Brand History
The History of an Iconic Brand
The Esterbrook Pen Company was a true American Original.
For one hundred years Esterbrook was the pride of Camden, NJ.
In 1858, entrepreneur Richard Esterbrook established his pen company under the trademark Esterbrook Pen Company, which would soon become one of the biggest and most beloved pen makers in the world. At its height, Esterbrook was the largest pen manufacturer in the United States employing 600 workers.
Much of America’s history has been written and created with Esterbrook pens. U.S. presidents Abraham Lincoln and Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation with their Esterbrook pens. John F. Kennedy called for our nation to literally reach for the stars, signing documents that promised to land a man on the moon and bring him safely back to earth.
Famous Disney artist Carl Banks brought Donald Duck to life with an Esterbrook No 356. Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz used the No 914 for all his comics. All the while millions of students grew up learning to write using Esterbrook pens. It is fair to say that these visionaries, and artists, helped Esterbrook to become an integrated part of America’s politics and culture in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Esterbrook & Kenro
Today, the Esterbrook brand lives on 120 miles north of its original home, at Kenro headquarters in Mineola, NY, where its storied past will forever be a part of its promising future.
We champion the same tenets Richard Esterbrook did, facing the future with the determination and tenacity of those before us.
Accordingly, Esterbrook stands for what it always has: entrepreneurial spirit, outstanding quality at a great value, and creative designs that made the original Esterbrook brand an American icon and global player. Times may be different, but core values remain deep in our DNA.
Our goal is for Esterbrook to tap into the increasing demand of long-time collectors while growing a demographic of new pen enthusiasts looking for well- made, quality items with history and authentic stories. We are championing the Esterbrook brand to reconnect with consumers, rebuild an interest in fine writing and penmanship, revolt against the decline of handwriting in elementary schools and revive the values and spirit of Richard Esterbrook for the 21st century.
It’s a pledge to our admirers and enthusiasts: as they persist, so do we.