Early Life and Education

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.

Career

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.

Personal Life

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.