Duct Tape and WWII
During the WWII, U.S. troops in the heat of battle had a strangely impractical way of reloading their weapons.
Cartridges used for grenade launchers was one example. Boxed, sealed with wax and taped over to protect them from moisture, soldiers would need to pull on a tab to peel off the paper tape and break the seal. Sure, it worked… except when it didn’t, soldiers were left scrambling to pry the boxes open.
Vesta Stoudt had been working at a factory packing and inspecting these cartridges when she got to thinking that there had to be a better way. She also happened to be a mother of two sons serving in the Navy and was particularly perturbed that their lives and countless others were left to such chance.
Concerned for the welfare of sons, she discussed with her supervisors an idea she had to fabricate a tape made from strong, water-resistant cloth. And when nothing came of her efforts, she penned a letter to then-President Franklin Roosevelt detailing her proposal (which included a hand-sketched diagram) and closing by making a plea to his conscience:
“We can’t let them down by giving them a box of cartridges that takes a minute or two to open, enabling the enemy to take lives that might be saved had the box been taped with strong tape that can be opened in a split second. Please, Mr. President, do something about this at once; not tomorrow or soon, but now.”
Oddly enough, Roosevelt passed Stoudt’s recommendation on to military officials, and in two weeks time, she received notice that her suggestion is being considered and not too long after was informed that her proposal had been approved. The letter also commended her idea was of “exceptional merit.”
Before long, Johnson & Johnson, which specialized in medical supplies, was assigned and developed a sturdy cloth tape with a strong adhesive that would come to be known as “duck tape,” which garnered the company an Army/Navy “E” Award, an honor given out as a distinction of excellence in the production of war equipment.
While Johnson & Johnson was officially credited with the invention of duct tape, it’s a concerned mother who will be remembered as the mother of duct tape.
The initial iteration that Johnson & Johnson came up with isn’t much different from the version on the market today. Comprised of a piece of mesh cloth, which gives it tensile strength and rigidity to be torn by hand and waterproof polyethylene (plastic), duct tape is made by feeding the materials into a mixture that forms the rubber-based adhesive.
Unlike glue, which forms a bond once the substance hardens, duct tape is a pressure-sensitive adhesive that relies on the degree in which pressure is applied. The stronger the pressure, the stronger the bond, particularly with surfaces that are clean, smooth and hard.
Duct tape was a huge hit with soldiers due to its strength, versatility and waterproof properties. Used to make all sorts of repairs from boots to furniture, it’s also a popular fixture in the world of motorsports, where crews use strips to patch up dents.
During the war duck tape was distributed to soldier’s to use in sealing ammo cans. Industrious soldiers quickly started using it for all manner of repairs thanks to its strong adhesive and sturdy construction. When millions of soldiers returned home from the war, they brought their respect for duct tape with them, rapidly introducing the now ubiquitous tape into popular culture.
Film crews working on-set have a version called gaffer’s tape, which doesn’t leave a sticky residue. Even NASA Astronauts pack a roll when they go on space missions.
Besides repairs, other creative uses for duct tape include strengthening cellular reception on the Apple iPhone 4 and as a form of medical treatment for removing warts called duct tape occlusion therapy, which research hasn’t been proven to be effective.
“Duct” or “duck” tape?
In this case, either pronunciation would be correct. According to Johnson & Johnson’s website, the original green sticky cloth tape got its name during world war II when soldiers started calling it duck tape for the way liquids seem to roll off like water off a duck’s back.
Not long after the war, the company launched a metallic-silver version called duct tape after executives discovered it can also be used to seal heating ducts. Interestingly enough, however, scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory conducted field tests on heating ducts and determined that duct tape was insufficient for that purpose.
By : Tuan C. Nguyen
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE.
