In 1930, Kodak gave a Brownie camera to every 12-year-old in the country. My mother turned 12 that year and got a camera, as did my stepfather. What was the occasion for that giveaway? Haven't checked Kodak history yet but will. Thanks. I'm sure someone knows.

-- Jeanie Crockett (JeanieCr@aol.com), June 14, 2000

Answers

Eastman Anniversary Camera

The occaision was 50 Years of Eastman Production. The camera is based on the Rainbow Hawk-Eye, so not really a Brownie at all. Why 12-year-olds were chosen is not well documented, but it was almost certainly designed to encourage the use of cameras (and hence Kodak film) by young people.

-- Chris Eve (kypfer@itl.net), June 15, 2000.