In 1907, a Fort Madison jeweler named Walter A. Sheaffer revolutionized the way people wrote. Frustrated with the messy and inconvenient fountain pens of the time, Sheaffer invented a self-filling pen using a lever system—eliminating the need for separate ink bottles. With just $35 and an idea, he filed a patent and set out to change the writing world.

By 1912, Sheaffer Pen Company was officially founded right here in Fort Madison. What started in the back of his jewelry store quickly grew into a global brand. Sheaffer pens became known for their craftsmanship, innovation, and reliability—earning a reputation that made them a favorite among writers, business leaders, and even U.S. presidents.

For nearly a century, Fort Madison was home to the world headquarters of Sheaffer Pen Company. Though production has moved, the legacy of W.A. Sheaffer lives on. His innovation didn’t just put Fort Madison on the map—it made an indelible mark on history, one signature at a time.

 

Episode was written and voiced by: James Lemberger

In 1907, a Fort Madison jeweler named Walter A. Sheaffer revolutionized the way people wrote. Frustrated with the messy and inconvenient fountain pens of the time, Sheaffer invented a self-filling pen using a lever system&mdash;eliminating the need for separate ink bottles. With just $35 and an idea, he filed a patent and set out to change the writing world.
By 1912, Sheaffer Pen Company was officially founded right here in Fort Madison. What started in the back of his jewelry store quickly grew into a global brand. Sheaffer pens became known for their craftsmanship, innovation, and reliability&mdash;earning a reputation that made them a favorite among writers, business leaders, and even U.S. presidents.
For nearly a century, Fort Madison was home to the world headquarters of Sheaffer Pen Company. Though production has moved, the legacy of W.A. Sheaffer lives on. His innovation didn&rsquo;t just put Fort Madison on the map&mdash;it made an indelible mark on history, one signature at a time.
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Episode was written and voiced by: James Lemberger

Echoes of the Prairie, the history of the places we call home, features brief histories from the Tri State Public Radio broadcast region.  Histories are created and recorded by local residents.  Echoes of the Prairie airs on TSPR Tuesday - Friday at 8:19 am and 5:48 pm.  More information about contributors is available on the programs webpage.

Echoes of the Prairie, the history of the places we call home, features brief histories from the Tri State Public Radio broadcast region.&nbsp; Histories are created and recorded by local residents.&nbsp; Echoes of the Prairie airs on TSPR Tuesday - Friday at 8:19 am and 5:48 pm.&nbsp; More information about contributors is available on <a href="https://www.tspr.org/show/echoes-of-the-prairie">the programs webpage</a>.

Echoes of the Prairie

Echos of the Prairie, the history of the places we call home, features brief histories from the Tri State Public Radio broadcast region.  Histories are created and recorded by local residents.  Echos of the Prairie airs on TSPR Tuesday - Friday at 8:19 am and 5:48 pm.  More information about contributors is available on the program's web page.

Echos of the Prairie, the history of the places we call home, features brief histories from the Tri State Public Radio broadcast region.&nbsp; Histories are created and recorded by local residents.&nbsp; Echos of the Prairie airs on TSPR Tuesday - Friday at 8:19 am and 5:48 pm.&nbsp; More information about contributors is available on the<a href="https://www.tspr.org/show/echoes-of-the-prairie"> program's web page</a>.

W.A. Sheaffer and the Birth of an Iconic Pen Company

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/430e4218-cd53-415e-9b8c-aff800c35258/clips/efec3c54-cb36-4105-9ee1-b3d801074b7f/transcript