Jerome Lemelson’s passion for technology and engineering led to advancements in toys, games, and gadgets.
Vital Stats
Born Jerome “Jerry” Hal Lemelson on Staten Island, New York, in 1923.
Building A Life
Lemelson was entrepreneurial from a young age; as a teen, he created and sold gas-powered model airplanes from his basement.
After serving in the United States Army Air Corps, he returned to the United States to pursue Masters’ degrees in industrial engineering and aeronautics.
Changing the World
His pursuit of advancements in technology led him to developments in industrialization, automation, robotics, and communication devices.
Lemelson applied these same developments to toys, games, and gadgets, including wheeled toys, brakes for inline skates, magnetic tape drives used in portable media players, and the flexible track system used in Mattel’s Hot Wheels brand.
Diversification
After parting ways with his co-founder, Gilbert changed the name of the company to A. C. Gilbert Company in 1916 and expanded its offerings to include the now-iconic Erector set, radio kits, chemistry sets, and other STEM-based toys.
The company also produced military equipment during World War II, and household items including blenders and fans.
Although A.C. Gilbert Company grew to become one of the largest toy manufacturers in the world, the company closed in 1967, six years after Gilbert’s death; the new owners failed to maintain the company’s profitability.
A History of Firsts
Gilbert created the Toy Manufacturers of the U.S.A. in 1916 and served as the organization’s first president.
A. C. Gilbert Company was issued a radio broadcasting license in 1920, which coincided with the marketing of the company’s radio kit. It was the sixth American radio station and the first to produce a radio sports program.
The Gilbert Hall of Science opened in New York City in 1941 to encourage engineers to develop innovative technology.
