Sat Nov 29 18:53:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:
Mason Jar: A 19th-Century Invention Still Thriving in the 21st
New York, NY – November 30, 2025 – John Landis Mason’s simple invention, the Mason jar, patented on November 30, 1858, continues to be a staple in kitchens and homes today, according to a new article. This ingenious creation revolutionized home food preservation by providing a more reliable and accessible method than the wax-sealed jars of the time.
Mason’s design, featuring a transparent glass jar with a threaded neck and screw-on lid, enabled an airtight seal as the contents cooled. However, Mason’s failure to fully protect his invention led to the Ball brothers becoming the largest producers of Mason jars by the end of the 19th century.
Mason jars saw increased popularity during both World Wars when people used them to can homegrown fruits and vegetables.
The invention’s popularity dipped in the post-war era as freezing food at home became more common.
While primarily designed for canning, their use has evolved in the 21st century, with a revival in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and for a variety of purposes beyond their original intent, including decorative uses and general storage. Despite his lack of financial success, Mason’s invention endures as a functional and timeless design, still sought after more than 150 years later.
First Piper 