Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
BRK.96.73 |
Object Name |
Wringer, Clothes |
Description |
A wringer washer. Marked "WILLETT WASHER" and "PAT. Dec 19th" with 2 numbers (possibly 1872-1877?) stamped on the back of either side of the spring, below the handle. There is one grooved roller turned by a metal rod extending from the handle. Three plain rollers are turned by the grooved roller and supported by two wooden blocks. The handle is composed of a metal rod and a wooden hand grip. The end blocks and two springs are connected to the base, 4.5 cm below the handle. |
Year Range from |
1870 |
Year Range to |
1880 |
Dimensions |
H-34 L-59.5 cm |
History |
An African American housekeeper from Washington DC, Ellen F. Eglin (1849 -?), invented the clothes wringer in ca. 1880; she did not patent it. She sold her design to an agent for $18. According to an 1890 interview with Eglin in "Woman Inventor" magazine, she sold the design because: "You know I am black and if it was known that a Negro woman patented the invention, white ladies would not buy the wringer. I was afraid to be known because of my color in having it introduced into the market, that is the only reason." The Willett Washer is believed to have been patent ca. 1875 by G.R. Willett who was originally from Nova Scotia. Advertisements noted, "By the use of this Washer, Time, Money and Hard work is saved. Thousands of them in daily use, and still growing in popularity". It was a popular wooden ware item and sold for $5.00 each. References: Wringer washing machine leads to black female inventor. Auction Finds. Sherry. October 10, 2011 https://myauctionfinds.com/2011/10/10/wringer-washing-machine-leads-to-black-female-inventor/ The Canadian Patent Office Record. Vol III, Ottawa. Published by Authority, 1875 Advertisement. The Willett Washer. Progress. Saturday March 10 1894 G.R. Willett. Weekly Monitor. Wednesday, February 27th, 1904 Advertisement. Wooden Ware. R.M. Fulton. Chignecto Post. Tuesday, April 18th, 1895 |