March 13 - National Earmuff Day

Happy National Earmuff Day! On March 13th, today recognizes the creation of the protection that keeps our ears warm. The annual celebration highlights the history of the fun and innovative invention each year. 

If you live in a cold climate like Chester Greenwood did, and had large, protruding ears, like Greenwood did, you might be thankful for his invention. National Earmuff Day honors the man who found a better way to keep our ears warm all winter long. 

After a day of ice skating in the cold, fifteen-year-old Greenwood came up with an idea to keep his big ears warm. Partnering with his grandmother who sewed tufts of fur between loops of wire, Chester soon had a working model. 

Farmington, Maine, where Greenwood was born, is now the “Earmuff Capital of the World”. 

On March 13, 1877, Greenwood was awarded a patent for his new creation. It was one of many would earn. Greenwood was a prolific inventor, but the invention he is most known for is the earmuff.  

He reportedly came up with the idea while ice skating and he asked his grandmother to sew tufts of fur between loops of wire. His patent was for improved ear protectors. 

For almost sixty years, Greenwood manufactured these ear protectors, which provided jobs for the people in the Farmington, Maine area. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Wear your favorite earmuffs and pick up a new pair. Give a pair to a friend or family member as a gift. Or, donate several to a shelter near you. 

Even with spring approaching, earmuffs will still come in handy. Be sure to use #NationalEarmuffDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

The origin of this day honors Chester Greenwood. However, the research by National Day Calendar® remains somewhat muffled on the creator of the day. 

#NationalEarmuffDay
@LLBean 

@nichecinema