Amusing children
On June 27, 1871, the Patent Office granted Sarah E. Saul’s patent for an improvement in seesaws. In her application, she states that “my invention has relation...
Batter up!
This ad was an exhibit in a Federal District court suit over endorsement rights concerning autographed baseball bats.
Clip-on skates
In 1867, Robert E. Ellerbeck applied for a patent for improved ice skates. He states in his application that straps are no longer needed because his improvement...
Float the gorge
Recreation in the National Forests is a responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service. This map describes trails, campgrounds, and ranger stations in the Columbia Gorge...
Staying cool in DC
The wading pool at Garfield Park in southeast Washington, DC, offered children a place to cool off and have some summertime fun in 1914. Today, Garfield Park is one...
The Landlord’s Game
Lizzie J. Magie, of Brentwood, Maryland, submitted this drawing of her improvement of game-boards in 1904. The object of the game was to amass a much wealth and...
Velocipede
On October 26, 1869, The Patent Office granted Charles E. Dayton a patent for an improvement on the velocipede. The velocipede was an early incarnation of the bicycle.