Ken N. Gidge Explained

Kennith Gidge (born May 26, 1946) is an American politician, artist, and inventor who served as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives from the Hillsborough District 33.^[1]

Early life

Gidge was born deaf in one ear. As a result, he had to repeat both the first and second grade. His partial deafness was not discovered until he reached third grade. His disability could not be improved with a hearing aid, so his teachers taught him to read lips. This skill helped him finish elementary school and complete his high school studies.

In the 1960s, Gidge moved to Boston to study acting and art. He supported himself by working as a bartender. He eventually quit his studies and returned to Nashua, New Hampshire.^[2]

Career

In 1978, Gidge invented two energy saving devices, "Le Door" and "Le Frigidoor". These inventions were marketed nationally and internationally. During this period he became aware that inventions were regularly stolen and decided to try and stop this from happening, so he created a committee called the National Inventors Award Committee to honor inventors and inventions.^[3] He hosted then-Vice President, George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush to come to Nashua for the National Inventors Award Committee's event.^{[4] [5] [6]}

Gidge was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 2007. He took office in 2008.^{[7] [8]}

Further reading

• Bluementhal, Joel, " Water Winds, Wing Wheel Latest Invention In World of Nashua's Former Flagole siterr. June 28, 1985, 35th Annual State of New Hampshire Edition line news, 29 October 2011. Web. 14 June 2012.
• Jones, Cynthia, Flagpole Champ, Restaurateur Adds Poetry to Latest Pursuits, Dec 23, 1976

Notes and References

1. Sherman, Steve. "Gidge's Gagets." New Hampshire Profiles Feb. 1987: p61,62, 63. Print
2. Gidge, K. (2011, February 20) Profile. Fine Art America. Retrieved December 30, 2012 from http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/ken-gidge.html
3. "Flight of the Gizmo." Nashua Telegraph 27 Dec. 1985, VOL 117, No.224 ed.: 1. http://www.telegraph.com. Web. 1 July 2012.
4. Staff Writers. (1983, June 20, Vol. 19, No. 24). Foster Brothers Curtis Lawson and Lewis Barton Funnel Their Energy into Award-Winning Inventions. People.com. Retrieved December 30, 2012 from http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20085320,00.html
5. "Nashua's youthful Inventors featured on national TV ." The Telegraph Video Showcase Friday - TV Chatter 26 Dec. 1983, local ed.: 1,2.Print.
6. Smith, Robert G. "They're Award Winning Inventors- at ages 10 and 14." The National Enquirer 5 Apr. 1983: 38. hard copy. Web. 1 July 2012.
7. Web site: Kenneth Gidge. 2020-06-23. Ballotpedia. en.
8. https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/members/member.aspx?member=376816 Representative Kenneth Gidge (D)