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Military Humor –
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Farewell Salutes –
Steven Bailey – Houston, TX; US Army, Kuwait, 82nd Airborne Division, Bronze Star
Harry Beal – Meyersdale, PA; US Navy, 1st SEAL
Robert Collins – Rockaway, NJ; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, Co. A/127th Engineers/11th Airborne Division
Thomas Hard Sr. – Chicago, IL; US Navy, WWII, PTO, POW
Reed Mattair – Williston, FL; US Army, WWII, PTO
Paul Moore Sr. – Portsmouth, VA; US Navy, WWII, PTO, USS West Virginia, SeaBee, Pearl Harbor survivor
Edward Sulewski – So. Milwaukee, WI; US Army, Korea, 187th RCT
Alexander Suprin – brn: Poland; USMC, WWII, PTO
Thomas Whitaker – Marquette, MI; US Army, WWII, Engineering Corps
Dominic Zangari (100) – Lancaster, PA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, Korea & Vietnam, (Ret. 34 y.)
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Posted on February 1, 2021, in Current News, Home Front, Post WWII, WWII and tagged 1940's, Air Force, Army, duct tape, History, Home Front, Marines, Military, Navy, nostalgia, veterans, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 191 Comments.
Hi GP this is such an informative and interesting article. Thank God for the moms looking after their children in the wars. Who would have ever thought that is how and why duct tape was invented. Years ago we had some neighbors over for a meal and they were telling us about having to buy and ship their only son protective gear, most of all he wanted a vest of some kind. I couldn’t believe he didn’t have basic gear. Mom’s love their kids. Thank goodness the President listened to the woman and Duct Tape was borne. Yea!!!!!!! Thanks for this incredible article. Thank all past and current military personnel that protect our Country. We owe a debt that can never be repaid. Love and hugs to you my friend. 💕🤗❤️🦋😘😘
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I agree with all you said. And yes, I remember when men were sent to the Middle East without protective gear. Politicians always want to cut the military budget, but then a war breaks out and and we are unprepared – that is what happened then. It took (if memory serves) about 2 years for production to catch up to the need. (This has happened before most every war we have ever been in. WWII soldiers started in combat with WWI gear, etc, etc)
Thanks for stopping by!
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My pleasure my friend. I am playing catch up. I was out a week. This was our conversation this morning all about duct tape. Fascinating. Love ya and thank you for your service my friend. 💕🤗❤️Joni
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By reading this interesting post and all these nice comments I have finally become aware of how important this duct tape has become and, above all, that it was developed by a woman!:) Many thanks
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That pretty much says it all, right?!!
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The answer to so many of life’s many ills!
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So true, so true!! I’ve gotten a kick out of some of those ideas!!
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Interesting that “Duct” tape didn’t live up to the job it was named for. >grin< Thank you for telling the story about how it came to be. That was new to me.
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Ironic, isn’t it?! Especially after all the good things people use it for.
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Reblogged this on John Cowgill's Literature Site.
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Thank you, John.
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You are very welcome.
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That was fascinating ! I have some holding a remote control together and some more outside keeping a loose TV aerial lead taped to the wall. It was a stunning invention.
Perhaps Mrs Stoudt should have a statue. A big one with all the pieces held together by …..you’ve guessed. Duct tape!!
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hahaha, you are certainly telling the truth here, John. I haven’t had one comment saying – ‘oh, I never heard of it’ or ‘I don’t own a roll’.
Thanks for telling us of your repairs!!
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such a fun topic and i have a few photos of cats using duct/duck tape to hold
pieces
together –
it sure is versatile
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I think by reading the comments here, their motto should be, “Everybody uses it for everything!”
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Great post — essential stuff!
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Thank you, Hilary. It’s an essential part of everyone’s tool box, isn’t it?! haha
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Interesting to learn that a concerned mother was the one who suggested duck tape. Here is the hills of Ohio, duck tape is in every home and used for many repairs. Sometimes it appears to be holding pickups together!
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Ohio is like the rest of us, Bev. Everyone has been chiming in with a duct tape story. I can’t imagine NOT having a roll! lol
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A fascinating history of the product that inspired The Red Green Show!!
