Suddenly, Charles held the piece of rubber up high above his head and shouted, “I found the secret! Now I know the secret!” He looked at the men around him, his eyes burning. He began to dance around the store. Don’t you see? This is the secret!” – William F. Keefe, Rubberman The Charles Goodyear story
When I was a child I loved reading about inventions and scientists. I devoured stories about them found in our Childcraft encyclopedia set. Last month at a library by the ocean I found a complete set someone had abandoned. I opened the box and was assaulted by the smell of mildew–not surprising for this part of San Francisco.
Paging through them I was amazed at how many I remembered. The details came rushing back with a glance at an illustration. Like the creation of the sewing machine needle, “Elias exclaimed, ‘The dream gave me the answer! The hole has to be at the top!’” You won’t be surprised to learn I loved the story of the vulcanization of rubber.
Now, as an adult I admire the skill of the storytellers to pull me in with the imagery and excitement of discovery . . . → Read More: Remember when Americans Made Real Products Instead of Financial Products? Makers vs. Fakers
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