Zippo

[Mousetoescamper]

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Omigod, how clever! Zippo's a lighter, if I'm not mistaken. And the red leaf is the flame!

That was damned clever of you, my dear Mousetoescamper!

[Mousetoescamper]

2. The Zippo windproof lighter is an American icon.

The history of Zippo Manufacturing Company is the story of its people. From its founder George G. Blaisdell, to the many Zippo employees, customers, and collectors who have all played a vital role in the company’s rich history. Their loyalty and dedication has made Zippo one of America’s greatest and most recognizable icons.

The Zippo timeline begins in the early 1930s, at the Bradford Country Club in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Mr. Blaisdell watched a friend struggle awkwardly to use a cumbersome, Austrian-made lighter. Mr. Blaisdell noted that the lighter worked well, even in the wind, due to the unique chimney, but the appearance and design was utilitarian and inefficient. The lighter required the use of two hands to operate and its thin metal surface was easily dented.

In late 1932 Mr. Blaisdell decided to reconstruct the Austrian lighter. He fabricated a small rectangular case and attached a lid with a hinge. He preserved the chimney design which protected the flame. The result was an attractive lighter that was easily operated with one hand. The name “Zippo” was created by Mr Blaisdell. He liked the sound of the word “zipper” so he formed variations on the word until he settled on “Zippo,” which he felt had a “modern” sound. -zippo.com

[Devilsun]

3. A Pennsylvania Point of Pride

I have a Zippo that's never been lit. It has the insignia of the trucking company my uncle Bob owned, and my father worked for.

When I smoked, there was a distinct taste of lighting a cigarette with a Zippo lighter.

[Mousetoescamper]

4. Yes. I've lived in PA for most of the past 50 years.

I remember well the pleasant sensation of flipping open the lid, thumbing the flint wheel and the distinct smell and taste before that first satisfying puff. I'm glad to have given up the deadly habit many years ago, but the memory of using a Zippo is indelible and has pleasant associations. The lighters were also useful for lighting kindling and candles and as torches in the dark.