Who Invented the Keychain Fastener?

Thankfully, we stopped carrying animal feet around with us with the rise of new materials during the Industrial Revolution. Aluminum, stainless steel, and plastic were more accessible than ever and innovators like Frederick J. Loudin saw this as an opportunity to create new products like the world’s first keychain fasteners.

Loudin belonged to the Jubilee Singers, a group of African-American musicians from Fisk University. These students wanted to raise money to save their university from bankruptcy through their music and toured along the Underground Railroad, as well as across England and Europe. The troupe performed for notable names like Queen Victoria, the Czar of Russia, and the Emperor of Germany.

Source: The Colored American, Washington, District of Columbia

At 34-years-old, Loudin, who was originally from Ravenna, Ohio, was the oldest member of the Jubilee Singers and had already passed the point of pursuing higher education. As such, he had room to focus on other endeavors, including tinkering with metal. In 1894, he received a patent for his invention of the keychain fastener, a well-designed fork-shaped device that held the key near the lock on the door. This was enormously impactful in making homes more secure from robberies.

Due to the rampant racism that was going on during the Jim Crow era, Loudin wasn’t given credit for his work. Instead he was incredibly mistreated by the public and had a difficult time securing a job and adequate lodging for his family. Still, there’s no denying how his innovation and bravery contributed to both the world of keychains and American civil rights. Today, the Black Inventions and Scientists Museum recognizes that contribution by honoring Loudin in their traveling tour.

What is the History of the Car Key?

Keychains would likely have not become as popular if it wasn’t for Henry Ford’s invention of the Model T. The groundbreaking car was first in production in 1908 at the Piquette Avenue plant in Detroit. Soon enough, many manufacturers started popping up all over the world.

Source: sbi.com

The car key is the difference between Model T’s and the ones we use to commute to work every day. Back when they were first coming out, vehicles had to be physically cranked in order to start. However, by the end of World War I, their power and size increased, leading to the development of electric motors that required keys and ignitions. Some of the first car keys were used for Chrysler, Ford, and Chevrolet. The dealership would send their customers driving away with a customized keychain featuring the manufacturer of the car. This promotional item added a personal touch to the keyring and made drivers more likely to stay loyal to a specific car brand.

What Were Keychains Like in the 60s & 70s?

People were feeling warm and cozy in their new cars and homes and keychains were a part of these milestone moments. After the Vietnam War, the country was still feeling the aftermath of the Summer of Love. People were optimistic about the future and that positivity was reflected in merchandise like Hallmark’s oversized keychains.

Source: pinterest.com

The company was started by 18-year-old Joyce Clyde Hall in Kansas City, Missouri. Together with his brother Rollie Hall, the two built an empire founded on postcards and greeting cards. By the 1970s, the company grew in exciting ways under Hall’s grandson Donald J. Hall. More stores and products were introduced, including oversized keychains. While these were way too big to fit in a pocket, they were a fun alternative to classic Christmas or Valentine’s Day cards. Now you’ll see this same sentimental touch in all the items sold by Hallmark.