American Heirlooms - July 2021

American Heirlooms - July 2021

302-653-2411

JULY 2021

More than 230 years ago this July, Samuel Hopkins became the owner of the first U.S. patent. It was signed by George Washington — who was president at the time — and was created for an invention meant to improve the process “in the making of Pot ash and Pearl ash.” I’ve always been fascinated by the creativity of inventors. They are people who, when faced with frustrations, try to find a solution rather than complain about it. I suppose my appreciation for inventing stems from my grandfather. He was known to be an inventor. He would work out of his machine shop, doing all of the research and development himself. (There’s even a biography about him coming out soon that features his inventions.)

I have another acquaintance who invented a side mirror extension for vans or trucks, and while in the process of getting his patent, he saw that his invention was put on the market by someone else! He’s convinced someone stole his idea, and I’m inclined to believe him. It’s unfortunate when that happens.

Grandpa Zimmerman's invention, the E-Z Farmer, a 4-wheel riding garden tractor.

That brings to mind a great point about the patent

process. Patents are designed to protect creators from thieves who may steal their ideas, but in our day and time, it is easier than ever to simply modify an invention and bypass the patent. That might make a patent less useful than they were in Samuel Hopkins’ time. The other difficulty I see with patents is the time and expense you have to put into your invention to make the patent worthwhile.

E-Z-Farmer trailer

I thought up an invention once: a hot dog bun with a recess large enough to fully enclose a hot dog without having to squish the bun. I thought it was a pretty good idea, so I took it all the way to the U.S. patent office … where I discovered that it already was patented! Such is life. I have yet to see the bun on the market, however. I know a mechanic who found a way to prevent rings in a piston engine from wearing. He also invented an articulating tiller that would push the tines away from the row you’re tilling in order to move it. He found that to be much more efficient. Turns out, at least one of these inventions has also been patented. I still admire his creativity and penchant for wanting to solve problems.

It’s costly to create and market an idea to the masses, and obtaining a patent can be a lengthy process. We sometimes work with inventors at the shop. We have witnessed just how much work and patience goes into getting an invention into a consumer’s hands. It takes more money and research than the average person has to throw at it. Still, I value the innovation and development that come from inventing. It’s fun to participate in the process and watch it unfold before you. Sometimes, the creations are born to fill needs we may not know existed, but today, we couldn’t imagine life without that invention. That’s a wonderful thing.

–Ethan Zimmerman

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As the temperature continues to climb, there’s nothing better than an ice-cold Popsicle to cool down on a summer’s day. Yet, without a little weather and childhood curiosity, we may have never discovered one of mankind's favorite treats! In 1905, 11-year-old Frank Epperson left a glass with water, powdered soda mix, and a stir stick sitting outside overnight. Despite living in Oakland, California, the temperature dipped below freezing that evening, and when Frank went to retrieve his glass the next morning, he found a solid ice block with the stick stuck in it. Curious, Frank ran the glass under warm water and popped the soda chunk out of the glass — with the stick still attached. From there, an idea was born. Frank continued making what he called “Eppsicles” for his friends and family, and he even made them for his own children. They insisted Frank call his invention “Pop’s ‘sicles,” and the name stuck! Frank eventually patented his creation in 1923. When it comes to snackability, it’s hard to beat popcorn. It’s easy to make, has a satisfying crunch, and allows for endless seasoning options. That’s what makes it the most popular snack food by volume. In the U.S., Americans consume a whopping 1.2 billion pounds of popcorn each year. But did you know that there are three whole-grain cousins to the kernel that are equally delicious when popped? The Grains While most whole grains can be popped on the stove like popcorn, larger grains like wheat berries, spelt, and kamut are the ones that really shine with a satisfying popcorn-like crunch and a delicious nutty flavor. Whole grains come with tons of health benefits, and there are many options to try, from well-known brown rice to the more obscure amaranth. But many people skip these grains because of a lack of familiarity or their long cook times. However, since popping them takes less than 10 minutes, it’s a great entry point to varying your whole-grain diet! The Benefits Whole grains are great sources of fiber and protein, and these three powerhouse grains really deliver. Fiber has been shown to help lower cholesterol, move waste through the digestive tract, and decrease the risk of forming blood clots that can lead to heart attack or strokes.

Later, he partnered with Joe Lowe Corporation, which mass produced and sold what are now known as Popsicles at their amusement parks. The frozen treat was sold in seven different flavors, but cherry was — and remains — the most popular. When the Great Depression hit, Frank’s sweet treat became a favorite among those who couldn’t afford to spend money on sweet treats. Popsicles that came with two sticks instead of one allowed those hankering for a sweet treat to spend one nickel and split the Popsicle with someone else. It was an affordable way to treat children to dessert! As the Depression lifted, our enjoyment of Popsicles continued, and today, you can find just about any flavor of Popsicle you could imagine in your grocery store freezer aisle. Plus, they’re an easy treat to make at home. Simply fill an ice cube tray — or a specialty Popsicle tray — with your favorite mashed berry, soda, or drink. Then, insert in a Popsicle stick into the mixture and freeze! Harvard School of Public Health also notes that whole grains can help stabilize blood sugar levels and may even protect against some cancers. That’s because they contain phytochemicals and essential minerals like magnesium, selenium, and copper. The Technique Are you ready to get popping? Cook’s Illustrated magazine suggests this simple technique for grains: In a medium saucepan, add 1 quart of boiling water to 1/2 cup of wheat berries, kamut, or spelt and simmer for 15 minutes; drain well and let dry for 15 minutes on paper towels. Heat 1 tsp of neutral, high-heat oil (vegetable or coconut oil works well) in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the 1/2 cup of grains and cook while stirring constantly about 6–8 minutes. The grains will pop and “jump” in the skillet, turn a deep golden brown, and smell delicious. When that happens and the popping slows or stops, you’ll know they’re done. Sprinkle with sea salt and let cool before snacking. Eating a diet rich in whole grains can support you on your journey to having better health. And popped kamut, spelt, and wheat berries prove that journey can also be delicious!

