“L.L.” returned from a hunting trip with cold, damp feet and a revolutionary idea. By combining leather uppers with rubber bottoms, he created an innovative boot that changed footwear forever.

But L.L. did not meet with immediate success. The bottoms and tops separated, and 90 of the first 100 pairs were returned. L.L. sent refunds, corrected the problem and sent more mailers.

Originally called the Maine Duck Hunting Coat, it was an instant favorite with hunters.

L.L.’s circulars evolved into a real catalog, judged #1 by Postage magazine. L.L. was awarded $25.

The First Lady proved a tough sell, resisting the impulse to buy fishing boots for her husband. But L.L. wouldn’t let her leave empty handed, presenting her with a trout knife for the president.

Featuring a breakthrough device called the “hookless fastener” (aka “zipper”), the duffle became an L.L.Bean mainstay.

After claiming he “could whittle a better-looking bunch of decoys than that mess we’re using,” L.L.’s shipping clerk George Soule was tasked with the job. He went on to sell thousands a year.

With a parade of customers seeking his advice on pursuing big game, waterfowl and fish, L.L. wrote a book to share his nearly 50 years of experience.

Originally designed to haul ice and wood, the tote’s simple yet timeless design earned it a place as a style icon. Still made here in Maine.

L.L. came up with the idea to accommodate visiting sportsmen who would drive all night to get an early start the next morning. “We have thrown away the key to the place.”