Patent of the Paper Drinking Straw

Today this happened in the past on January 3, 1888

The patent of the paper drinking straw.

Imagine drinking your mint julip through one of these...

...stalks of rye grass.

Before the straws we use today grass stalks were used for favorite drinks, as rye grass. But, there was one big problem. The flavor of the grass would also come through the straw and ruin the drink.

That is exactly what Marvin Stone, a Washington DC paper cigarette holder maker in the 1880's, was contemplating one day while sucking on his favorite drink, a mint julip. The taste of rye grass in his drink just was not acceptable, and he set out to do something about it. 

Mr. Stone who already understood how to manufacture paper products set out to make the paper straw by winding strips of paper around a pencil gluing them together.  

From his knowledge of making paper cigarette holders, Mr. Stone designed the paper straw. It was a big hit at the drinking establishments where he tested them. 

A little later he developed a paraffin-coated manila version that was stronger and stopped the straw from going limp in the middle of your beverage. It was with this version, and his wrapping device, that he patented the whole process on January 3, 1988. The only limitation was the process was done by hand,

Within two years he was selling more straws than cigarette holders. The rest is history as all types of straws were developed. 

In 1906 the process was upgraded by Stone's company and became automated which interestingly led to many other applications using the same basic technology as Mr. Stone's winding device. For instance, electric motors, apparatus, devices, and components. Also in the aerospace, textile, automotive, and packaging industry.

Toady you can choose any type and color of paper straws you like

For the crafty and DIY crowd here is a video on how to make your own straws