Safety Pin Trivia

The origin of the safety pin dates back to the Mycenaeans in the 14^th century BC when it was a type of decorative brooch called a “fibula.”  (Huh?  Isn’t that a bone in the leg?)

Among successive cultures, designs on fibulae were symbolic, especially in regard to status or profession.  Some Roman fibulae designs represented ranks in the Roman legion.  Sometimes the pins were worn in pairs and linked with a chain.

The modern-day safety pin was the brainchild of Walter Hunt, who decided to invent something new in order to make money pay off a $15 debt to a friend.  On April 10, 1849, Hunt was granted US patent #6,281 for his safety pin made from a piece of wire coiled into a spring at one end with a separate clasp and point at the other end.  He sold the rights to the patent for $400, paid his friend back, and had $385 to spare.  Then he watched his latest brainstorm go on to become a million dollar moneymaker for someone else.

A confession: I am woefully dependent on safety pins.  I’d rather pin a raveled hem than sew it.  A long row of safety pins currently holds up the sagging bed skirt in our guest bedroom.  (This is sort of a sad reality, I know, but until now I don’t think anyone knew or cared but me.)

I’ve discovered many novel uses for good old modern safety pins, my most recent being shoe repair.  Note the picture below displaying creative applications to my old walking shoes with gaping split seams.  Thank you, safety pins! No more cold air vents.  No more wet socks from invading snow (yes, we still have snow in Michigan in March). Very nice.