It is well known by now about Harvey Ball that he created the original Smiley Face back in 1963 in Worcester, Massachusetts.

He was born in Worcester in 1921 and came of age during the great depression. He demonstrated an artist’s eye early on and decided on a career using his artistic talents. After graduating from high school he enrolled in the Worcester Art Museum School. However, World War II intervened so he enlisted in the army. He saw heavy combat in the Pacific and was awarded a Bronze star for heroism during the Battle of Okinawa. He continued to serve his country after the war in the National Guard, ultimately retiring as with the rank of Brigadier General.

In the immediate post-war years Harvey returned to Worcester and worked for a couple of different advertising agencies before striking out on his own in 1959, opening Harvey Ball Art & Advertising in downtown Worcester.

Among his clients was State Mutual Life Assurance Company of America, whose headquarters were in Worcester. In 1963, the company was experiencing morale problems as it grew, and decided on an in-house campaign to improve morale. The company contacted Harvey to create a symbol for the campaign and Smiley was born.

The smiley face pins that were printed and handed out were a huge success, resulting in requests for them from State Mutual agents around the country. Eventually hundreds of thousands of smiley pins were made and handed out by State Mutual during the 1960’s.

The Harvey Ball Smiley Face became its own industry, showing up on mugs, t-shirts and all sorts of other novelty items. Indeed, today it is considered to the one international symbol of good will and good cheer.

In 1999 Harvey Ball created World Smile Day® - or his “other really good idea” as he called it. It is observed on the 1st Friday in October and is dedicated to good cheer and good works. The catch phrase for the day is “Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile.” Harvey passed on in 2001.

Today World Smile Day® is officially sponsored by Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation which was created after Harvey’s death to honor his name and legacy.