History's Best Selling Products of 1903

Extra! Extra! On the home front and across the nation, 1903 saw a swell surge of swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship in the world of items! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Wright Flyer and Goggles, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Orville Wright and Multiple Manufacturers & Innovators proved their mettle with Crayola Crayons, delivering craftsmanship that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Wright Flyer

   Released in 1903 by Orville Wright, Wilbur Wright

   On the windswept dunes of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, December 17, 1903, marked a pivotal moment in human history. Against a biting 27-mile-per-hour wind, brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright made final preparations. At 10:35 AM, with Orville at the controls, their aircraft, the Wright Flyer, lifted from its launching rail and flew for 12 seconds over a distance of 120 feet. It was a short, wobbly journey, but it was the first time a machine heavier than air had achieved sustained, controlled, powered flight. They made three more flights that day, the last one by Wilbur covering 852 feet in 59 seconds, proving their invention was not a fluke. This date represents the culmination of years of methodical research and the dawn of the aviation age.

2. Goggles

   Released in 1903 by Multiple Manufacturers & Innovators

   While protective eyewear has roots in antiquity, the early 20th century marked the widespread popularization of goggles as an iconic accessory that seamlessly merged crucial function with undeniable style. With the dawn of powered flight in 1903 and the rapid expansion of motorcycling, goggles became an immediate necessity for adventurers and professionals alike. They offered vital protection against wind, dust, and debris, quickly becoming synonymous with daring aviators and rugged motorists. This era propelled goggles from mere utility into a significant cultural and commercial success, shaping an entire aesthetic of exploration and freedom that continues to captivate.

3. Crayola Crayons

   Released in 1903 by Binney & Smith, Edwin Binney & C. Harold Smith

   The turn of the 20th century marked a colorful revolution in children's play with the introduction of Crayola Crayons in 1903. Launched by Binney & Smith, these simple wax sticks quickly transcended their humble origins to become a monumental cultural phenomenon. For a mere nickel, children could unlock a world of vibrant imagination, making art accessible and enjoyable for everyone. This affordability, combined with their non-toxic nature, allowed Crayola Crayons to rapidly embed themselves into homes and classrooms across America, laying the groundwork for over a century of creative expression and solidifying their status as an indispensable tool for childhood development.

4. The Souls of Black Folk

   Released in 1903 by W.E.B. Du Bois, A.C. McClurg & Co.

   Released in 1903, "The Souls of Black Folk" by W.E.B. Du Bois emerged as a seminal work, fundamentally altering the intellectual landscape of American race relations. Its publication marked a critical juncture, offering a profound sociological and psychological exploration of African American experience at the turn of the 20th century. Du Bois challenged prevailing narratives of racial uplift and assimilation, instead asserting a distinct cultural identity for Black Americans. This collection of essays resonated deeply within both Black and white intellectual circles, providing a searing critique of American society and laying the groundwork for future civil rights activism. It became an indispensable text for understanding the complexities of systemic racism and the internal struggles of a marginalized people.