National Paperclip Day

A cheerful person, wearing a business suit, surrounded by colorful paperclips, in an organized office setting.. — National paperclip day illustration

Welcome to National Paperclip Day! Get ready for a day filled with the exhilarating world of office supplies. It's time to give some much-deserved appreciation to those faithful little clips that keep our papers organized and our lives in order. So, prepare to let your inner stationery enthusiast loose as we dive into the fascinating history of the humble paperclip.

When is Paperclip Day?

It's national paperclip day on the 29th May.

A Brief History of the Paperclip

Before we embark on this riveting journey through time, let's take a moment to appreciate the sheer brilliance of the paperclip. Its simple design and functionality have made it a staple in every office and home. But have you ever wondered about its origins? Brace yourself, because we're about to go on a wild ride!

The first recorded evidence of a paperclip-like device dates back to the early 19th century. However, it wasn't until Johan Vaaler, a Norwegian inventor, patented his paperclip design in 1899 that the iconic bent-wire form we know and love today began to take shape.

Over the years, the paperclip has been reinvented and reimagined by numerous inventors, each adding their own twist to this essential tool. From colorful plastic variations to the quirky-shaped ones that make us smile, there's a paperclip for every personality.

Celebrating National Paperclip Day

So how do we honor this remarkable creation? Well, National Paperclip Day is the perfect opportunity to let your creativity shine. Why not organize a paperclip sculpture competition? Challenge your friends or colleagues to build the most impressive masterpiece using only paperclips. The sky's the limit!

Another way to celebrate is to share your paperclip hacks and tricks on social media. Did you know that paperclips can be repurposed as emergency earrings or used as makeshift zipper pulls? It's time to share your knowledge and get people buzzing about the amazing versatility of these little heroes!

Did You Know?

Did you know that paperclips played a crucial role during World War II? Resistance groups used paperclips to fasten documents, enabling them to transmit vital information undercover. It's incredible how such a small object can make a big impact!

History behind the term 'Paperclip'

1867

Invention of the Gem Paper Clip

The paperclip's history begins in 1867 when Norwegian Johan Vaaler invented the Gem paper clip. However, despite popular belief, Vaaler's design was not the one that became the standard paperclip we know today. His design had rounder edges and lacked the familiar indentations.

1899

Patent for the 'Gem' Paper Clip

In 1899, a patent was filed in the United States by William Middlebrook for a paper clip he called the 'Gem.' Middlebrook improved upon Vaaler's design by adding the iconic oblong shape and the two-indent feature. This design became widely popular and laid the foundation for future paperclip variations.

1901

Mass Production of the Paperclip

The widespread adoption of the 'Gem' paper clip began in 1901 when Cushman & Denison, a manufacturing firm from Connecticut, started mass-producing these handy stationery items. Their affordable price and practicality made them a staple in offices and households worldwide.

1934

Introduction of the Ideal Paper Clip

In 1934, the Ideal paper clip was introduced to the market by an American company called the Paper Clip Company. This design featured oval-shaped wire with pointed ends, providing improved holding power and preventing papers from slipping off. The Ideal paper clip became a major competitor to the 'Gem' style in the following decades.

1989

Paperclip as a Symbol for Microsoft Office Assistant

In 1989, the paperclip gained a new cultural significance through Microsoft Office. The release of Microsoft Office 97 introduced the virtual assistant named Clippit, or more famously known as the 'Clippy' paperclip. Despite its initial popularity, Clippy faced mixed reviews and was eventually removed from future versions of Microsoft Office.

Present

Evolution and Ubiquity

Today, the paperclip remains one of the most recognizable and widely used office supplies around the world. Its simplicity, versatility, and ability to keep papers organized have ensured its enduring popularity. Beyond its practicality, the paperclip has also become a symbol of unity and solidarity in various contexts, representing the power of simple tools to connect and hold things together.