Chester Greenwood (Earmuff) Day

Chester Greenwood (Earmuff) Day is observed annually on the first Saturday of December. In 2025, this Maine-based holiday falls on December 6. The celebration honors the teenage inventor who created earmuffs to solve the problem of cold ears during winter activities.

History of Chester Greenwood (Earmuff) Day

The origin of this holiday traces back to 1873 in Farmington, Maine. Fifteen-year-old Chester Greenwood was ice skating on a frozen pond but had to stop early because his ears were freezing. Wool scarves were too bulky and itchy, so he bent two loops of wire and asked his grandmother to sew pads of beaver fur and velvet onto them. This simple design proved effective, and by 1877, at the age of 19, Greenwood obtained a patent for his “Champion Ear Protectors.”

Greenwood established a factory in his hometown that mass-produced these ear warmers for nearly 60 years. The business grew rapidly, eventually supplying U.S. soldiers during World War I and producing over 400,000 pairs annually at its peak in 1936. In 1977, the Maine Legislature officially designated a day to honor Greenwood’s contribution to the state’s economy and history. While the legislative date is December 21, the town of Farmington observes the occasion on the first Saturday of December.

Why is Chester Greenwood (Earmuff) Day important?

This day highlights the power of practical innovation and youth creativity. Chester Greenwood identified a common physical discomfort and engineered a functional solution that is still used globally today. His invention transformed Farmington into the “Earmuff Capital of the World,” providing steady employment to local residents for decades and putting the small town on the map as a hub of manufacturing.

The event also serves as a major cultural and economic driver for Franklin County, Maine. It brings the community together to celebrate local heritage through a specific, quirky lens rather than generic seasonal themes. The celebration preserves the legacy of a man who held over 100 patents and improved various technologies, including the steel-tooth rake and the wide-bottom tea kettle.

• Honors the ingenuity of a teenage inventor.
• Commemorates the invention of modern earmuffs.
• Supports local businesses in Farmington Maine.
• Marks the beginning of the winter outdoor season.
• Preserves the industrial history of Franklin County.

How to Celebrate Chester Greenwood (Earmuff) Day

If you are in Farmington, Maine, you can witness a parade unlike any other. Local police cruisers feature giant earmuffs attached to their roofs, and floats are decorated with the signature winter accessory. The festivities often include a “Polar Bear Dip” in Clearwater Lake, a gingerbread house contest, and a flag-raising ceremony at the courthouse dedicated to the inventor.

For those observing from elsewhere, the best way to participate is to wear a pair of earmuffs during outdoor activities like ice skating or hiking. It is a fitting time to read about young inventors or visit local history museums that focus on industrial progress. Schools and families can use the day to encourage children to think of solutions to everyday problems, just as Greenwood did on the ice pond.

• Wear your warmest pair of earmuffs all day.
• Attend the parade in Farmington if possible.
• Read the story of Chester Greenwood to children.
• Go ice skating to honor the invention’s origin.
• Create your own custom ear warmers with craft supplies.

Chester Greenwood (Earmuff) Day Dates Table