The stark contrast between the realities of “hard times” and the ongoing efforts of inventors, innovators, and, indeed, the Patent Office always reminds me that, even in the toughest of times, progress marches on. U.S. Patent No. 47,245, issued to Alvin Pond of Hamden Connecticut, might be my favorite example of this contrast. The story of the ‘245 patent is one of coincidence and symbolism. It initially caught my eye because of its issue date, April 11, 1865.