The Lasting Machine

   After developing his lasting machine, 150-170 pairs of shoes could be made a day. Even the best lasters could only make 50 pairs a day by hand. Matzelinger worked on his machine secretly for 10 years. He started off with a crude wooden version then an iron model. Finally on March20, 1883, he received his first Patton  for his invention.

      By 1889 the demand for the lasting machine was overwhelming, which formed the "consolidated lasting machine company". Matzelinger was given huge blocks of stock for his invention.

        Before his death at the age of thirty-seven of Tuberculosis, his invention received five Patton's. His last Patton was received on September 1891 two years after his death.

      The lasting machine has made our life easier so that more shoes are made and they're a lot cheaper. African American contributions are very dependable so I can't imagine our life without them.

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