Fridge magnets – how did they become so popular?

8/23/2020

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Culture Story: Fridge magnets – how did they become so popular?

Fridge magnets are found in almost every household. They come in all sizes and shapes, make perfect travel souvenirs and serve some practical purposes. Let's learn more about how they became so popular in many parts of the world.

#1 What is a magnet?

Culture Story: what is a magnet — shutterstock

A magnet is an object made from a material which generates an external magnetic field. This field attracts certain materials and other magnets. The ends of a magnet, called poles, are where the magnetic field concentrates. One magnet has a north pole and a south pole.

#2 How are magnets made?

Culture Story: how are magnets made how magnets work — shutterstock

Magnets are made from ferromagnetic metals, such as iron, cobalt or nickel. These materials can be made magnetic by exposing them to a powerful magnetic field with the use of electric current. There are also materials that are naturally magnetic: for example, lodestone naturally attracts iron.

#3 When was the first fridge magnet invented?

Culture Story: fridge magnets souvenirs history — wikimedia CC BY-SA

In the middle of the 20th century, plastic letters and numbers attached to magnets were commonly used as teaching aids. Around the 1960s, the first magnet similar to the ones we put on fridges was invented by a man named Sam Hardcastle.

Originally, Hardcastle, a professional molder, was approached by US space industry to develop numbers and letters that were flexible and fully magnetic – not just pieces of plastic attached to magnets. Sam successfully coped with the task: he created letters and numbers made from a mix of iron oxide, iron dust and vinyl. They suited the purpose perfectly.

#4 But how did Hardcastle's invention move to our fridges?

Sam's customers from space industry were satisfied and continued working with him: later, he created letters of verious sizes and colors. One day, Hardcastle understood that his invention had more potential, and decided to start advertising magnets for household use.

He started adding logos and words to his magnets – and it was a total success. Hardcastle started cooperating with souvenir industry and went on to create specialized magnets for each US state. Soon such souvernirs became widespread in other countries as well.

#5 Are there any large collections of fridge magnets?

Culture Story: fridge magnets collection memomagnetist — shutterstock

A lot of people collect fridge magnets – you probably know some of them or do it yourself. Anyway, the largest and most mind-blowing collection was owned by Louise Greenfarb from Nevada. She was even known as the 'Magnet Lady', as her collection contained more than 30,000 non-duplicated items.

Greenfarb passed away in 2019. The collection was inherited by her children.

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What are your thoughts on this subject?

11 Comments

Raymond Monery

Raymond Monery, she has one that says “I’m right, he’s wrong - end of story.”

ninakamwene

I love magnets I have them from my travels and any wise or funny sayings.

Cheryl McMeekin

I collect them when I travel.

Barb Beck

I collect magnets from all of the places I visit. I am actually running out of room on my fridge. They all bring back such pleasant memories of my trips. They are so easy to bring home too. I am anxiously waiting for the cruise ships to start sailing again.

Adriana Zuliani

I have a lot of magnets on my fridge. Usually are travelling souvenirs, and remind me of happy times spent overseas.

Sarah Elizabeth Wilson Fischer

I have a large fridge magnet collection too. My first magnet dates to the mid 1980s. My husband and I love to travel and my collection quickly outgrew the fridge. They are now on 5 pieces of sheet medal from Hime Depot, each about 2x3 ft. The 5th sheet is only about 1/3 full so more traveling soon I hope!! I have magnets from the US and all over the world. Each magnet quickly reminds me of the attraction and all the fun we’ve had. Magnets are a perfect souvenir.

kotakat

I have been collecting fridge magnets for decades. I had a stainless steel fridge and they worked fine on it. I have a smaller fridge and decades worth of magnets from all over the US and half of the world, so I now have to rotate them from time to time. But, I collect them still. Not only from the states and countries that I visit but also from attractions, National Parks and any unique areas. I also enjoy making my own. Since I was in the military (and still travel a lot) I found magnets to be the perfect souvenir. Small, lightweight, easily displayed once I get home. I have also started my grandchildren on the hobby when they travel with me.