"Working in the backyard shed with a
mechanic, George Butters, Josephine
brought her idea to life.
When it failed, she started over. When
she was close, she kept refining.
Revising, reworking, rethinking.
Finally, like a crystal-clean goblet,
things began looking brighter!"
Thank goodness for wise and persistent women like Josephine Cochrane - always striving to make life better! A modern woman living after the Civil War, she is always looking forward. In the aftermath of a dinner party, Josephine takes it upon herself to wash dishes that have seen better days. As she stands working, she realizes she is missing doing those things she loves because of the dish washing.
"There must be a better way!"
At a time when many inventors were doing important work, Josephine decides to join them. Doing her research, Josephine studies what had come before her time. She is convinced she can do better. After a number of tries, it looks like she will be successful. The sudden death of her husband puts a stop to her dreaming.
Once the many bills are paid, Josephine goes to work with Geroge Butters again, intent on finding success. Her patent is approved early in 1886. A woman running a company is unlikely to get invenstors in a male-dominated business world. Josephine is persistent, taking her dishwasher to Chicago's Columbian Exposition in 1893 and winning first prize. Orders pour in, leading eventually to great success for the inventor and the many homes that benefit from her invention today. Bravo!
Did you know who invented the dishwashing machine? I certainly did not. Now, I do.
An author's note, a list of noted inventors who are women, a timeline of fascinating inventions, and a list of sources are included.
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