Invented the earmuff

CHESTER GREENWOOD

Chester Greenwood born in Farmington, Maine on Dec 4, 1858 and died on July 5, 1937, invented the earmuff in 1873 at the young of age of 15. His invention is an important contribution to cold weather protection.

He reportedly came up with the idea while iceskating. His ears were cold. He tried keeping them warm by tying his scarf around his head, but it was too bulky and itchy. Then, he had a eureka moment and knew exactly what to do to solve the problem. When he got home he asked his grandmother to sew up his design. 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 Greenwood called his new invention the Champion Ear Protector and started a factory to manufacture his invention. Later, the name was changed from ear protector to earmuffs. During World War I he made a lot of money selling earmuffs to American soldiers. Chester went on to invent many other things.

He also patented a tea kettle, a variation of the steel-toothed rake, an advertising matchbox, and a machine used to produce wooden spools for wire and thread.

He invented, but did not patent, an umbrella holder for mail carriers. The total number of patents Greenwood held seems to be contested: Some claim only a handful, while others claim over 100. The memory of the latter helps boost Greenwood’s historical legacy.

In addition to being an inventor, he was the owner of a bicycle business and a business involving an improved heating system. He also introduced one of the first telephone systems in Farmington.

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 supporter of woman suffrage. He and Isabel were parents of four children.

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

Mar 13 is Earmuff Day in the United States. It was on this day in 1877 when Chester Greenwood was awarded a patent for his invention of earmuffs.

Today earmuffs come in many different styles. His hometown is very proud of Chester. In 1977, the town declared the first day of winter, Dec 21, Chester Greenwood Day.