The result is a sweet treat enjoyed by people of all ages for more than 100 years. Enjoy!

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More than 750,000 people pass through New York City’s Grand Central Station on any given day, walking beneath grand archways and traversing across the nearly 50-acre train station. Much like the city it sits in, Grand Central Station has become a hub of folklore. Hidden within the lower level of Grand Central is one such mysterious spot. The “whispering wall” or “whispering gallery” is an architectural and scientific phenomenon that is sure to delight even the most hardened New Yorker. (It’s by Grand Central’s famed Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant, too.) Designed by Spanish engineer Rafael Gustavino, the “wall” isn’t really a wall at all. It’s a series of archways with thick plating that carries soundwaves from one corner of the room to the next — as if the speaker was right next to the listener. Gustavino’s style has since been patented as “Tile Arch System” and features a pattern of terracotta tiles secured and connected by a thin layer of mortar. The archways are self-supporting, but because of their style, sound waves flow up, around, and down to the other side rather than outward against the wall.

For the greatest effect, you and a partner need to

each stand on either side of the archway, facing the corner. One person whispers

into the wall, and whether by design or a happy scientific accident, the whisper will carry across the archway and into the listener’s ear, where it will be as clear as if the speaker were next to them. Because of its allure, the whispering wall has attracted the attention of many tourists and New Yorkers alike. In fact, it’s become somewhat of a tradition for some couples to do marriage proposals through the whispering wall! Today, Grand Central Station’s whispering wall is a must-see in New York City, and it continues to be beloved. When the station underwent renovations in 2012, the wall was left untouched — its secrets still floating from one traveler to the next.

INGREDIENTS Chicken • 8 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs, skin removed

DIRECTIONS

1. Lightly salt both sides of chicken thighs.

2. Mix together sauce ingredients.

• Salt

3. Lay chicken (bone up) in a 9x13-inch pan and pour sauce over it. Let stand for an hour. Bake at 375 F for 45 minutes, flipping chicken after 20 minutes.

Sauce

• 1/3 cup honey

• 1/4 cup canola oil

• 2 tsp lemon juice

• 1 large garlic clove, crushed

• 1 tsp pepper

• 1/2 tsp rosemary

Photo credit: Heather Brooke Zimmerman

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Brought to you by KCS Builders of American Heirlooms and Penns Creek Furniture 291 Blackiston Rd. • Clayton, DE 19938 Phone: (302) 653-2411 • Email: [email protected] The Swiss Craftsman

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Inside this Issue

Honoring 230 Years of Inventors Page 1

3 Whole Grains You Can Eat Like Popcorn

The Sweet, Sweet History of One of Summer’s Best Treats Page 2

Whispering Loudly at Grand Central Station

Honey Roasted Chicken Page 3

What Are Heat-Related Illnesses? Page 4

• Children under the age of 4 and adults over the age of 65 • People with preexisting medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease • People who are overweight • People taking certain kinds of medication • Individuals who are intoxicated or drink excessively Symptoms to Watch Out For Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke have many of the same symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, and passing out. But other symptoms help differentiate the two. Heat stroke victims will have hot, red skin that may be dry or damp, and they’ll likely have a fast, strong pulse. By contrast, victims of heat exhaustion will have cold, pale, and clammy skin and a fast but weak pulse. Heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring professional medical attention immediately. You should also seek medical help for anyone exhibiting the above symptoms who is also throwing up or whose symptoms are getting worse or last longer than one hour. For a complete list of symptoms and treatment for all heat-related illnesses, visit CDC.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html . Stay cool this summer and prevent heat-related illnesses by seeking shade or staying indoors on hot days, avoiding exerting yourself in the heat, and drinking plenty of water!

When thinking about extreme and deadly weather, most people conjure up images of massive tornadoes in the Midwest or hurricanes and flooding in the Southeast. But you might be surprised to learn that the deadliest extreme weather event is excessive heat. In fact, according to a study from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), heat causes more deaths each year than floods, lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined . Since 2020 was the second warmest year on record and all the other years in the top 10 have occurred since 2005, it’s time to wise up about heat-related illnesses. Heat-Related Illnesses and Risk Factors According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat-related illnesses are caused by “exposure to extreme heat where the body becomes unable to properly cool, resulting in a rapid rise in body temperature.” There are several kinds of heat-related illnesses. The least severe are heat rashes, sunburn, and heat cramps, and the most serious are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. While anyone can experience these illnesses if they overexert themselves in hot weather, some groups are more at risk than others, including:

4 • THE SWISS CRAFTSMAN

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