I’ve always assumed that most people know that two of Rockford, Illinois’ biggest claims to fame are the band Cheap Trick and sock monkeys, but today I learned that is sadly, not true.
History of the Sock Monkey
If you’re a lifelong Rockfordarea resident like myself, you’ve probably heard that the red-heeled sock monkey everyone recognizes and loves was created at the Nelson Knitting Company in Rockford. Technically, that’s only partly true.
An article from Go Rockfordsays:
In 1932, the Nelson Knitting Company introduced its distinctive “De-Tec-Tip,” a red heel added to their socks to stand out from competitors and ensure brand recognition. While the exact origins of the first sock monkey are unknown, the design featuring Rockford’s iconic red heel as its mouth became so popular that by the 1950s, it sparked a patent dispute. Ultimately, the Nelson Knitting Company secured the patent, cementing Rockford’s reputation as the “home of the sock monkey.”…