MEADIAVILLE

Prior to 1913, Whitcomb Judson invented the hookless fastener (later referred to as the zipper). Following Judson's death, Gideon Sundback of Sweden further developed the idea of the hookless fastener, which lead to the founding of Talon Inc., located in Meadville, PA.  The company originated in Hoboken, New Jersey, with Colonel Lewis Walker in charge, who later brought it to Meadville and eventually passed it over to Sundback. Later in 1917, the United States Navy used the zipper design in their windproof flying suits. In 1920, the company employed 27 people, produced 110,000 fasteners, making $26,000 in profit. Why did we choose 1913 for the timeline of Meadville? What is so special about this year? Well the year 1913 was a year of incredible economic development for Meadville, which remains consistent throughout much of the first half of the 20th century. It was during this time that we see many industries come to Meadville that would continue to stimulate the economy and grow with the population throughout the course of history.