MEADIAVILLE

In 1923, the term “zipper” was coined, and is still used today. As the eve of the Great Depression approached, Talon Inc. remained a main employer for much of Meadville, along with  the railroad industry, American Viscose (later known as Avtex Fibers), Channellock Tools, and Dad’s Pet Food. Meadville’s population peaked in 1930, with 16,698 people living in the town. Meadville was often thought of as the city paved of gold during this period in time. Why did we choose 1923? What was so special about this particular year? This was the year of the zipper, an invention that would become a staple in American and global markets. The zipper revolutionized American fashion, and played a very impotant role in American military apparel and was even used by NASA. Although being discovered in 1913, and being used by the military as early as 1917, 1923 was the year when this invention began to gain traction. In addition to the zipper, Meadville was booming during this time with economic development and population on the rise.