"...the inventor of the first zipper, Whitcomb L. Judson, did his experimentation right here in the Windy City and in 1891 invented a device called the zipper.

Actually, the first zipper was a very crude invention, conceived by this portly fella called Judson who found he could no longer bend over to tie his shoes. What he came up with was a device that held together some crude hooks and eyes - a very awkward contraption.

Whitcomb's idea lay idle for many years while other more enterprising meddlers tinkered to make the device work better..."


The Daily Herald
Chicago, Illiniois
May 19, 1975

Learn more about the life of      Whitcomb L JUDSON.

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