Lorenzo Langstroth learned about bee space through backyard observation, then promoted it as a key concept in the construction of hives and placement of frames.

Lorenzo Langstroth learned about bee space through backyard observation, then promoted it as a key concept in the construction of hives and placement of frames.
© Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

Langstroth Hall of Fame Page

Reverend Lorenzo Langstroth was born on 25 December 1810 and died on 6 October 1895. In 1852, he invented the removable frame hive. The "Father of American Beekeeping" was a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Yale University. Beekeeping started as hobby, as he was a pastor and teacher by profession.

Even as a young boy, Langstroth enjoyed watching insect behaviour. His observations led him to create the Langstroth hive. He realized that bees need just enough space to move around between frames and the outer box wall, but no more or less, or they will instinctively plug the cracks and glue everything together.