Chester Greenwood invented his first prototype of earmuffs in 1873 at the age of 15. The earmuff became his most successful product, making him a well-known figure and quite wealthy. Earmuffs were officially patented on March 13, 1877.

Chester Greenwood was born in 1858 as the son of Zina and Emily (Fellows) Greenwood in the wintry Farmington, Maine community. During his teenage years, he liked ice skating, but woolen scarves did not provide enough warmth for his ears. Frustrated by ineffective wool scarves, Greenwood sought a better way to warm his ears. On that December day following a freezing ice-skating session, he transformed two wireframe pieces into ear-like loops. He then requested that his grandmother weave beaver fur onto the loops to create basic ear coverings that he could wear over his ears to stay warm. Although it needed modification, this initial iteration appeared to be effective. To secure the two loops together, Greenwood added a steel band. For added comfort, he used black velvet to cover the interior of the mufflers.

Greenwood’s innovative earmuffs gained popularity and served a crucial role in protecting American military forces from the harsh cold during World War 1. This practical application of his invention saved lives and improved the soldiers’ comfort, further solidifying its significance. As a result, Greenwood established a manufacturing plant in Farmington, which produced thousands of products annually. By 1883, his factory produced 30,000 pairs of earmuffs yearly, which increased to over 400,000 units annually by 1936.

Greenwood’s contributions to everyday life extended beyond earmuffs. He developed steel-toothed rakes and heating solutions, securing over 100 patents in his lifetime. Despite his passing in 1937, his most successful invention, the earmuffs, continued to make a global impact. The town of Farmington celebrates his legacy annually on the first Saturday of December, known as ‘Chester Greenwood Day. Greenwood’s story showcases how even the simplest inventions can profoundly impact industries and improve our daily lives. His legacy is one that all appreciate.