OR

source: willametteheritage.org
15 Feb, 1884
24 Jan, 1961
Unknown
American
Toy-maker
76
Alfred Carlton Gilbert was an American inventor, athlete, magician, toy-maker, and businessman. Gilbert was best known for creating the Erector Set, a popular construction toy that inspired generations of young engineers and architects. Born on February 15, 1884 in Salem, Oregon, but grew up in Portland. Gilbert showed an early interest in magic and sports. He performed as a magician in several shows and was a renowned pole vaulter.
Interestingly, Gilbert funded his education from the income he made performing magics. Gilbert started his education at the Tualatin Academy. He later moved to Pacific academy and transferred to Yale University in 1902, where he graduated with a degree in medicine. A degree he never used or practiced.
Just before he went into inventing toys full-time, Gilbert was an accomplished athlete who broke the World record for consecutive chin-ups in 1900 and distance record for running long dive in 1902. Gilbert also invented the pole vault box and set two world records in the pole vault.
Gilbert was more interested in pursuing his passion for inventing and founded the A.C. Gilbert Company in 1909. One of Gilbert’s most successful inventions was the Erector Set which he patented in 1913. The set consisted of metal beams, nuts, bolts, wheels, gears, and other parts that could be assembled into various structures and models.
The Erector Set was known as the world’s most educational toy and came with a manual that encouraged creativity and problem-solving. The Erector Set was an instant hit and sold millions over the years.
Gilbert served as the president of the Toy Manufacturers of America and was instrumental in convincing the U.S. government to allow toy production to continue during World War I and World War II.
Away from inventing things, Gilbert was a committed family man who enjoyed spending quality time with his family. He married Mary Thompson, a lady he met in Pacific University in 1908. They had three children and lived in a property in Hamden, Connecticut called Maraldene in the 1930s.
Gilbert passed away in 1961 at the age of 76.
Alfred Carlton Gilbert
Alfred Carlton Gilbert
Male
Unknown
Salem, Oregon
Boston, Massachusetts
Architect: Imaginative and strategic thinkers with a plan for everything. Gilbert was a curious soul who loved to create things. He wasn’t afraid to deviate from the norm.
He founded A.C. Gilbert Company
Gilbert competed in the pole vault at the 1908 Olympics.
He was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2005
He graduated from Yale University with a degree in sports medicine.
He served as president of the U.S. Olympic Committee from 1936 to 1948.
He won an Olympic gold medal in 1908.
Gilbert was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2005