Queen of Hats

Fox Fur Earmuffs

We would like to share some very important news: December 21 is Chester Greenwood Day.

We take great pride in celebrating Chester for his clever invention of the “earmuff.” As a young boy of 15, Chester made this very useful invention in 1873 in Farmington, Maine. Each year the Town of Farmington honors their home town inventor, and this is the 33rd year that they have done so. The celebration this year was the largest parade ever down the main Street in Farmington.

In 1977, the Maine legislature passed the following statute:
December 21st of each year shall be designated as Chester Greenwood Day and the Governor shall annually issue a proclamation inviting and urging the people of the State of Maine to observe this day in suitable places with appropriate ceremony and activity. Chester Greenwood Day shall commemorate and honor Chester Greenwood, whose inventive genius and native ability, which contributed much to the enjoyment of Maine’s winter season, marked him as one of Maine’s outstanding citizens. [1977, c. 262 (new).]

This is important stuff here in Maine, and we all owe Chester a great deal for saving our ears from frostbite. Chester is ranked by the Smithsonian Institution as one of America’s 15 outstanding inventors. More information about Chester and his earmuff invention is available at www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/earmuff.htm