February 15. This is the birthday of Alfred Carlton (A.C.) Gilbert, who would turn 117 if he were alive. It is not easy summing up a person’s life, much less someone as energetic and creative as A.C. Sure, he helped transform the U.S. toy industry by inventing the Erector Set and developing other educational toys for kids during the first half of the 20th century. But, he was also an elite athlete, an accomplished magician, an employer who cared the people he hired, a traveler, and a devoted family man.
What stands out the most for me from all the research I did to write my Magic of A.C. Gilbert book was his dedication to fun. “I have never worked at anything to make money,” A.C. once said, “unless it was fun, too.” Maybe that’s why he chose to create and sell toys instead of working as a doctor, what he had been trained to do.
I love the “fun philosophy” and gravitate to jobs, activities, and pastimes I find fun. And, when I’m reading, writing, or otherwise working at something that is not enjoyable, I try to find the fun or add some fun to it. That usually works.
Long live the memory of A.C. Gilbert!
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I think A.C. Gilbert is relly great hope he has a nice birthday
I like A.C. Gilbert. He is a fun guy. One day I would like to buy an erector set. My birthday is coming up. I hope my mom will get me one. By the way, I have a question: ‘What did you mean when you said Gillie was starting a Guinea pig business?
Max Tower
P.S. Mom typed the message.
Hi Max! Great comments! I hope your mom (and dad) get you an Erector Set for your birthday. I’ll let you play with mine someday. It’s 50 years old!
A.C.’s raised and sold guinea pigs. When he was younger, and living in Salem, he trapped squirrels and sold their hides to the state, which thought squirrels were a nuisance. That didn’t make it into the book. Can you guess why?
Thanks for the kind words, Sherry. The “Not Fair!” books sold out, but I’ll see if I can locate you a copy.
I just ordered the A.C. Gilbert book. It sounds very intriquing as I never had heard of him. How can I get a copy of “No Fair” ? Dear brother!!
I ‘d love to read that , too. Keep writing. I love the website, too.