Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania Celebrates Raymond DeWalt Day to Honor Hometown Hero's Legacy of Innovation, Safety and Productivity that Led to the Founding of DEWALT

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Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania is celebrating Raymond DeWalt Day on October 9 to honor their hometown hero and the 100th anniversary of DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand. The event coincides with what would have been Raymond DeWalt's 139th birthday.

Raymond DeWalt revolutionized the construction industry with his innovative woodworking machine, an adjustable radial arm saw known as the 'DeWalt Wonder-Worker'. Mayor Jack Ritter, in partnership with DEWALT, has proclaimed October 9 as 'Raymond DeWalt Day'.

To honor DeWalt's legacy of supporting the trades, DEWALT is donating tools to Cumberland-Perry Area Vocational Technical School and Mechanicsburg High School. This celebration is part of a series of events commemorating the brand's centennial anniversary.

• Raymond DeWalt revolutionized the construction industry with his innovative woodworking machine - an adjustable radial arm saw known as the 'DeWalt Wonder-Worker'
• Mechanicsburg Mayor Jack Ritter, in partnership with DEWALT, proclaims October 9 'Raymond DeWalt Day'
• DEWALT donates tools to Cumberland-Perry Area Vocational Technical School and Mechanicsburg High School to honor Raymond DeWalt's legacy supporting the trades
• Raymond DeWalt Day is the latest of a series of celebrations to commemorate the brand's milestone centennial anniversary

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. , Oct. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Borough of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania today is celebrating Raymond DeWalt Day to honor their hometown hero and the 100^th year anniversary of his namesake DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand and leader in total jobsite solutions.

The celebration is taking place on what would have been the 139th birthday of the Company's "original pro" Raymond DeWalt whose forward-looking vision resulted in the founding of DEWALT.

Mechanicsburg Mayor Jack Ritter, in partnership with DEWALT, is proclaiming October 9 "Raymond DeWalt Day" during a special ceremony with DeWalt's descendants who still reside in the Mechanicsburg community. Mechanicsburg City Council and representatives from DEWALT are also attending today's celebrations. To help memorialize the day, DEWALT is presenting Mayor Ritter with a ceremonial centennial DEWALT plaque.

"I knew the family," said Mayor Ritter, Borough of Mechanicsburg. "Raymond DeWalt taught me how to use the DEWALT saw, and he also shopped in Ritters Hardware, a family store my grandfather opened in Mechanicsburg over one hundred years ago. Ritters now sells DEWALT tools."

City Council President Miller, Borough of Mechanicsburg stated, "We are excited to help celebrate the anniversary of DEWALT and highlight their history and connection to Mechanicsburg."

About Raymond DeWalt
Raymond DeWalt was a tradesman in Pennsylvania in the early 1920s and became a power tool pioneer when he sought a way to streamline and expedite wood-cutting operations without sacrificing quality or safety.

His journey led to the invention of the "Wonder-Worker," an adjustable electric radial arm saw that provided the ability to efficiently execute multiple operations on one affordable piece of equipment, and the creation of DEWALT. 

The "Wonder-Worker" set the stage for DEWALT to begin distributing products both nationally and internationally. By 1927, Sears, Roebuck and Co. boasted that DEWALT's saw contributed to helping manufacture "50 ready-cut houses" each day.

Later in life, DeWalt focused on helping close the skilled trades gap. He became a shop teacher at Mechanicsburg High School in Pennsylvania, educating the next generation of professional tradespeople. DeWalt passed away in 1961, but his trailblazing legacy lives on in the tools and outdoor products that bear his name.

"Today, we are proud to honor Raymond DeWalt's guiding principles of innovation, safety and productivity which led to the founding of DEWALT," said Bill Harman, Vice President of Product Management, Stanley Black & Decker. "One hundred years later, we remain committed to driving relentless innovation and supporting the trades, just as Raymond DeWalt did in 1924 and throughout his life."

In recognition of Raymond DeWalt's contributions to Mechanicsburg, DEWALT delivered tool donations to Cumberland-Perry Area Vocational Technical School to honor Raymond DeWalt's trailblazing legacy supporting the trades. In addition, DEWALT also donated tools to the same machine shop class at Mechanicsburg High School, where DeWalt taught.

Raymond DeWalt Day is the latest of a series of celebrations to commemorate the brand's milestone anniversary, including electrifying the Sphere in Las Vegas and ringing The Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange to honor and thank the tradespeople who build, maintain, improve, and advance our communities.

For more information on DEWALT's 100th anniversary, please visit: DEWALT History. 

About DEWALT
DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, celebrates 100 years in business by continuing to provide our customers with total jobsite and landscaping solutions. By applying its latest technology to the challenges of today's skilled trades, DEWALT is leading the charge for the jobsite of the future and pioneering the next generation of tools, outdoor equipment and forward-looking technologies. DEWALT products. GUARANTEED TOUGH®. For more information, visit www.dewalt.com or follow DEWALT on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

About Stanley Black & Decker
Founded in 1843 and headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is a worldwide leader in Tools and Outdoor, operating manufacturing facilities globally. The Company's approximately 50,000 diverse and high-performing employees produce innovative end-user inspired power tools, hand tools, storage, digital jobsite solutions, outdoor and lifestyle products, and engineered fasteners to support the world's builders, tradespeople and DIYers. The Company's world class portfolio of trusted brands includes DEWALT®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, BLACK+DECKER®, and Cub Cadet®. To learn more visit: www.stanleyblackanddecker.com or follow Stanley Black & Decker on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

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SOURCE DEWALT

FAQ

What is Raymond DeWalt Day and when is it celebrated?

Raymond DeWalt Day is celebrated on October 9 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, to honor the legacy of Raymond DeWalt and the 100th anniversary of the DEWALT brand (SWK).

What was Raymond DeWalt's contribution to the construction industry?

Raymond DeWalt revolutionized the construction industry by inventing an innovative woodworking machine - an adjustable radial arm saw known as the 'DeWalt Wonder-Worker'.

How is DEWALT (SWK) honoring Raymond DeWalt's legacy on this day?

DEWALT is donating tools to Cumberland-Perry Area Vocational Technical School and Mechanicsburg High School to support trades education, honoring Raymond DeWalt's commitment to the trades.

Why is Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania celebrating Raymond DeWalt Day?

Mechanicsburg is celebrating Raymond DeWalt Day because it is Raymond DeWalt's hometown and the event marks the 100th anniversary of the DEWALT brand (SWK).

What other events are associated with DEWALT's 100th anniversary?

Raymond DeWalt Day is part of a series of celebrations commemorating DEWALT's centennial anniversary, though specific details of other events are not provided in the press release.