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The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Miles Rost
March is upon us, but I couldn’t resist adding one more neglected African American. She made laundry a little easier for the average housewife back in the 1800’s.
Genre: Washable Ficton
Word Count: 100
OVERHEARD AT THE LAUNDROMAT
Dale reached into the washing machine. “Laundry is such a pain in the tush.” She tossed wads of damp clothes into the dryer. “I suppose it’s better than scrubbing them on a washboard.”
Rochelle folded a T-shirt. “Well, ya know—now that you mention it.”
“Uh-oh. She’s bringing on the history lesson.”
“We can thank Ellin Eglin who invented the wringer in 1888. She sold the plans for it for $18.00. When asked why, she said, ‘You know I am black and if it was known that a negro woman patented the invention, white ladies would not buy the wringer.’”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
What she says has a tragic logic
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Dear Neil,
Tragic but all too true in that day and age.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We haven’t stepped too far from that day and age. Sad but true.
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That’s unfortunately what was the mindset of people at the time.
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Dear Sadje,
It was a pathetic mindset and still runs rampant in our time. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, you’re right on both counts Rochelle
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I wish there was a legal route for her to claim compensation later.
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Dear Reena,
That would’ve been nice if she had. At least she is being remembered in this day and age. Too little too late.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Agree.
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Such a shame that a person’s colour and religion should negatively affect what they do and say. Good story, Rochelle.
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I agree, Mason. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m sure she was right. Even in 1958 she might have been right, and perhaps even 1988, let alone 1888. Prejudice is such an odd thing where people refuse to help themselves, even greatly, because of that hate. Good story, but it isn’t just housewives that do laundry 😉
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Dear Trent,
My husband does his own laundry, which is okie dokie with me. 😉 Sad but true about prejudice. I wish it weren’t so. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I wonder if any white folks refused to eat peanut butter because it was created by a gentleman of color 🙂
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A Canadian man of colour 😉
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And what a wonderful invention. Peanut butter, the staff of life. 😉 People don’t make a lot of sense when it comes to bigotry, do they? Thank you, Linda and Dale.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As I finish my banana and PB, I nod my head in agreement.
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What a shame. But what an invention she created. I had to use one as a child when I stayed with Grandma in the Summers. That was what she had on the back patio.
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Dear Jan,
I can’t say I’ve ever had the ‘pleasure.’ 😉 Thank you.
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With wisdom like that, I’m guessing she had a blessed life regardless of the idiotic racism she experienced. Thanks for sharing!
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Dear Clare,
it seems she lived a full and productive life. Sadly there isn’t that much info available. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Imagine if we had and did embrace great ideas regardless of their source. Interesting reading here, Rochelle. And a good reminder, as ever, that we take a lot for granted in our modern convenience world.
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Dear Jen,
Although the wringer made things easier I still prefer spin cycle on my Maytag. 😉 We do take a lot for granted. And it shouldn’t matter who invented what. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a sad reason for not getting more money and credit.
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Dear Iain,
It is sad. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I would never diss a history lesson from you 😉 And this is a sad state of affairs. Wouldn’t it have been nice if the American Wringer Company had had the decency to give her a little piece of the pie…
Shalom and Lotsa dreaming in Technicolor love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Every part of the rainbow is important isn’t it? Can you imagine a rainbow with only one colour? (purple of course 😉 ) Dogs and cats have figured it out, why can’t we?
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom and lotsa hugs on the color spectrum,
Rochelle
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Absolutely!
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Just as I thought you were offering us a piece of pure fiction, you gave us another interesting yet sad glimpse back into history.
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Dear Keith,
The only fictional part is meeting with Dale in person. Some day, I hope to make that non-fiction as well. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I would have kept the idea for my own personal use then. Why offer convenience to those who despise me? Not surprising but more than tragic 😦
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Dear Lisa,
I guess we’d have to walk a mile in her shoes. Such a sad part of American history. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you’re very welcome, and I’m glad you are shedding light on previously hidden stories in American history.
