How A Letter From A Worried 1940s Mom To FDR Led To The Invention Of Duct Tape
During World War II, Vesta Staudt, a mother and factory worker, came up with a brilliant idea that has remained a cultural icon to this day
A popular old saying is that necessity is the mother of invention. It can also be said that concerned mothers are the origins of innovation. Such was the case for Vesta Staudt, a mother of two sons serving in the Navy during World War II, who became concerned over something she saw during her efforts in supporting the war effort. A suggestion she sent to U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was so impactful that it ended up being the origins for the extremely popular duct tape.
The silver, ultra sticky and strong duct tape, which is coated with polyethylene, is one of the most recognizable products in the world. Touted as being capable of doing everything from sealing a box to holding a rickety car together, it is truly a staple in everyday life.
Given the success and utility of duct tape, one might think that it was spawned by scientists. To the contrary, a mother working in a war factory saw what she saw as a need. Not content to be quiet, she shared her idea with FDR and quickly saw it come to fruition — — and an everlasting…
