PA FIRSTS: We’re pausing today to take a look at some Pennsylvania firsts. We’ve brought you some of these before, so sorry if they are repeats.
It’s just neat to know that folks in PA have contributed some amazing things to the world.
Pennsylvanians were the first to manufacture boiler plates, straw paper, hookless fastening, lager beer, platinum metal, mustard, printer’s ink, quinine, root beer, wallpaper, jeans and folding beds.
The commonwealth is the first among states in the number of licensed hunters, in rural population, in covered bridges, state game lands, and the production of potato chips, pretzels, scrapple, sausage and mushrooms.
Pennsylvanians have invented, patented or discovered many amazing things as well — Conestoga Wagons, the Franklin stove and Ferris Wheels are just a few. We know Zippo lighters are on that list.
And so are the polio vaccine, bifocals, dental mallets, water softener and the “honey bee lens” for people who are partially blind. The steamboat, electronic computer, shock absorbers, cement, zinc, anthracite coal, apple parer, soldering gun, slicing machine, carborundum, flash cubes, the cable car, folding machine, the accordion, the revolving door, recumbent chair, air brakes and so much more.
Brands that started in Pennsylvania — again like Zippo — are famed the world over. Crayola, Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, Martin Guitars, Utz Snacks, Hanover Shoes, JustBorn, Hershey, TastyKake, Heinz, Planter’s, Auntie Anne’s, Straub Brewery and more.
There are famous foods invented in Pennsylvania, too. Obviously Hershey’s Chocolate, but also the Big Mac for McDonald’s, invented by a franchisee in Uniontown; Lebanon bologna, stromboli, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cops, Twizzlers, the lemonade and iced tea mix called The Arnold Palmer, the summer favorite funnel cakes and of course, Philly cheesesteaks.
Top that all off with some shoofly pie or a banana split, both Pennsylvania inventions, too!