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I had to look that one up and what a great surprise! A show about duct tape!!!!!! Thanks, Liz. I’m putting the link here for others who never heard of it!
https://www.redgreen.com/
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Brilliant story, how many clever inventions have been thought up by mothers I wonder? 😉 Also a very useful product when caravanning and camping, fixes a multitude of problems!
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I’m sure most everyone you know will agree that most everything can be repaired with duct tape!
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I have a whole new respect for duck tape after reading this, and I’ve always thought it was pretty awesome already haha. We always have multiple rolls around the house. LOVE the military/duck tape humor too – gave me a good (and needed) laugh!
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Hope you still have that smile today, MB. This was a fun post all around!
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I love it! Love the background, love the history connection, love duck/duct tape 🙂 This was a great break from classroom work- thanks GP.
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Yeah – we sure need a break now and then! Do you know anyone who Doesn’t have a roll in their house?
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Fun post and worthwhile history. Thanks.
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Yes, thanks, Peggy. It was fun.
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I had no idea that’s where duct tape started. They never dreamt of the different things it’s used for now. And the patterns it comes in.
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They were concerned with the practicality of the product – now we can play with it.
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I’ve used that stuff on everything but heating/cooling ducts. For that, I use the metal foil tape. Who knows what the GIs could have done with that magical stuff. I can imagine them using it for so many more things than sealing ammo boxes.
Great bit of history, GP.
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They did use the duct tape for more than ammo boxes, that’s for sure. But you’re right, just how much would have been easier with the foil?
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A very interesting story!
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This was one of those fun to put together posts. Thanks for reading it, Kevin.
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I have always called it ‘Duct Tape’, and wondered why some people said ‘Duck Tape’.
Thanks very much for the history, GP.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I never knew it it was apropos to say it either way.
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Duck tape is a brand name of duct tape if that helps.
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Duck Tape came afterward in the ’50’s, I believe.
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Great informative post, GP. I never knew duct tape goes back to WWII and was the idea of a concerned war mother.
Show business runs on duct tape.
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haha, I imagine so – though I hadn’t ever thought of that! Thank, Don!
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That is awesome! I totally use duct tape for everything lol. I always thought it was just a southern thing. It is good to learn where it came from. So cool!
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I can’t imagine NOT having a roll in the house!
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I hope Mrs Stoudt’s children survived the war!
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I’ve read a few articles about here and it is quite possible.
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She left a legacy to the world, nevertheless.
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She most certainly did.
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LOL, I blushingly admit that I’m a big fan of duct tape, GP. Although I had no idea it originated this way. Marvelous post. Hugs on the wing.
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Every household should have a roll – if they don’t, they’re paying to much for repairs! haha
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LOL. It comes in colors now. Even better for repairs. 🙂
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I should get the camouflage style!
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Great story – similar to the connection between WD-40 and the US rocket program. Who knows what will end up in every house in America.
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Exactly. What seems like a simple idea turns out to be genius!
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Reblogged this on Janet's Thread 2 and commented:
Interesting reading.
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Thank you, Janet!
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When I was in the Army we called it hundred-mile-an-hour tape. Inflation maybe from sixty-mile-an-hour tape? lol. All you need is duck tape and WD-40. If it moves and it isn’t supposed to, duck tape, if it doesn’t move and it’s supposed to WD-40.
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How right you are, Herb!!
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Who knew?! What a great story to pass around. Another woman who made history quietly. Great post!
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I wonder if she ever knew just how wonderful an invention it turned out to be!
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Who knew? I teach kids about the Invention Convention, all the new creations that came from the government. Didn’t know about duct tape.
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Now you can add it, Jacqui. It took me by surprise.
I don’t suppose any of these made your list….
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Dear GP Cox,
thanks a lot for sharing this story of duck tape we actually use quite a lot for repairs on our gutters etc. Clever woman!
