Innovation and the Trapper Keeper

My father, E. Bryant Crutchfield, was integral to the development and the commercial success of the Trapper Keeper. “Crutch” was creative, innovative, and a memorable character. The Trapper Keeper became an iconic product for many students in the 1980s and 1990s.

Since my father’s passing, I have been researching the history of school supplies, the growth of American Industry, pop culture, and the powerful forces that shape successful products. Innovation is the result of inspiration, ideas, invention, and people. Commercial success combines the right product aligning with the right market needs. However, the powerful forces that create the circumstances to enable a product to fit a market need can also kill entire industries. There are many people, stories, and lessons to be learned about the growth of American Industry and the growth of American culture. It is my intent to tell those stories through the development of the Trapper Keeper.

In 2013, Mental Floss did an extensive article on the History of the Trapper Keeper that featured my father prominently. This American Life aired an episode highlighting another lens on the story in 2023.

Stay informed with occasional updates!

If you have personal memories to share or any information that might help with this project, please share!

Regardless, please reach out!