science · 29 May 1885 · 139 years ago
In 1885, Jan Matzeliger gave a public demonstration in Lynn, Massachussets, of his newly-invented machine's ability to mass-produce shoes, and replace the tedious hand work previously required to attach the sole to the upper of a shoe. On this day, it is said he produced 75 pairs of women's shoes under factory conditions, many more than was possible by hand workers. His first patent on his shoe-lasting invention was issued on 20 Mar 1883 (U.S. No 274,207). With investors, his production model, was quickly adopted by and revolutionized the shoe industry.
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