11 Office Supply Facts You Never Knew (With Pictures)!
- By Andrew Jacobs
- Jul 14, 2015
11 Office Supply Facts You Never Knew (With Pictures)!
1. Edwin Moore invented the push pin in 1900. He was searching for an easy way to hang up prints as they dried.
2. The world’s largest paperclip is 30ft 5in tall and 8ft 11in wide. Ours can't compete with that size, but they do boast functionality!
3. Norwegians wore paperclips on their lapels during World War II as a silent protest against Nazi occupation. Besides representing the idea of binding things together, the paperclip was mistakenly believed to have been invented by Johan Vaaler, a Norwegian man.
4. When the stapler was first introduced, it was still so unknown that companies didn't invest in it. 500+ people had to share one stapler at any given company.
5. In the Victorian Era, young lovers used stamp placements as coded messages to avoid parents' censorship. For instance, an upside-down stamp meant "I love you," and a stamp placed diagonally meant "I miss you". Isn't that the cutest thing?
6. China developed paper envelopes around 2nd century BC, using them to store gifts of money.
7. The first rubber band was developed in 1843, when an Englishman named Thomas Hancock sliced up a rubber bottle.
8. Paper bags were originally measured by how many pounds of sugar they held!
9. During the 1500s, English monarchs attempted to restrict the wearing of ribbons to those who were noble or of importance.
10. The first paper merchant in America was Benjamin Franklin, who helped start 18 paper mills in Virginia and its surrounding areas.
11. During the American Revolution, paper was so hard to find that soldiers ripped pages from books to use them as wadding for their rifles.
Did you enjoy these office supply facts? Which ones were new to you? Let us know in the comments below!
Edited on 12/10/2019 by Dana Kim.
11 Office Supply Facts You Never Knew (With Pictures)!
Office supplies are an essential part of any workplace, but did you know that there are some fascinating facts about them that you may not be aware of? From the invention of the paperclip to the history of the stapler, there are many interesting tidbits about office supplies that can surprise you. For example, did you know that the first paperclip was patented in the United States in 1867 by Samuel B. Fay? Or that the first stapler was created for King Louis XV of France in the 18th century? These are just a few of the intriguing facts that make office supplies more than just mundane tools for work.
The Importance of Knowing Office Supply Facts
Understanding these office supply facts can provide a deeper appreciation for the tools we use every day. Knowing the history and background of these items can also help us make more informed decisions when purchasing office supplies. Additionally, being aware of these facts can spark interesting conversations and trivia among colleagues, making the workplace environment more engaging and enjoyable.
Benefits of Being Informed About Office Supplies
Being knowledgeable about office supply facts can lead to more efficient and effective use of these tools. For example, understanding the different types of paper clips and their intended uses can help in organizing documents more effectively. Knowing the history of certain office supplies can also inspire creativity and innovation in using them for various tasks.
Use Cases for Office Supply Facts
These office supply facts can be useful in various scenarios, such as team-building activities, office trivia games, or even as conversation starters during meetings. They can also be shared on social media or in newsletters to engage with customers and clients, showcasing a company's knowledge and expertise in the industry.
Alternatives to Traditional Office Supplies
While traditional office supplies have their own charm and history, there are also modern alternatives and innovations in the market. From digital note-taking apps to eco-friendly stationery, there are many options available for those looking to explore new ways of managing their work and tasks.
Tips for Using Office Supplies Effectively
Knowing these office supply facts can also lead to practical tips for using them more effectively. For example, understanding the different types of pens and their ink properties can help in choosing the right one for specific writing tasks. Learning about the evolution of office supplies can also inspire individuals to think outside the box and find creative uses for these tools in their daily work.