Black Inventors
Who, What, When, Where, Why?
Learn all about the ironing board by reading each part below (Chandler/White, 1986).Who?
Sarah Boone was one of the first African American women to ever receive a patent for an invention. A patent is a right that means no one else can make your invention without your permission.What?
She invented a device that helped to neatly iron clothing. Sarah Boone’s ironing board was an improvement over the old ironing boards that were invented before hers was made.When?
This ironing board was patented in 1892.Where?
She invented her ironing board in New Haven, Connecticut.Why?
Boone wanted to create a cheap, simple, and effective ironing board to be used in ironing the sleeves and bodies of ladies’ garments. Sarah Boone’s ironing board was narrow and curved, and it was also reversible. Making the ironing board reversible made it easy to iron both sides of a sleeve.
Importance of Ironing Board in Life:
Dry cleaning and machines that are used today to press clothes were not invented in the 1890's. In the 1890's, women's clothes were very fancy and had a lot of lace and stitching. It was difficult to iron a fancy dress. Boone's ironing board made it easier to do a good job of ironing fancy clothes. Women could continue to buy fashions that made them appear important and look good around town. It was a good thing if a woman appeared to be an important person, because back then women and black people did not have the same rights and freedoms that white men had. Boone herself is important for being one of the first black women to receive a patent. She is known as a pioneer and an inspiration to people who believe in the equal rights of everyone.
Here is a drawing of Boone's ironing board.
Researched by Alicia Lindsay, North Carolina A&T State University
Drawing by Alicia Lindsay.
Photo by Hemera Photo Objects [Clipart CD].
Reference:
Chandler/White Publishing Company, Inc. (1986). A Salute to Black Inventors. Chicago: author. [A series of booklets on black inventors for elementary school.] (312) 280-9451Last Update: 9-26-02