Chicago engineer Whitcomb Judson
patented the first zipper in
1893 and exhibited it at the
Chicago World's Fair that year.
However, the new invention
didn't catch on (so to speak) until
B.F. Goodrich put zippers on his
product - rubber galoshes.
Goodrich also coined the term:
Until then, zippers had been known
only as "hookless fasteners."
For more fun trivia check out the book "The United States of Trivia"
by William MacKay and Maureen Slattery
The zipper seems like an incredibly handy thing and is definitely abundant with clothing these days.
Lisa Von Domek
Dallas, TX
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Minot, ND
Thank you Endre Barath, Jr. I agree...a little fun historical trivia that both James Dray likes and that Wayne Martin will like!
I agree Sally K. & David L. Hanson I love fun trivia and history...this one is right up James Dray's and Wayne Martin's alley(s)!
James Dray and you know how much I love your daily historical posts and Wayne's daily trivia challenges!
Cute and clever comment as always Bob Ratliff I hope your week is zippy too! 
So true William Feela many products began their life as one thing and ended being used for a whole different purpose!
Yes Sheila Anderson so true...everyone is not always on board with the same idea(s)...and that can lead to, let's say "difficulties"...LOL
So glad that we have zippers Brian England I would hate for every piece of clothing to only have buttons!
Brian England
Gilbert, AZ
Hello Lisa- - -it's true I really do learn something new on ActiveRain everyday. Now will I remember it? Hmm
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX
Lisa Von Domek
Dallas, TX
Lisa Von Domek - Who knew? I know I didn't! Where would we be today, if there were no ZIPPERS! Also, I like ZIPPERS better than hookless fasteners. Boy! the things we take for granted. And to think, it all started BEFORE Google Searches and the INTERNET!
Lisa Von Domek
Dallas, TX
Well, if that's not FASTEN-ating, Lisa!
Seriously, I had no idea about that and as others have mentioned, I'm sure James Dray & Wayne Martin would be proud of you sharing this moment in historical trivia! Ha!
Lisa Von Domek
Dallas, TX
We should also never forget Eric Von Zipper from the beach party movies. I know that shows my age.
Lisa Von Domek
Dallas, TX
Lisa thank God for zippers I would hate to deal with buttons when I have to go in a hurry
Lisa Von Domek
Dallas, TX
Uh-oh Joe Pryor I know you have a (couple) of years on me...I'll have to ask my husband for the reference 
First on rubber galoshes. Interesting! Thanks for the little tidbit now in my brain for trivia night ;-) Kasey
Lisa Von Domek
Dallas, TX
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