Sarah E. Goode

Are you familiar with the Murphy Bed? These are sometimes referred to as “wall beds”. They benefit as space savers and dual-purpose furniture pieces, particularly useful in small living spaces

Are you familiar with the Murphy Bed? These are sometimes referred to as “wall beds”. They benefit as space savers and dual-purpose furniture pieces, particularly useful in small living spaces.

Well, what if I told you a black woman was responsible for the original space saving furniture? Would you be receptive to this information? Well I hope so, because a Black Woman by the name of Sarah E. Goode was the first Black Woman to receive a patent in the United States; and her patented design predates the Murphy Bed (patented in 1900) and modern-day space saving companies.

Sarah E. Goode was originally born in Toledo, Ohio in 1850. Upon the end of the Civil War, she was granted freedom from enslavement.

She eventually moved to Chicago, IL where she opened up a furniture store with her husband, Archibald Goode.

Goode wanted to be a solution to a problem her Chicago customers reported about the living space in New York. Due to the limitations of square footage, Goode invented a cabinet bed. This would operate as a desk workspace during the day time, but could unfold as a bed for the evening. In 1885, she was granted patent 322,177 for her design.

Goode’s innovation helped paved the way for efficient furniture design. This is the story of an innovator, a problem-solver, and an entrepreneur. We honor you Sarah E. Goode.

Receipts (aka Sources)

Black History Month Feb. 18: Sarah E. Goode – 1st Black woman to be granted a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2017, February 18). OhioMBE. https://ohiombe.com/archives/6995

Kirk Wadi – WadiSpeaks. (2017, February 8). Sarah E. Goode [Video]. WadiSpeaks. https://youtu.be/WD5tb60MXuA