Locks are one of those items we use every day without thinking about it. Of course, they’re useless without keys to open them. Naturally, the histories of locks and keys are intertwined. These combined histories go back to Ancient times yet remain unfinished. As technology advances, locks and keys continue to be transformed. Even soContinue reading “Keys and Locks: A History”
Category Archives: Objects
Who invented the electric fan?
It is hot outside, your air conditioner is broken, and you desperately need to cool down. You drink ice water and take a cool shower, but it doesn’t last. Finally, you find an electric fan in the back of your closet. True, it’s not air conditioning but the fan keeps you cool for the restContinue reading “Who invented the electric fan?”
How did we get glass windows?
Windows are very useful. With them, we can check on the weather or enjoy a bit of nature without even leaving the house. Windows can be stylish, energy-efficient, clear, or coloured. At first glance, most windows seem extremely simple, but the history of windows is not as transparent as It first appears. BEGINNING The EnglishContinue reading “How did we get glass windows?”
Flip-flop history
Every spring as the weather turns warm the heavy winter boots get put away and the flip-flops come out. The simple joy of having bare toes is a thrill after a long Canadian winter. The plain little shoes have a simple design and can found practically everywhere, but how did we get them in the firstContinue reading “Flip-flop history”
History of crochet
Crochet is unique. It’s similar to knitting but uses one hook instead of multiple needles to create doilies, blankets, scarves and so on. Good quality wool isn’t hard to come by nowadays and hooks are easy to find. Since people are spending more time at home these days, crochet is having a bit of aContinue reading “History of crochet”
The history behind the hoodie
Do you ever look at something and feel like it’s always been there? You can’t imagine that item not existing. It’s just so common, so normal! For me, that thing is a hoodie. I thought a hoodie was just a sweater. However, there is a lot more to it than that. Hoodies are tied intoContinue reading “The history behind the hoodie”
History of pencils
More often than not, writing today is done electronically. Yet, the humble pencil lives on. This simple writing tool has a complex history that spans countries and thrived even through war. Pencils are commonly found in schools, homes and artist studios. They are very diverse including different types of pencils for different needs such asContinue reading “History of pencils”
How did we get beds?
Today beds come in various sizes and materials. However, beds didn’t always exist. Someone had to make one before the innovations could begin. The innovations that would bring modern beds into our homes. So, how did we get the cozy beds we know today? THE EARLIEST KNOWN BED While an inventor cannot be named, peopleContinue reading “How did we get beds?”
Who invented whiteboards?
Nowadays whiteboards (or dry erase boards) are common. The boards have several uses. They are used to take notes, teach in classrooms or sometimes as calendars. Yet, these useful boards did not always exist. So, who invented whiteboards and how did they become the well-known tool that we have today? BEFORE WHITEBOARDS Before the inventionContinue reading “Who invented whiteboards?”
History of Pillows
Pillows can be found in practically every home. Even if you don’t sleep with a pillow, there are likely decorative cushions somewhere in your home. I use pillows all the time. However, the fluffy pillows we all know and love weren’t always around. In fact, I’m not sure we’d agree to call the first pillows,Continue reading “History of Pillows”
Ever Wondered...? 