First+Microwave

by Sharlene, Grade 5

In the 1940’s, after World War II, a man named Percy LeBaron Spencer invented the first microwave oven. He had a company named Raytheon. At first the microwave was called Radrange. He got that name from a company employee contest. He had a catch phrase: “More money saved, fresher food, less waste.” The microwave is for heating, making and baking food. Today people still use the microwave. It is a big success. Spencer was born in Howland, Maine. He became an orphan at a young age. He never went beyond primary school. But he was eventually awarded an honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Massachusetts, and a Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Science. In 1941, magnetrons, which generate microwave radio signals, were being made at a factory where Spencer worked. While working there, Spencer developed more efficient ways to manufacture them. For his work he was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Award by the Navy. One day Spencer decided to test the microwave. So he put popcorn in front of the magnetron, turning up the power and standing away from the beam, and then it popped all over the room. That was the beginning. Today, millions of people use microwaves.