Every day, we interact with countless objects without giving them a second thought. Yet, behind many of these ordinary items is a fascinating story that reveals their unexpected origins and transformations over time. Here, we uncover the hidden histories of five such objects, providing a window into the past and a fresh perspective on the familiar.
Take, for instance, the humble tea bag. In the early 20th century, tea was typically brewed in loose form. It wasn’t until American tea merchant Thomas Sullivan decided to send samples to customers in silk pouches that the concept of the tea bag was born. Unwittingly, Sullivan's customers dunked the entire pouch into hot water, finding it a convenient way to brew tea. This accidental innovation led to the mass production of tea bags, which now dominate the industry worldwide.
Moving on to the paperclip—a staple (no pun intended) of office supplies. While countless inventors vied to perfect the paperclip design in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the design that stands the test of time is attributed to a Norwegian inventor named Johan Vaaler. Interestingly, Vaaler’s design wasn't very effective initially due to its simple structure. However, it was the involvement of the Gem Manufacturing Company that molded the paperclip into the double-loop design we recognize today. Despite Vaaler’s early challenges, he is frequently credited due to his patent, holding a notable place in paperclip lore.
Consider the zipper next—a ubiquitous fastener with a dramatic backstory. Originally conceived by Elias Howe, who also invented the sewing machine, the zipper's full potential went unsung since its launch in 1851. It wasn’t until Whitcomb Judson patented what he called a "clasp locker" in 1893 that the concept started gaining traction. However, it was Gideon Sundback, a Swedish-American engineer, who truly perfected the zipper in the early 20th century. With his "Separable Fastener" in 1913, Sundback's meticulous improvements on interlocking teeth meant the zipper could handle wear and tear efficiently, forever changing the garment industry.
Bubbles within the plastic sheets known as bubble wrap are an iconic stress-reliever today, but their invention was never intended to soothe minds or protect fragile goods. In fact, during the late 1950s, inventors Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes initially envisaged bubble wrap to be used as textured wallpaper! When this unique invention failed to catch on, the innovative duo pivoted to using it as greenhouse insulation, which again saw little success initially. Only after IBM adopted bubble wrap to protect computers during shipping did it become a packaging staple that we are accustomed to seeing today.
Lastly, consider the ATM, a machine so essential that society would struggle to function without it. Surprisingly, the first versions of this "cash dispenser" were initially dubbed failures. The honor of the first working ATM goes to John Shepherd-Barron in 1967, operating in London under a Barclay’s Bank. Each user had to insert single-use tokens to withdraw cash, a far cry from today’s PIN system. Over time, these automated tellers evolved beyond just dispensing cash to offering complex banking services, thanks mostly to technological advances spearheaded in the decades following their inception.
Understanding these everyday items’ pasts showcases humanity’s knack for innovation, adaptation, and the element of serendipity. Much like stumbling upon a piece of hidden trivia, these stories remind us to appreciate the layers of history wrapped up in objects simple in appearance but rich in legacy.
The Surprising History of Everyday Objects You Might Not Know
