Inventing the Windshield Wiper: The Story of Mary Anderson

Mary Anderson was a woman of many talents. She was a farmer, a rancher, a real estate developer, and an inventor. But she is best known for one invention in particular: the windshield wiper.

Anderson was born in Greene County, Alabama, in 1866. She grew up on a farm and learned the value of hard work and self-reliance. In her early twenties, she moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where she worked as a real estate developer.

Mary Anderson and Windshield Wipers (21st Century Junior Library: Women Innovators)

by Ellen Labrecque

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7523 KB
Print length	:	24 pages

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In 1903, Anderson was riding in a streetcar during a snowstorm. She noticed that the motorman had to stop the streetcar frequently to get out and clean the windshield. This gave her the idea for a device that could automatically clean the windshield.

Anderson worked on her invention for several years. She finally patented her design in 1903. Her windshield wiper consisted of a rubber blade attached to a lever that could be moved back and forth across the windshield.

Anderson's invention was not immediately successful. Many people were skeptical of its usefulness. But she eventually found a manufacturer who was willing to produce her windshield wipers.

In 1917, Anderson sold the rights to her patent to the Tri-Continental Corporation. The Tri-Continental Corporation began mass-producing windshield wipers, and they quickly became a standard feature on cars.

Anderson's invention has had a profound impact on the automotive industry. Windshield wipers are now essential for safe driving, and they have saved countless lives.

Anderson was a remarkable woman who made a significant contribution to the world. She was a pioneer in the field of automotive safety, and her invention has made driving safer for everyone.

Legacy

Anderson's legacy lives on today. She is remembered as one of the most important inventors of the 20th century. Her invention has made a lasting impact on the world, and it continues to save lives every day.

In 1994, Anderson was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. She is also the subject of a children's book, Mary Anderson and the Windshield Wipers, by Deborah Heiligman.

Anderson's story is an inspiration to us all. It shows us that anyone can make a difference in the world. With hard work and determination, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.

Timeline

• 1866: Mary Anderson is born in Greene County, Alabama.
• 1889: Anderson moves to Birmingham, Alabama.
• 1903: Anderson patents her windshield wiper.
• 1917: Anderson sells the rights to her patent to the Tri-Continental Corporation.
• 1994: Anderson is inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
• 2002: Anderson dies at the age of 86.

Further Reading

• Mary Anderson, National Inventors Hall of Fame
• Mary Anderson, the Woman Who Invented the Windshield Wiper, Smithsonian Magazine
• Mary Anderson and the Windshield Wipers, by Deborah Heiligman

Mary Anderson, inventor of the windshield wiper

Mary Anderson and Windshield Wipers (21st Century Junior Library: Women Innovators)

by Ellen Labrecque

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7523 KB
Print length	:	24 pages

FREE