Chester Greenwood, Age 15 (Continued)
Chester Greenwood is credited with the invention of earmuffs, or ear protectors as he called them. Although other people may have created a similar item, Chester’s invention became world famous.
Chester originally created ear protectors for himself so he could ice skate outdoors during below zero weather, without his ears freezing. His first pair consisted of stringing a wire through a pair of socks. Not only didn’t it work but his friends laughed and teased him. After several attempts, and sewing help from his grandmother, to perfect his invention, Chester had the last laugh. He could continue skating while his friends had to go indoors to warm their ears.
At age 16, Chester began manufacturing his ear protectors. Nothing of the kind had been invented previously, so they were an instant success.
At age 17, Chester improved his invention by adding a flat steel headband.
At age 19, in 1877, Chester patented his invention.
While in his 20’s, Chester created Greenwood’s Ear Protector Factory. He then improved his invention by adding tiny hinges that made the ear protectors adjustable and able to be folded and conveniently stored in ones’ pocket
There was a time when he employed one quarter of Farmington’s population. At the height of production, 400,000 sets, mostly black, were shipped across the country and around the world. Special khaki ear protectors were made for American soldiers during World War I. The town became known as the Earmuff Capital of the World.
Chester ran his ear protector factory for nearly 60 years. He died at age 79.
Although the ear protector may not be Chester’s most significant invention, it was his first big idea and the one for which he is most remembered.
In 1977, on the 100th anniversary of Chester’s ear protector patent, Maine’s legislature earmarked December 21 (the first day of winter) as Chester Greenwood Day. It is now celebrated the first Saturday in December. Villagers, the Mayor, and animals parade down Main Street wearing earmuffs honoring Chester Greenwood.
(Farmington, Maine: 1873)