In 1888, George S. Parker built —not a better mouse trap— but a better fountain pen, and the world did not have time to beat a path to his door, because he moved first. That is to say, he packed his bag, took train and ship and airplane (or horse and droshky, as the case and time required) and eventually advertised in 91 countries. Betimes, he also burned a good bit of midnight oil.

Being gifted with rare inventive genius, as shown by the “Milestones” on page 4, he managed by dint of industry and enterprise, and the help of his ever-growing family of associates, to build the largest fountain pen business in the work. Factories in the United States and Canada, offices and service departments in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, London, England, Janesville. Wisconsin, and Toronto, Ontario.

From obscurity to fame that crossed all borders of all lands and all seas, of all races and all creeds. just as Mr. Parker traversed them in person from time to time, entering the hearts of men, even in strange and not too friendly lands. In 1937 he died—known far and wide for his hearty philanthropies, his fine and sympathetic philosophies, hut most of all for his gifted creations in the writing art. The Iowa farm boy who shot an Arrow of Inspiration in Time and Space, which, after more than half a century, still flies on across the years. —an unfailing ambassador of good will. even where diplomacy may falter.

Not only the mantle, but the industry, creative and executive ability of the late George S. Parker was passed on from father to son —passed to Kenneth Parker, who now heads an enterprise that came to him both great and famous—and that he is making even greater as he moves it forward with the times.

Aside from teaching acrobatic flying in the United States Navy, the Parker Pen Company is the only business that Kenneth Parker has ever known. And he has “lived” the pen business. Mr. Parker was born with an inordinate endowment of faith and vision.

It was his faith in the Parker Duofold when he was only 28 which persuaded the company to back it with millions of dollars, his belief in the importance of the retailer which later brought about liberalized discounts. his “discovery” of the Vacumatic which revolutionized the pen industry, his vision which dreamed of a plant in Canada, a great British company in London, a world-wide ink business, and year-round pen displays, pen advertising. and pen selling. And his was the idea of a trained developmental department free to, yes, bound to, explore, create, and perfect.

As his father did, he keeps his door open to employees and retailers. And many enter there—not leaving hope behind —but bringing it in and taking realization away. Your call, too, would be as welcome. Why not consider such a visit?