NATIONAL CELLOPHANE TAPE DAY
It could be a sticky situation on May 27th as we recognize National Cellophane Tape Day. Can you imagine where we would be without this invention? Wrapping presents would be slightly more difficult without it.
#CellophaneTapeDay
Also known as invisible tape or Scotch Tape, this innovation can be found in every household and office. Richard Gurley Drew (June 22, 1899 – December 14, 1980) invented the invisible tape in 1930. He created the tape from cellulose and originally called it cellulose tape. His career started at the 3M company in 1920 in St. Paul, Minnesota where he developed a masking tape for the automotive industry in 1925.
Originally designed to seal Cellophane packages sold in groceries and bakeries, the new adhesive missed its mark. By the time all its drawbacks were resolved, DuPont introduced heat-sealed cellophane. However, the Cellophane packaging still offered some benefits.
With a resounding endorsement from customers, 3M found a market in both the home and the office. Many of us keep several rolls of it, too. Check the closet with the wrapping paper for a roll or two. There will be another in the junk drawer. Count another on the desk, perhaps. In offices and schools, teachers and employees stash the tape in large quantities.
HOW TO OBSERVE CELLOPHANE TAPE DAY
From craft projects to posters, Cellophane tape holds up to the hype. How many rolls of this invisible tape do you have laying around? Wrap a package or tape a picture to the fridge. Repair a torn page from a book. Share your favorite uses for cellophane tape by using #CellophaneTapeDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL CELLOPHANE TAPE DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this sticky holiday. In the meantime, explore these other innovative holidays:
- Loomis Day
- World Television Day
- National Radio Day
- National Inventors’ Day
- International Amateur Radio Day
May 27th Celebrated History
1931
Balloonists Paul Kipfer and Auguste Piccard rode their balloon 10 miles up into the sky. They were the first humans to travel to the stratosphere.
1933
Beams of light from the star Arcturus helped to open the “Century of Progress” Chicago World’s Fair. Four telescopes from separate observatories captured the light and funneled the signal to Western Union Telegraph lines, closing the circuit and amplifying the rays. The beams were reflected straight up like a spotlight. At the time, scientists believed the light from Arcturus took 40 light-years to travel to Earth and the event was designed to recognize Chicago’s Columbian Exposition 40 years earlier in 1893. Today we know it takes 37 light-years.
1935
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge opens to pedestrian traffic.
1999
Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-96) Is Launched on a 6-day Mission and the First Shuttle Docking to the International Space Station
May 27th Celebrated Birthdays
Julia Ward Howe – 1819
The American author and poet is best known for writing the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and for inspiring the movement toward a national Mother’s Day observance.
Wild Bill Hickok – 1837
Born James Butler Hickok gained a reputation as an Old West folk hero.
Rachel Carson – 1907
The American marine biologist published the book Silent Spring inspiring the environmental movement.
Vincent Price – 1911
The American actor is best known for his roles in horror and suspense films. One of his most memorable roles was Dracula. However, he also appeared in numerous other works. In 1989, Sesame Street introduces a new character inspired by Price; Vincent Twice lived in an austere mansion and hosted Mysterious Theater sketches from a velvet chair and characteristically said his name twice.