July 14, 1868

On July 14, 1868, Alvin J. Fellows of New Haven, Connecticut, patented the spring-click tape measure. This is the one that with a push of a button will return the measuring length back into a circular case. It was recommended that Fellows make two separate types of tape measures. One for men and one for women. The one for women would show what an actual inch was. Carpenters quickly vetoed that idea, as they needed accurate measurements when building houses.

About Joel Byers

Born in North Georgia and educated at some very fine public institutions. Real education started after graduating from college and then getting married and raising two boys. Has the ability to see the funny and absurd in most things and will always remark on it, even if it means getting the stink-eye from his victims.
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