Back in 1873, a 15-year-old named Chester Greenwood crafted what would become his first rough version of earmuffs. This single invention turned out to be his greatest commercial triumph, bringing him both considerable wealth and widespread recognition. The official patent for earmuffs was granted on March 13, 1877.
Born in 1858 to Zina and Emily (Fellows) Greenwood, Chester grew up in the cold-weather community of Farmington, Maine. As a teenager, he was passionate about ice skating, yet he found that woolen scarves simply couldn't keep his ears warm enough. Fed up with the inadequacy of wool scarves, he decided to come up with something better. One December day, after enduring a freezing ice-skating outing, he bent two pieces of wire into loops shaped like ears. He brought these to his grandmother, who wove beaver fur onto them, fashioning rudimentary ear coverings he could wear for warmth. The early version showed promise, though it clearly needed some refinement. Greenwood connected the two loops with a steel band to hold them in place, and he lined the inside of the mufflers with black velvet for extra comfort.
The earmuffs that Greenwood dreamed up didn't just become a commercial hit — they played a vital role in shielding American military forces from brutal cold during World War 1. By keeping soldiers warmer and more comfortable, his invention proved to be a genuine lifesaver, cementing its importance far beyond casual use. This success led Greenwood to set up a manufacturing plant right in Farmington, where production scaled up dramatically over the years. His factory was turning out 30,000 pairs of earmuffs per year by 1883, and that number skyrocketed to more than 400,000 units annually by 1936.
Earmuffs were far from Greenwood's only contribution to everyday life. He also created steel-toothed rakes and heating solutions, amassing over 100 patents throughout his career. Though he passed away in 1937, his signature invention — the earmuff — went on to leave a lasting mark around the world. Each year, on the first Saturday of December, the town of Farmington honors his memory with a celebration known as 'Chester Greenwood Day. Greenwood's journey is a powerful reminder that even the most straightforward inventions can reshape entire industries and enhance the way we live. His is a legacy that resonates with everyone.