March Marks the Observance of Women’s History Month
“Every instance a lady defends herself, without even realizing it, without asserting it, she advocates for all her fellow women.” – Maya Angelou
In our contemporary era, it can be effortless to overlook the privileges we have, but occasions like Women’s History Month serve as a reminder to maintain our perception in check. Despite believing that we have progressed significantly, numerous sectors still lack female representation, and countless accomplishments by women remain unrecognized.
One of the industries often associated with being a male-dominated realm is the automotive industry. However, contrary to the outdated beliefs that only men can appreciate automobiles, women have made a considerable impact on the industry since its inception.
For all the racing enthusiasts out there, fret not, as in our upcoming blog, we will delve into the realm of women in motorsport!
Mary Anderson
Here’s an interesting fact. If you have ever driven a car or traveled in an airplane, the work of Mary Anderson has impacted your experience.
Legend has it that Mary conceived the idea of a rubber blade that could be operated by the vehicle operator from inside the trolley car after witnessing a trolley operator sticking his head out during a snowstorm in New York City. In 1903, she obtained a patent for her concept. Shortly thereafter, her innovation in mass transit began to be incorporated into cars worldwide, beginning with Cadillac in 1922.
From then on, the humble windshield wiper became an often-overlooked standard feature designed to enhance road safety. Whether it’s a 747 jet or a cruise ship, all utilize windshield wipers to navigate, all thanks to Mary Anderson.
So, the next time it rains and you activate those wipers, remember that without Mary, visibility would have been severely compromised.
Florence Lawrence
Florence Lawrence should not merely be remembered for her contributions to the automotive sector.
She was also the first woman to be acknowledged onscreen during the credits. Additionally, she held a genuine passion for automobiles. In those early days, Florence, like all other drivers, encountered significant safety concerns and general disorder. Remember, roads and cars were still relatively new concepts! After almost getting into an accident due to another driver cutting her off, she believed that car safety needed significant improvement.
In 1914, Florence introduced her first invention, turn indicators, which were flaps extending from the vehicle’s side controlled by a mechanical lever. Unfortunately, she did not patent the idea, and it took another decade before her concept became a standard feature in vehicles worldwide. Following her substantial financial losses during the stock market crash of 1929, she faded from public view.
Florence’s narrative may be somber, yet we can still be astounded by her accomplishments as not only one of the earliest prominent female actors but also a genuine car lover during an era when the concept was uncommon.
Bertha Benz
You might recognize the famous last name as part of a renowned German automaker, and you would be accurate. However, that’s not the entirety of the story of the esteemed Bertha Benz.
Yes, Bertha was Karl Benz’s supportive spouse, often credited with developing the contemporary automobile. Yet Bertha should not remain in her husband’s shadow; on the contrary, she was an audacious individual who took it upon herself to promote her husband’s invention across the German countryside.
On 5 August 1888, at the age of 39, Bertha Benz embarked on a journey of over 60 miles with their invention, the Patent Motorcar, alongside her two sons. This act made her the first individual to undertake a significant distance in a motor vehicle. Remember, automobiles were a novel sight, so envision the astonishment as a woman drove a motorized vehicle along a country lane.
Thanks to the immense buzz surrounding this new “devil carriage” that moved without horse-power, there was an abundance of attention; even negative publicity served its purpose. The most intriguing part? She did not seek her husband’s approval, fearing rejection. Given the transformative impact of their invention, it’s safe to say that Bertha made the right decision.
Bertha Benz had a discerning eye for opportunity, compelling Karl to stand alongside her rather than remain in obscurity. She took action without seeking permission.
Margaret Wilcox
In the late 1800s, being a woman entailed minimal rights and little respect, especially in the professional domain. Few women pursued careers in fields like science, engineering, or other STEM professions due to the prevailing attitudes and lack of opportunities. Remarkably, women were prohibited from obtaining a patent until 1893, it was outright illegal.
However, amidst this conservative period, Margaret Wilcox emerged. A mechanical engineer with a talent for solving commonplace problems, she recognized the necessity for improved comfort for passengers after experiencing a bitterly cold streetcar ride in New York.
Realizing that engines generated ample heat, she devised and patented a mechanism redirecting hot engine airflow into the streetcar’s interior. In 1893, she secured a patent for the modern car heater.
Although initially designed for streetcars, her innovation eventually found its way into mass-produced vehicles by Ford in 1927. Thus, the next time you enjoy warmth and comfort in your vehicle during a chilly spell, remember that Margaret Wilcox is the genius behind this blessing.
An Insufficient Expression of Gratitude
The absence of these women’s inventions would have drastically altered the world as we know it today.
It’s easy to downplay their achievements, but doing so would belittle the incredible challenges each of these remarkable women faced merely to be acknowledged. They established their reputation through resilience, intellect, empathy, and insight during an era where their gender hindered them from attaining the recognition they merited. This represents only a fraction of the women who have profoundly revolutionized the automotive sector over the past century and a half.
To all women tirelessly enhancing the safety, quality, and performance of all vehicle types, we stand behind and admire each and every one of you.
The article Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women In Automotive was originally published on Xtreme Xperience.