Trapper Keeper is a brand of loose-leaf binder created by Mead School Supplies and widely recognized as one of the most popular school supply products of all time. These binders were popular with both American and Latin American schoolchildren from 1970 to the 90’s, but they spiked in popularity during the 1990s, appearing in schools all across the country. Many adults enjoyed Trapper Keepers as well, impressed with the binders intuitive design and compact compartments. Replacing the clunky mechanics of snap-closed metal binder rings, Trapper Keepers had attractive plastic sliding rings. Trapper Keepers also featured convenient folders and pockets for schoolwork and papers. One of the binder’s trademarks was its wrap-around flap with a Velcro closure. Trapper Keepers often had distinct themes the mirrored popular cartoons, tv shows, movies, and games. There was also a series of designer Trapper Keepers, featuring more artistic designs that reflected the changing interests of students over the years.
In the mid 1990s, Trapper Keepers fell out of favor as teachers decided to ban them from their classrooms. They took issue with the binder’s multiplication and conversion tables, claiming they helped students to cheat. However, this drop in popularity wasn’t permanent. In recent years, Mead has continued to push Trapper Keepers with some success. Regardless of the decade, many students enjoy showing off their personalities through school supplies.
via liketotally80s.com