Chester Greenwood

Early Life and Interest in Inventing

Chester Greenwood was an American inventor who was best known for inventing the earmuff, a device that covers the ears to protect from cold. He patented his design in 1877 when he was only 19 years old. Although he invented other devices, none became as popular as the earmuff.

Greenwood was born in Farmington, Maine to a farming family. He dropped out of school at the age of 10 to help his father on the family farm. He showcased an early interest in inventing when he started making his own toys and tools. He also enjoyed skating and sledding in the winter but suffered from cold ears.

The Invention of the Earmuff

One fine day in 1873, he asked his grandmother to sew tufts of fur between loops of wire that he had shaped to fit his ears. He found this device kept his ears warm and comfortable. He applied for and received his patent for his earmuffs in 1877 at the age of 19, making him one of the youngest inventors to receive a U.S. patent.

Building the Earmuff Business

Chester Greenwood started a small factory in Farmington to produce his earmuffs where he hired local women to sew the earpieces and hired men to make the metal bands. Greenwood’s business grew at a steady pace. By 1883, he was producing 30,000 pairs of earmuffs. That number grew to 400,000 by the year 1936. His factory employed over 100 workers, making it one of the largest employers in Farmington. His earmuffs became so popular across the globe that they were used by soldiers during World War I and World War II as well as by explorers in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Involvement in Civic Affairs

Apart from being an inventor, Greenwood was also actively involved in civic affairs and contributed to the development of Farmington. He also invested in infrastructure which benefitted the town’s growth and modernization.

Death and Legacy

Greenwood passed away in 1937 at the age of 78 and was buried in Riverside Cemetery in Farmington. In recognition of his contributions, Farmington celebrates “Chester Greenwood Day” every December to honor his legacy.