Chronicle Contributor
It is now 90 years ago that Russian immigrant Jacob “Jack” Linsky (1897-1980) started the Parrot Speed Fastener Co. in New York City.
In 1931 he moved to 37-18 Northern Blvd. in Long Island City, making staplers under the name Speed Fastener Co., later calling them Swinglines. In 1939 he revolutionize the industry with the first open-channel, top-loading stapler.
Linsky was so successful he and his wife, Belle, lived at 927 Fifth Ave., in Manhattan with their two daughters, and his wealth allowed him to become a renowned art collector.
In July 1951, the company moved to a brand-new, 160,000-square-foot building at 32-01 Queens Blvd. and graced it with what became the world-famous Swingline Stapler sign. In 1956, the name of the firm was changed to Swingline Co.
In 1970 Linsky decided to sell his company to American Brands for $210 million. Business continued as usual, giving jobs to hundreds of workers in Queens until the passage of the North American Free Trade agreement, after which the plant was closed and all jobs were shipped to Nogales, Mexico, in 1999.
The building was sold to the Museum of Modern Art and given a new life.
Today the company is alive and well, owned by ACCO World, formerly a division of Fortune Brands.
