It doesn't look a day over 40...

On July 12, 1960, the first Etch-a-Sketch went on sale!

"How Stuff Works" has an explanation of the magic that he created from simple aluminum powder and beads.

The technology behind this children's toy is both simple and complex. Simple, in that an internal stylus is used, manipulated by turning horizontal and vertical knobs to "etch a sketch" onto a glass window coated with aluminum powder.

Complex, because the Etch a Sketch employs a fairly sophisticated pulley system that operates the orthogonal rails that move the stylus around when the knobs are turned. The stylus etches a black line into the powder-coated window to create the drawing.

The Ohio Art Company even has an Etch-a-Sketch that you can play with online! (Use your arrow keys) Here's my lame attempt at writing my name...



Happy Birthday, Etch-a-Sketch!

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