The History of Window Screens

We all know the many benefits of window and patio screens. They allow us to enjoy beautiful breezes and weather from the comfort of our home – and allow us to cool our house down without the use of an air conditioner. Because of window screens, we can be rest assured that the animals we love remain indoors, while keeping those critters we less-so desire from entering our homes.

The benefits of window screens are clearly universally enjoyed, as they can be found on almost every building and house in the United States, Canada and Australia. Next time you enjoy your morning coffee from the comfort of your screened in porch, you can share these fun historical facts with your friends and family.

Technically speaking, humans have been using “screens” since they began building windows into buildings. Mostly made of ceramic, wood, and stone – these primitive screens kept people and large animals from intruding, while allowing light and air to enter the building.

In 1823, The American Farmer mentioned “wove wire for window screens” in its publication. This is the first known mention of the woven wire window screens we still use today. (grit.com).

The Gilbert and Bennett Manufacturing Co., out of Redding, Connecticut is credited with inventing the first affordable woven mesh wire window screens – although they were not originally sold for this purpose. The affordable material was popularly used as a replacement for expensive horsehair sieves (culinary instruments) to Southern customers.

When the Civil War began in 1861, the Gilbert and Bennett company lost much of it’s Southern market. Therefore, the corporation expanded its product line to include affordable window screens for residential use. The screens were painted in order to reduce rust. (grit.com)

According to the National Museum of American History, prior to the 1870, mosquitos and other annoying insects were kept at bay by keeping windows and doors shut – even throughout the summer for most common people. The first known ads for window screens specifically are dated back to 1873, where the ad promises screens to be the difference between “absolute misery and sweetest comfort” by allowing customers to keep their windows open while blocking the mosquitoes from entering.

Moving into the 1880s, window screens started to become more popular, as knowledge of diseases carried by mosquitoes and flies reaches the public. Songs on the subject became increasingly popular such as, “Oh! That Horrid Mosquito” – which was published in 1882 (americanhistory.edu).

Although there was not a patent awarded specifically for screens to keep insects out, many US patents were awarded for various window and patio screen innovations by the late 1890s. Many, many companies began producing and selling the fabric as window screens.

Twitchell Corporation had it’s beginning almost 100 years ago, in 1922. Twitchell is the company that invented Textilene, the highest quality PVC coated screen fabric used by us at CC Sunscreens and many other leading companies – due to it’s durability and effectiveness.

Did you know that the introduction of mesh screens for windows and porches was considered a first line of defense against mosquitoes and the types of diseases they carry? Window screens have been accredited with helping to eradicate these types of diseases (such as typhoid, and yellow fever) in the United States by the 1950s.

In 1992, our friendly, family-run company entered the Phoenix market. We are proud to offer quality sun screens and patio shades in an attempt to satisfy homeowners with a solution to cut back on energy costs, while increasing the comfort levels inside Valley homes.

Before we know it, our famous triple degree weather will be once again upon us. Get ahead of the weather, by reaching out to us for your free, no obligation in-home consultation and quote. See for yourself why we have one of the best reputations in the area by contacting us today. We look forward to helping you to reduce heat in your home this summer while simultaneously reducing energy costs and your carbon footprint.