Have you ever stopped to wonder about the history behind the everyday items we use without a second thought? How did someone come up with the idea for a toothbrush or a CD? What about the origins of ballpoint pens or the zipper?
These items may seem mundane, but their histories are often more interesting – and more ridiculous – than you might think.
Based on the non-award winning podcast, The Stupid History Minute, we will explore the stupid history of some of the most common everyday items, from the absurd to the bizarre.
We will delve into the origins of items like the paperclip, which was invented by a Norwegian named Johan Vaaler in 1899, but which he failed to patent, leading to a lawsuit against the American company that did.
We will also explore the origins of items that have become essential parts of our daily routines, like the toothbrush. Did you know that the first toothbrush was made from hog bristles and was invented in China in the 15th century? Or that it wasn't until the 1930s that toothpaste was sold in tubes, making it easier to use and more convenient to store?
And what about the seemingly simple item we use to fasten our clothing: the button. Buttons have been used for thousands of years, but it wasn't until the 13th century that they became popular in Europe. Before that, people used laces, hooks, and even thorns to fasten their clothing.
We will also examine the origins of items that we take for granted, but which have had a significant impact on our lives, like the telephone. Did you know that the first successful telephone call was made by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876, and that he originally intended the device to be used to help deaf people communicate?
We will explore the history of the zipper, which was invented in 1891 by Whitcomb Judson as a solution to the time-consuming process of buttoning up boots. But it wasn't until the 1930s that zippers became popular in clothing, thanks to a marketing campaign that touted them as a fast, easy way to dress.
In this book, we will discover the stupid history behind these everyday items and more. From the accidental inventions to the bizarre origins, these stories are sure to entertain and enlighten. So, the next time you use lipstick or eat a pickle, take a moment to appreciate the silly and often ridiculous history behind it.
