Beyond WWII: The Life of Fredric Arnold, Folding Chair Inventor

He is considered one of the most influential of his time because of his many achievements. This also includes being named the folding chair inventor. Frederic Arnold was just twenty years old when he enlisted in the Army Corps in 1942. At this time, he was already making a name for himself as a well-established artist. As a child prodigy artist, Arnold went to the Art Institute of Chicago to sharpen his skills further. He then worked with Hearst newspapers and a New York studio as their cartoonist and photo retoucher. But, with the attack on Pearl Harbor, everything changed, and he became a P-38 fighter pilot. Arnold was then stationed in North Africa with the 71st Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group. He is considered one of the American fighter pilots to endure 50 missions, including two crash landings. He then completed his military service in the Office of Flying Safety as an illustrator and academic writer for pilots.

The Other Side of the Folding Chair Inventor

Fredric Arnold was known as a "reluctant warrior." However, he was also a creative dynamo and a decorated war hero combat pilot. He witnessed death in war, the opposite of his mild-mannered artistry. On top of that, Arnold is a sensitive artist but ends up killing in exchange for freedom and his country. Yet, his gift still survived despite the scars of war that he acquired. One of his best achievements that is so popular today is the aluminum-and-nylon folding beach chair, which is so popular during summertime, lounging on the beach, picnicking, or even in backyards. It became so popular due to its portability and ease of storing anywhere. Thus, eventually becoming the symbol of an ideal summer day.As for the folding chair inventor, this was just a mere footnote from his achievements and contributions list. He also created a tribute for his former comrades, a triumphant sculpture in their honor. He helped the Army design modifications to the P-38 performance and made innovations for a cockpit urinal for female pilots, which was very helpful to the military.

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How Did Arnold Design the Folding Chair?

This is his most well-known invention, but it was not for wartime but for relaxation and leisure. He was inspired to invent the folding chair due to his wife's experience dragging heavy furniture to the beach to relax. On February 3, 1959, he received the patent for his lightweight and robust folding chair. Arnold made a way to make the aluminum bend, which was a breakthrough innovation during the 1940s; thus, the American lawn chair was born. Its best asset is sturdy, portable, collapsible, and lightweight. Even a child can carry it if they want to sit by the beach to watch the sunset. The folding chair inventor then founded the Fredric Arnold Co., which was stationed in Brooklyn and, at its height, was capable of producing 14,000 folding beach chairs in a single day.

Arnold's Struggles and Final Years