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He is most famous for winning an Olympic gold medal in 1908 and inventing the Erector Set five years later.
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Gilbert was as much an inventor as an entrepreneur. When he died in 1961, he held more than 150 patents.
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Gilbert, on behalf of the Toy Manufacturers of America, was asked to make a presentation at a hearing in Washington, D.C., before the council in the private office of the Secretary of the Navy.
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The Boston Post recounted the hearing in an article published Oct. 25, 1918, labeling Gilbert as “The Man Who Saved Christmas.”
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A.C. Gilbert, famous for Olympic gold medal and Erector Set, also saved Christmas
Salem native A.C. Gilbert is famous for winning an Olympic gold medal and inventing the Erector Set. But he also saved Christmas during World War I.
www.statesmanjournal.com