Have you ever wondered who invented the dishwasher? Read my review and you'll find out!
REVIEW of Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine
Josephine puts on an apron and goes to work. But,
Stuck at the sink washing dirty plates, Josephine's fingers weren't free to tickle the ivories at the piano. Or pick her favorite flowers....or even scratch the furry ears of her beloved hounds! (Isn't that a clever way of showing Josephine's interests?)
So, she decided to find a way to get her dinnerware clean without dings and nicks.
She pondered.
She sketched
She tinkered.
....
She measured saucers and soup bowls, calculating how big her contraption would be.
She used pliers and wires, shaping metal baskets to hold plates, glasses, and spoons.
(Did you notice the alliteration and the internal rhyme?)
Despite the grief and financial worries after her husband died, Josephine and George tested and tinkered and pushed and persevered until she was satisfied.
Josephine submitted a patent application and waited a year. In December 1885 she was awarded a patent for her dish-washing machine!
 |
| https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/journeys-innovation/historical-stories/ill-do-it-myself |
Josephine's next obstacle was to find investors who would help build her business. She took her machine to the 1893 Columbian Exposition and she took home the highest prize!
She found financial backers and orders poured in from hotels, restaurants, schools, and hospitals.
 |
| https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/journeys-innovation/historical-stories/ill-do-it-myself |
I love how this book comes full circle, mirroring Josephine's initial dreams--and how the illustrator gave Josephine a special place--on the front of a lovely teacup.
This STEM book is a great curriculum resource for K-3rd grade as an aid in discussing inventions, women's history, and the industrial revolution. For more backstory on why Kate Hannigan picked Josephine's story, see Beth Anderson's blog. For more information about Josephine's patent process, go here.
How would you like to own this dish-washing machine?
 |
| https://kidsdiscover.com/quick-reads/meet-the-woman-who-invented-the-automatic-dishwasher/ |
