Charlotte Bridgwood
Charlotte Bridgwood was born in 1861 and was president of the Bridgwood Manufacturing Company of New York. An entrepreneur and inventor she was also the mother of the silent screen star Florence Lawarence who was herself an inventor. Bridgwood's manufactured several of her inventions. In 1917 Bridgwood patented her electric Storm Windshield Cleaner. Bridgwood's wiper used rollers rather than blades and was electrically driven. Neither Bridgwood not her daughter were successful in selling their inventions. It was not till 1923 that automatic windshield wipers became standard features on cars and Bridgwood is generally not remembered as having pioneered the idea. Bridgwood died in 1929. Her memorial simply states that she was the mother of florence Lawrence.
Greek Sea Goddess Nereis on Aquatic Transportation
Web Sites:
Brief History of Women and Transportation
Charlotte Bridgewood Windshield Wiper Inventor
Bridgwood Memorial
History of Automobiles
OTHER INNOVATIONS AND INVENTIONS
