Who invented the coffee stir stick?

There is no one individual credited with the invention of the coffee stir stick. The concept of stirring beverages or food items has existed for centuries across various cultures, making it challenging to pinpoint a specific inventor. Throughout history, different materials, including twigs, spoons, or metal rods, have been used for stirring purposes.

The development of modern-day coffee stir sticks occurred gradually and involved contributions from many inventors and manufacturers. However, two notable developments in the 20th century played a significant role in popularizing the concept of single-use wooden stir sticks:

1. Arthur A. Libby's Stir Sticks (1907)

- Arthur A. Libby, a patent medicine manufacturer from Minneapolis, Minnesota, received a patent on May 7, 1907, for his unique stir stick design.

- Libby's invention was notable for using a flattened section along the length of the stick, making it easier for the stick to stand upright in a glass.

2. Earl A. Stafford's Stir Stick Machine (1922)

- Earl A. Stafford, from Brooklyn, New York, filed a patent on July 25, 1922, for an automated machine to continuously cut, form, and package stir sticks from rolls of veneer (thin sheets of wood).

- Stafford's invention allowed for mass production of stir sticks, making them more affordable and readily available.