Sheila Stafford

As a big-eared child in Maine, Chester Greenwood was used to freezing weather. Of course, that doesnt mean he enjoyed it. Learn how his Stuff of Genius kept ears across America toasty (and made Chester famous) in this video.

Stuff of Genius tells the story behind everyday inventions. From the bikini to super wheat and everything in between. Viewers will learn the stories of unsung inventor heroes and their trials, tribulations and successes.

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Behold, earmuffs. But where did they come from?

Meet Chester Greenwood, born in Farmington, Maine in 1858.

Growing up in Maine, fifteen-year-old Chester was accustomed to freezing winters.

But he also had large ears that didnt handle the cold well, especially when he was ice skating.

Sensitive to wool, he didnt want to wrap his head in a scarf like everyone else, so he decided a little innovation was in order.

At home, Chester molded wire into ear-shaped loops and convinced his grandmother to sew over them soft muffs made of beaver f