Podcast Summary: "Beatrice Kenner and Mildred Smith: Sister Inventors"

Title: Stuff You Missed in History Class
Hosts: Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson
Episode: Beatrice Kenner and Mildred Smith: Sister Inventors
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Producer: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction to the Sisters' Legacy

In this captivating episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve into the inspiring lives of Beatrice Davidson Kenner and Mildred Ethel Davidson Austin Smith—two extraordinary sisters whose inventive spirits left an indelible mark on history. The episode explores their personal journeys, the innovations they developed, and the societal challenges they overcame as African American women in a predominantly white and male-dominated era.

Family Roots and Early Influences

The story begins with the sisters' family background, highlighting the inventive legacy passed down from their grandfather, Robert Pink Fronebarger, and their father, Sidney Nathaniel Davidson.

"Their maternal grandfather Robert Pink Fronebarger worked for a railroad company in nineteen fifteen. He and William Floyd Byram were issued US Patent 1134871 for a current supply system for electrical railways." ([05:17])

Sidney, a Baptist minister and entrepreneur, was also an inventor who patented devices related to his businesses, including a versatile clothes presser and a body lifter for mortuary use.

"The object of this invention resides in the provision of a trousers creasing device..." ([06:12])

These familial influences fostered an environment where ingenuity and problem-solving were encouraged, setting the stage for Beatrice and Mildred's future inventions.

Childhood and Education in Charlotte and Washington, D.C.

Beatrice Davidson was born on May 17, 1912, in Monroe, North Carolina, while Mildred Ethel Davidson was born on January 30, 1916, in Charlotte. The sisters, along with their brothers Perry and Leighton, faced racial segregation early on, attending private schools due to the lack of public institutions willing to educate Black children.

"The family lived in a predominantly white part of town, and when the children reached six school age, they had to go to private school because there wasn't a public school in the neighborhood that would accept black children." ([08:58])

A pivotal moment in Beatrice's early life occurred when she was seriously burned at age five, an event that not only left physical scars but also fueled her determination to innovate and improve lives.

"Beatrice recovered but she had scars around her lips and chin, which she was teased and bullied over... this is another reason why it seems like those photos are probably misattributed." ([10:21])

At twelve, the family moved to Washington, D.C., providing the sisters with enhanced educational opportunities, including attendance at the prestigious Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.

Early Inventions and Patents

From a young age, Beatrice exhibited a knack for inventing, crafting solutions to everyday problems. Her childhood ideas included a self-oiling door hinge and an umbrella with a sponge tip to manage water drainage.

"She worked on the idea until her hands hurt but she never quite nailed it..." ([10:52])

Beatrice's first successful patent came in 1956 for a Sanitary Belt—a significant advancement in menstrual protection.

"Sanitary belt, extremely simple in construction, easy to use, adjustable for various sized persons, well adapted for its intended purpose, and very inexpensive to manufacture." ([27:56])

Despite the quality and innovation of her designs, systemic racism posed significant barriers. Companies showed little interest in her inventions once they realized she was Black, leading to limited commercial success and eventual patent expirations in the 1970s.

Mildred's Journey: From Music to Invention

Mildred pursued a passion for music, performing with her siblings and later studying at Howard University's School of Music. Her career was interrupted by multiple sclerosis (MS), diagnosed in 1964, which spurred her inventive spirit in a different direction.

"Mildred became a spokesperson for people with MS, holding educational lectures and providing one-on-one outreach to other patients and their families." ([36:21])

Her experience with MS and the challenges of managing a large family inspired her to create Family Traditions, a board game designed to help individuals understand and map familial relationships.

"Family Traditions involved a set of playing cards labeled and illustrated with family members or relationships... players got points for each relationship they created." ([40:50])

Professional Endeavors and Later Inventions

Both sisters balanced their inventive pursuits with entrepreneurial ventures. Beatrice ran a successful flower shop chain in the Washington, D.C. area, while Mildred continued her involvement in music and community service, eventually becoming a choir director.

Beatrice continued to innovate into her later years, securing patents for devices such as a Shower Wall and Bathtub Mounted Back Washer (Patent #4696068) in 1987 and a Bathroom Tissue Holder (Patent #4354643) in 1982.

"A pad of foam covered in terry cloth mounted to a rigid plate that could be stuck to the shower wall with suction cups..." ([41:21])

Her dedication to practical solutions extended beyond personal use, as evidenced by her advocacy for better emergency response infrastructure after a delayed ambulance experience prompted her to propose the creation of emergency lanes near Busch Gardens.

Challenges and Triumphs in a Segregated Society

The sisters' paths were fraught with challenges, from racial discrimination in professional settings to the personal struggles of health issues and societal expectations.

"Their grandfather, a Black inventor, faced systemic racism that prevented him from defending his inventions." ([05:17])

Despite these obstacles, both Beatrice and Mildred demonstrated remarkable resilience and ingenuity, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and determination that continues to inspire.

Conclusion: Celebrating a Sisterly Legacy

Tracy and Holly conclude the episode by emphasizing the sisters' contributions and the importance of recognizing African American inventors who have historically been overlooked.

"It is clear though that Mildred and Beatrice were both creative, innovative women who were very savvy about protecting their inventions through patents, trademarks, and copyright." ([46:13])

Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of supportive familial ties in overcoming societal barriers. The episode serves as a reminder to celebrate and honor the unsung heroes of history who have shaped our lives in meaningful ways.

Notable Quotes:

• "Their maternal grandfather Robert Pink Fronebarger worked for a railroad company in nineteen fifteen..." — Tracy V. Wilson ([05:17])

• "Sanitary belt, extremely simple in construction, easy to use, adjustable for various sized persons..." — Tracy V. Wilson ([27:56])

• "Family Traditions involved a set of playing cards labeled and illustrated with family members or relationships..." — Tracy V. Wilson ([40:50])

• "It is clear though that Mildred and Beatrice were both creative, innovative women who were very savvy about protecting their inventions..." — Tracy V. Wilson ([46:13])

This episode not only sheds light on the remarkable achievements of Beatrice Kenner and Mildred Smith but also underscores the broader narrative of African American innovation and the persistent challenges faced by Black inventors. Through detailed storytelling and insightful analysis, Holly and Tracy celebrate the ingenuity and resilience of these sister inventors, ensuring their stories resonate with listeners for years to come.