National Tape Measure day
Celebrated July 14
It seems that some guy named Fellows was granted a patent for "Improvements in Tape Measures" on July 14, 1868. The use of tape measures goes back to the days of the Romans and were strips of leather with marks on them. An Englishman created a steel tape measure in the decade before Fellows but his were bulky and expensive. What Mr Fellows did was put a tape measure in the tool box of many craftsmen and now they come in a variety of colors, units, materials, and sizes. They are ubiquitous.
Maybe you are the proud owner of a tape measure. They can be used for building something, centering a picture on the wall, or seeing how far the watermelon seed went at the fourth of July seed spitting contest.
How many tape measures do you have? Do you use one frequently or just on occasion? Do you have a favorite? How about a unique usage of a tape measure that you have witnessed? Join us in the parking lot at the Springfield Township Library on Saturday, July 17, from 8 to 8:30 AM to discuss your answers to these questions and other related topics that may come up. Feel free to display your collection, demonstrate the proper usage of a tape measure, and give any tips that may help the other attendees as they use the tool we celebrate today.
Of course you may choose to stay until the library opens at 10 and get the details on what you learn and sort out fact from fiction.
Note: This information comes from the nationaldaycalendar.com website and any errors of transcription or interpretation are strictly my own.