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F. Brannock (1903-1992)
Born: Syracuse, New York
Born into the shoe business (his father, Otis C. Brannock, co-founded
the Park-Brannock Shoe Co. (1906-1981) in Syracuse, New York),
Brannock spent several years, while attending Syracuse University,
trying to figure out the best way to measure a foot.
built the prototype of his new foot-measuring device using an
Erector set, and gave it a trial run at his father's store. His
invention quickly replaced the only other tool of its kind - a
primitive block of measured wood - because it dramatically improved
the accuracy of a foot measurement.
1928, Brannock obtained a patent for his device even though he'd
already created a company to manufacture and sell it.
World War II, Brannock was hired by the Army to ensure that boots
and shoes comfortably fit enlisted men.
the years, Brannock developed different models of his device,
including women's, men's, junior, growing girls', athletic, ski-boot,
a million Brannock Devices have been manufactured-varying little
over the years-and it remains the shoe industry standard.
from the following sources:
-Watia, Amy K. BRANNOCK DEVICE COMPANY RECORDS, 1999, Archives Center,
National Museum of American History. http://americanhistory.si.edu/archives/d8672.htm