Wishing all the best to our dear friend. Stay healthy and happy
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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And you as well, my friends. I appreciate the visits I receive from you all!
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Reblogged this on We Served Too.
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Thank you!
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Fascinating! Where would we be without duct tape?
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I really couldn’t say. To me, it’s been around forever and I’ve always taken it for granted.
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It took me quite a while to get to know that it’s not “Duck Tape” as I had assumed but “Duct Tape”.
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And here we find out it would apropos to call it either one – who knew?
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Well now I know that besides necessity being the mother of invention that duck tape is the invention of a mother. Thanks GP
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There ya go!!
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What an interesting story about this wonderful stuff called duct or duck tape! Three cheers to the woman who thought of a solution for problems soldiers had to open the ammo boxes! I admire President Roosevelt for acting on this woman’s urgent plea. Would a personal letter ever get to the President today???
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hahahaha, you are funny, Peter. A letter to the Pres. maybe, after it went through 20 others first.
Glad you liked it!!
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Good info GP!
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I never thought of it as being needed in the steamy jungles – but I should have!
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A fun post, GP. Duct tape is a wonder for sure. It is not surprising that it was born of an idea by a mother.
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Whatever her sonny-boy needed, eh?!
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Yes indeed.
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What do we do without mothers who are always looking for the welfare of their kids? One of the great inventions from the greatest generation era!
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I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have a roll in their house!
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I never knew…… great respect for that Mama!!!!
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She did the world a big favor, didn’t she?!!
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Truly did 🙂
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I love duct tape. 😉 You can do so much with it, and it will never blame you. 😉 Thank you for this nice posting, GP! Have a beautiful week! Michael
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Thanks, Michael. It really was a fun post and besides that, it showed the can-do attitude of that generation.
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Thats right, GP! Thank you also for this. Enjoy your day!
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I love this story, GP. Now it has become a staple in Red Neck memes right up there, with Hold my beer, and watch this. You can now buy cammie duct or duck tape. I need to reblog this gem.
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It is a fun story, isn’t it? I read a few articles about her!!
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Holy Moly! It took a fierce woman to recommend a fierce tape for our fierce boys! Fierce, I tell you!
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That’s a perty fierce comment for our miraculous tape, lol. Thanks, Marilee!!
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And a fierce good morning to you! out to shovel snow, now.
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Wish I had some!!
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Ya … here * * * * * * *
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We too!
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I never knew any of this! Good post, very interesting. I’ve seen pictures of soldiers who’ve duck-taped two rifle clips together, to speed up reloading. Although I don’t think the army approved of that. I’m a huge fan of the stuff, and one of the 1,001 uses someone taught me, is to put a patch on the heels of your feet on a long hike, to prevent blisters. Sounds dumb but works great!
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Whoa, and yet another nugget of info this stuff. Thanks!
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Hurrah for Vesta!
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Another example of that generation’s ingenuity!
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Great post. When I was in the Army, we called it 60-mile-an-hour tape because it would hold parts together up to, at least, 60 mph! 👍
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hahaha, another fun fact to know. Thanks, DC!
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Fascinating!
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Thanks. That tape sure comes in handy around here!! hahha
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It does here too and it was good to learn how it developed!
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Necessity is the mother of invention.
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Agreed and as with so many of the things invented in times of conflict, the peace-time uses are beyond what the first inventors imagined – thank goodness 😉
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You are absolutely right!
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Interesting as I thought duct tape was created to seal joints in connecting airconditioning ducts in homes and buildings.
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Hard to believe how far back some inventions go, eh Carl?
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Wonderful story. Good for Vesta
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I’m always saying that their generation was famous for ingenuity!
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Necessity breeds….
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I will remember the name Vesta Stoudt for trivia purposes. Loved this one!
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lol, who among us does NOT have a roll of duct tape in the house?
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Thank you, Ian.
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Thank you, Pat!
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Thank you.
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