Shalom,
Lisa
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I got my arm caught in one of those wringers when I was about 6 years old. It was bizarre because it did not break any bones. But it wasn’t clamped down all the way. It was just spinning and I thought I wanted to just touch it. Scared my poor grandmother to death! Thanks for this history lesson! 😉
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Dear Kimber,
I’m so glad you weren’t injured, but your poor grandma. I’m sure she never forgot it. As for me, I’m always happy to share history as I learn it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh well. If someone is that prejudiced, they don’t deserve to benefit from the wringer. She should have gotten full credit, which may have helped alleviate some prejudices. I’m a firm believer that prejudice is the product of ignorance. Exposure initiates wearing down those prejudices. Knowing a black woman invented a device that helped them, may have helped alter some preconceived notions.
The real crime is that she lost out on whatever proceeds she would have earned from the patent. The article says the American Wringer Company got rich.
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Dear Nobbin,
What you said. I agree with all of it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a fun beginning and sad but true ending. Racism is rampant everywhere. If I have something you don’t have, I’m suprerior. How can I be superior and rule over you when we’re equals? Envy, greed, malevolence and ignorance cost us so much. Imagine how far we could be as humankind without these limitations.
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Dear Gabi,
What a world we would live in if people could accept each other for who they are and not what they look like. Or any other stupid reason for hate. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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how interesting, every day is a school day
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Dear Shrawley,
May we never stop learning.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wealth is very often built from other peoples idea’s… Well told Rochelle
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Thank you, Michael.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I enjoyed how you presented your story through a conversation between you and Dale! Another slice of history. I heard about Ellin a few months ago on NWPR. And all I can say is THANK YOU!, Ellin!
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Dear Lish,
I’m glad Ellin is getting credit now at least. Always fun to have a conversation with Dale. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks again teach, but you know March is National Women’s History Month so your story is spot on.
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You’re welcome my good and faithful student, Dawn. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story, Rochelle, and just one example of so many times people of color had to forego prosperity because of prejudice, I’m sure. I liked your other one too. It’s definitely and up and down life as an author. Congratulations on finding Annie a home. 🙂
-David
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Dear Daid,
Thank you for reading and commenting both stories. The real work has begun on Annie. 😉 Finished the edits last week and have shot it out to some beta readers.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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She didn’t even have to be black – being a woman would have been enough!
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Dear Liz,
Being a woman has had its challenges hasn’t it?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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i guess it’s easy to overlook what folks have gone through the years.
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Dear Plaridel,
May we strive to remember. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for that, Rochelle, we learn something new every day 🙂 Such a pity she couldn’t claim her invention because of her colour. Great story!
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Thank you, Fluer
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for enlightening me Rochelle – after all these years sadly it still goes on ❤
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Dear Angela,
I fear as long as there are people, there will be bigotry. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hey Rochelle.
This is so interesting to me.
The history of “invention,” patents, and who got credit for what is not all lovely regardless of race, creed, nationality, or sex. In this case, she was awarded the patent and then sold it (for reasons she stated years later). At least you and history gave Ellin Eglin credit (if little financial reward) for her invention.
I grew up watching both parents use a wringer-washer, drying racks, and outdoor cloths lines. I recall I was not allowed to use the wringer because it did not care if it wrung out my jeans or my arm (as Kimber mentions she did). I think we had a wash/scrub board, too.
Again, an interesting exchange between Rochelle and Dale.
Peace,
Bill
PS: From Amazon: A mechanical hand-crank wringer (new) for sale. “The Great American Wringer Co – Model Black Coated Steel – Hand Wringer – Made in USA Brand: Wringer (4.5 out of 5 stars 178 ratings | 20 answered questions) —- $159.99” 🙂
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Dear Bill,
I can’t say I rmember wringer washers. I do remember my mother hanging laundry on clotheslines strung in the basement. thanks for sharing the Amazon listing. I’ll pass on it. 😉
I always enjoy talking to Dale. Hoping to one day make that an in person happening. Thank you.
Shalom later than usual,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
As I take a minute before posting my story for this week’s pic, let me say I’m trying to catch up, too.
I can’t believe they still sell those things.
Peace,
Bill
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Dear Rochelle,
Thanks for the history lesson. It’s very sad and unfair that she had to sell her plans. So many inventors were not recognized because of their color or gender.
Shalom,
Adele
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Dear Adele,
We all know that life isn’t often fair. Particularly to those people of color or the female gender. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So true, Rochelle. At least we have reason to celebrate today. Happy International Women’s Day 🙂
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Oh, wow. A lot sad really.
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Indeed. Thank you, Brit.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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