Earmuff Capital Of The World

Earmuff Capital Of The World, It’s not surprising that someone living in a cold climate would invent earmuffs. But, what might be a shock to most is that the inventor was a 15-year old grammar school drop-out. Born in Farmington, Maine in 1858, a kid inventor named Chester Greenwood was frustrated at how cold his ears were when he was out ice skating. He tried his scarf as protection but that didn’t work. It was too bulky. So he formed two loops of wire and his grandmother sewed fur on them. A steel band kept them in place and he was able to patent a perfected model in 1873. Young Chester Greenwood made himself a fortunte selling what he called Champion Ear Protectors. He even established his own factory. The world’s first ear muffs were especially common among soldiers in WWI. But Greenwood wasn’t done. He patented 100 more inventions in his life including the steel-tooth rake issued in December of 1936. The Smithsonian Institution named Greenwood one of America’s most outstanding inventors naming a field of only 15. And that is how Farmington, Maine became the earmuff capital of the world. Chester’s ingenuity is celebrated on his birthday every year with a parade of–what else?–giant earmuffs.

Chester Greenwood

Chester Greenwood, Chester Greenwood (1858-1937) of Farmington, Maine invented the earmuff in 1873, at the age of 15. He reportedly came up with the idea while ice skating, and had his grandmother sew tufts of fur between loops of wire. His patent was for improved ear protectors. He manufactured these ear protectors, providing jobs for people in the Farmington area, for nearly 60 years.

Chester also patented a tea kettle, a steel tooth rake, an advertising matchbox, and a machine used in producing wooden spools for wire and thread. He invented, but did not patent an umbrella holder for mail carriers. He no doubt invented many other items, but only patented the above mentioned items.

In addition to being an inventor, Greenwood was the owner of a bicycle business, a business involving an improved heating system and was involved in the introduction of one of the first telephone systems in Farmington.

In 1977 the State of Maine declared December 21 to be Chester Greenwood Day. Farmington continues to celebrate “Chester Greenwood Day” with a parade on the first Saturday of December.

In addition to his inventions, he was an accomplished machinist, an active member of the community, a business developer, a member of the Unitarian Church and a family man. His wife Isabel was a staunch supporter of Women’s Suffrage. He and Isabel were parents of four children.