change the Name of a Crayon: The Pat Hartmann Story
After Indian Red was deemed an inappropriate name for a crayon, Crayola wasted no time finding a name to replace it. In the Spring of 1999, the well-known brand put an ad in a magazine (remember those?) that included a contest to rename the crayon.
“I figured, ‘Why not?’ [I’ll] give it a try and enter some name possibilities to replace Indian Red – Pat Hartmann.
While most people entering the Crayon renaming contest submitted a single suggestion, Pat was flooded with creativity and sent several suggestions. One of these suggestions was “Chestnut.”
Then, on July 27, 1999, Pat received a huge box from Binney and Smith, the manufacturers of crayons. In this box was an official certificate stating:
“Pat Hartmann has earned a place in Crayola history by helping to rename the Indian Red crayon. From this day forward, July 27, 1999, the Crayola crayon known as Indian Red will be called Chestnut.”
Of course, the company also flooded her with gifts, including everything from finger paints to colored pencils to crayons and more. But that’s not all.
The final piece of clout Pat earned (besides bragging rights for eternity) was an announcement on national news informing everyone the Indian Red crayon was now called Chestnut.
What’s the Big Deal?
If you’re saying to yourself, “She changed the name of a crayon…so what?” I implore you to read more about the history behind terms like “redskin” and “Indian red” by checking out this article.
Many think these names are in reference to something having to do with scalping, but the truth is much more in-depth and contains years of history and cultural repression.
One of the best things we as a society can do to promote positive change is to educate ourselves.