Entrepreneurs & Inventors

Candy Corn–Read Its Story

Candy corn is to Halloween what the candy cane is to Christmas. We may not dream of eating either of them, but each is the... continue »

Howard Johnson: Host of the Highway

Restaurateur Howard Johnson made a name for himself by building a chain of roadside restaurants and motor lodges throughout the country. Johnson emphasized quality control... continue »

Admiral Richard Byrd’s Dog, Igloo

Admiral Richard E. Byrd with Igloo, his Pet Wire Fox Terrier, Portrait, circa 1920's. (Photo by: Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty... continue »

Walter Knott: Farmer and Theme Park Pioneer

Walter Knott (1889-1981) is best remembered for creating Knott’s Berry Farm, now a popular amusement park. He deserves to be remembered for many more contributions... continue »

First Rearview Mirror Marketed as “Cop-spotter”

The first widely distributed rearview mirror for automobiles was sold as the “Cop-spotter” by a fellow... continue »

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Its Origin

Today Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is the star of a popular holiday television special and a live stage show. The song, based on the story,... continue »

X-Ray Shoe-Fitting Machine

The X-ray shoe-fitting machine (fluoroscope) was a common fixture in American shoe stores during the 1930s-50s. In ads, the machines were touted as a new... continue »

The Service Dog and the Professor

When chemistry students at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California, enter their classroom with big smiles, one might presume their faces represent their enthusiasm for... continue »

Buster Brown Shoes and Mary Janes

“I'm Buster Brown, and I live in a shoe. That's my dog, Tige, and he lives there, too,” went the jingle for Buster Brown shoes.... continue »

The Wheelchair: Who Thought Of It?

Wheelchairs today offer a very high level of independence and mobility to people who cannot walk because of injury or disability. When and how did... continue »

Lionel Barrymore: Actor Opened Door for People with Disabilities

Lionel Barrymore had a long and successful acting career. From the silent era through the early 1950s, he primarily played character roles in films. Barrymore... continue »

Baseball Catcher’s Mask: How It Was Invented

The baseball catcher's mask is a fundamental piece of equipment in the game. The catcher is positioned behind home plate... continue »

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