`Brownie’ creation was brainchild of Canadian-born illustrator

Just about anyone who has ever owned a camera remembers the Kodak Brownie. But we must return to the generation of our grandparents to summon up the image of that pot-bellied, toad-faced character which helped to sell millions of Mr. Eastman’s products designed to bring children into the world of snapshot photography.

Although virtually everyone has heard of the Brownie camera, few today remember the origins of the “Brownie” or the story of its creator, Palmer Cox.

Palmer Cox was a Canadian-born author and illustrator who became established in New York and California after a stint with the highly successful St. Nicholas Magazine during the 1880’s. The St. Nicholas illustrations helped launch Cox’s career, but it was his series of children’s books focused on the now famous “Brownies” which made him successful.

The first “Brownie” book was introduced in 1887. It was titled, “The Brownies, Their Book” and it was the first time American children saw this endearing little character.

It did not take long for this eccentric image with his wide eyes, spindly legs and cheeky, surprised expression to become established in the mythology of American children. Cox’s skill as an author and illustrator was soon superseded by his ability as an entrepreneur. Long before the day of Mickey Mouse and Ninja Turtles the “Brownie” and its spin-off products became a franchise for the author.

Through the several poems and series of illustrated books “Brownies” became tremendously popular and firmly established in the imaginations of millions of children worldwide. It was not long before a range of products was marketed. There were toy books, dolls, transfer-decorated china and dozens of other souvenirs.

As the character evolved in the books several Brownie personalities were developed, including historical figures, occupational roles and foreign stereotypes. Among the most popular were Uncle Sam, The Hotel Bellhop and the Policeman. Each of these personalities owed its expression and shape to the original Brownie, and that character was said to have been inspired by Scottish fairy tales.

Besides the books which are prized by collectors, there are literally dozens of Brownie collectibles. Some of these include cups and saucers with transfer decoration, lithographed tin boxes, plates, sheet music, ashtrays, crayons, games and napkin rings. Although some of these souvenirs are rarities and command prices of $100 or more, the typical price range is between $25 and $75. Many of the dolls and figurines command higher prices, due to strong demand.

If the spin-off souvenirs of the Brownie books were a success, they could not hold a candle to the potential for commercial exploitation in advertising endorsements. By the 1890’s Brownies were beginning to turn up in all sorts of advertising.

Manufacturers of games, toys and popular gimmicks used the Brownie to promote their products. Soon to follow were makers of food products, medicines, children’s clothing and shoes. Anyone who has successfully used images in our modern media for promotion and endorsement could take lessons from Palmer Cox. He literally wrote the book on product spinoffs and mass marketing to the large population of children.

By 1900 the best was yet to come. George Eastman was anxious to develop an inexpensive camera which would draw children into the world of snapshot photography. Ever the clever businessman, Eastman knew that a young photographer with a cheap, simple camera would grow to an adult buyer of more expensive and sophisticated equipment.

Eastman’s partner and designer Frank Brownell came up with the Brownie in 1900 and neither the trademark nor the world of cameras would ever be the same again.

The original Brownie camera was packaged in a colorful lithographed cardboard box featuring the quixotic Brownie character. Parents who had been buying their children Brownie books and toys for 20 years had a hard time dissuading another generation from snatching up these charmingly decorated boxes. And the bonus was that they contained an inexpensive camera.

Things could not have worked out better for Cox or Kodak. The name “Brownie” became synonymous with easy-to-use, inexpensive cameras for generations. All of Cox’s Brownie characters and products were thrust before the public in huge numbers. Unfortunately, the demand for Mr. Eastman’s cameras outlasted children’s interest in the Brownie character, which was soon displaced by more sophisticated and colorful personalities.

Kodaak continued to use the Brownie trademark until 1980 and if there is any consolation for fans of Mr. Cox, it is that his products, books, illustrations and toys are still in great demand with collectors and the Eastman Kodak company has kept the image of his little character in the American consciousness for 80 years.

Robert Croul, the NEWS antiques columnist, lives in Newburgh.