The Memory Palace: Episode 228 - "Free Time"

Release Date: March 20, 2025
Host: Nate DiMeo

Introduction

In Episode 228 of The Memory Palace titled "Free Time," Nate DiMeo delves into the intriguing life of Josephine Cochran, an innovative woman of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Through a compelling narrative, DiMeo explores how Cochran's free time and personal challenges led to the invention of the modern dishwasher, highlighting her resilience and ingenuity in a male-dominated era.

Josephine Cochran's Heritage and Early Life

Josephine Garris, later known as Josephine Cochran, hailed from a respected Ohio family with deep roots in commerce and craftsmanship. Her great-grandfather was a significant figure in the development of steamships, underscoring a family legacy of innovation and industry.

At 19, Josephine married John Cochran, a 27-year-old budding captain of industry. The marriage positioned her within the social elite of Shelbyville, Ohio, granting her the leisure and resources to pursue her interests.

“She was a woman with everything it took to be an inventor and an innovator, drive and determination and ideas and creativity.”
— Nate DiMeo, [05:30]

The Issue with the China

Upon entering her new role as a society wife, Josephine was entrusted with a treasured heirloom: an exquisite set of china dating back to the 1670s. This china was not only valuable monetarily but also held significant aesthetic and historical importance for the Cochran family.

Josephine was meticulous about preserving the china, often reprimanding her servants to handle it with care. However, despite her precautions, the delicate dishes frequently chipped during dinner parties.

“There were chips in the china. She would tell the help to be careful. It was delicate, it was old, it was valuable, and it was necessary.”
— Nate DiMeo, [04:00]

This recurring issue became a source of frustration for Josephine, as any damage to the china could tarnish the Cochran family's esteemed reputation.

Inventing the Dishwasher

The persistent chipping of the china spurred Josephine to seek a solution. Rather than accepting the occasional damage or investing in a replacement set, she dedicated her free time to inventing a machine that would preserve her valuable dishes. This period of leisure time became a crucible for her creativity and determination.

Josephine's dishwasher design was innovative for its time, focusing on two main aspects:

1. Rack Design: She conceptualized a rack with slots for each plate, ensuring they were securely held during the washing process.
2. Water Pressure: Understanding that effective cleaning required substantial water pressure, she devised a system to optimize this feature without damaging the dishes.

Acknowledging the complexity of her invention, Josephine enlisted the help of George Butters, a handyman and construction expert, to bring her vision to life.

“She realized the key to the whole thing was water pressure. It needed to be high, not china chipping high. But she needed a lot of pressure.”
— Nate DiMeo, [08:15]

Business Ventures and Challenges

In 1886, Josephine patented her dishwasher, marking her as one of the first women to hold a US Patent solely in her name. The following year, she founded the Garrus Cochran Dishwashing Company, operating initially out of a shed in Shelbyville.

Recognizing the limited market among homeowners due to infrastructural constraints like hot roofs and running water, Josephine strategically targeted hotels and large restaurants. This focus proved advantageous, allowing her to expand her business despite the technological limitations of the era.

Josephine's efforts culminated in winning a prize at the 1893 World's Fair, where she was the only female inventor in the competition. Her success was not without obstacles; she faced significant sexism and misogyny, particularly when seeking loans and capital investments. Nevertheless, her tenacity ensured the company's prosperity until her passing in 1913 at the age of 74.

“She was a tireless saleswoman. She had to deal with all manner of sexism and misogyny.”
— Nate DiMeo, [10:45]

In 1915, two years after her death, the Garrus Cochran Dishwashing Company was acquired by a company that would eventually evolve into KitchenAid, later becoming part of Whirlpool. Josephine Cochran's legacy persisted, with her dishwasher design laying the groundwork for the modern dishwashing machines we use today.

Legacy and Impact

Josephine Cochran's invention revolutionized household chores, significantly reducing the time and effort required to maintain fine china. Her story exemplifies how personal challenges and the effective use of free time can lead to groundbreaking innovations.

Despite the advancements in dishwashing technology, as DiMeo points out, the fundamental frustrations with dishwashing remain largely unchanged. Yet, Josephine's contributions provide a poignant reminder of the enduring impact one individual's creativity and perseverance can have on everyday life.

“We can thank her and think of her and then go off to figure out what to do with that extra free time.”
— Nate DiMeo, [11:50]

Conclusion

Episode 228 of The Memory Palace masterfully intertwines history, innovation, and personal narrative to shed light on Josephine Cochran's pivotal role in inventing the dishwasher. Nate DiMeo not only recounts Cochran's achievements but also emphasizes the broader implications of how free time can be harnessed for creativity and societal advancement.

Notable Quotes

• “There were chips in the china. She would tell the help to be careful. It was delicate, it was old, it was valuable, and it was necessary.”
  — Nate DiMeo, [04:00]

• “She was a woman with everything it took to be an inventor and an innovator, drive and determination and ideas and creativity.”
  — Nate DiMeo, [05:30]

• “She realized the key to the whole thing was water pressure. It needed to be high, not china chipping high. But she needed a lot of pressure.”
  — Nate DiMeo, [08:15]

• “She was a tireless saleswoman. She had to deal with all manner of sexism and misogyny.”
  — Nate DiMeo, [10:45]

• “We can thank her and think of her and then go off to figure out what to do with that extra free time.”
  — Nate DiMeo, [11:50]

Further Engagement

For listeners interested in exploring more about Josephine Cochran and other captivating historical narratives, The Memory Palace continues to offer rich storytelling that brings the past to life. Stay tuned for future episodes that delve into the forgotten corners of history, uncovering the stories that shaped our world.

This summary was crafted to provide an in-depth overview of Episode 228: "Free Time" of The Memory Palace. For those who wish to experience the full narrative and immerse themselves in Josephine Cochran's story, listening to the episode is highly recommended.