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Mary Anderson
Mary Anderson (1866-1953) was an American inventor who is credited with inventing the first operational windshield wiper. She was born in Greene County, Alabama, in 1866. In 1889, she moved with her widowed mother and sister to Birmingham, Alabama, where she became a real estate developer shortly after, building the Fairmont Apartments.
In 1903, Anderson was traveling on a streetcar in New York City when she noticed how difficult it was for the driver to see through the windshield when it was raining. She had an idea for a device that would automatically clear the windshield, and she sketched out a design on a piece of paper.
Anderson filed a patent for her invention on November 10, 1903. Her patent called for a lever that would be operated by the driver to move a rubber blade across the windshield. The blade would be attached to a pivoting arm, and it would be kept in place by a spring.
Anderson's invention was not immediately successful. However, it eventually caught on, and windshield wipers became standard equipment on cars. Anderson never made a fortune from her invention, but she is credited with making a significant contribution to the safety of driving.
In addition to her work as an inventor, Anderson was also a real estate developer, rancher, and viticulturist. She was a single woman who never married or had children. She died in 1953 at the age of 87.
Mary Anderson was a pioneer in the field of automotive safety. Her invention of the windshield wiper made it possible for drivers to see more clearly in inclement weather, which helped to reduce accidents. She is a role model for women inventors, and her story shows that it is possible to achieve great things even if you are not from a traditional background.
Personal Information
She was born in Greene County, Alabama, on February 19, 1866.
She moved to Birmingham, Alabama, in 1889, where she became a real estate developer.
She was granted a patent for her windshield wiper invention on November 10, 1903.
Her patent called for a lever that would be operated by the driver to move a rubber blade across the windshield.
Her invention was not immediately successful, but it eventually caught on and windshield wipers became standard equipment on cars.
She never married or had children.
She died on June 27, 1953, at the age of 87.
She was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1999.
Here are some other interesting facts about Mary Anderson:
She was a single woman who never married or had children.
She was a real estate developer, rancher, and viticulturist.
She was a member of the National Association of Women Inventors and Engineers.
She was awarded the Thomas A. Edison Bronze Medal in 1928.
She was inducted into the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame in 2000.
Mary Anderson was a pioneer in the field of automotive safety. Her invention of the windshield wiper made it possible for drivers to see more clearly in inclement weather, which helped to reduce accidents. She is a role model for women inventors, and her story shows that it is possible to achieve great things even if you are not from a traditional background.
