Colorful Mugs, 11oz (Sarah Elisabeth Goode)

Sarah Elisabeth Goode (1855–1905) was an American entrepreneur and inventor. She holds the distinction of being one of the first known African American women to receive a United States patent. In 1885, she patented her innovative cabinet bed, which would later serve as a precursor to the popular Murphy Bed—a space-saving hide-away bed.

Here are some key points about Sarah E. Goode:

Early Life and Background:

Born in 1855 in Toledo, Ohio, Goode was originally named Sarah Elisabeth Jacobs.
Her family moved to Chicago, Illinois, before 1870, where her father worked in carpentry.

She married Archibald Goode, and together they opened a furniture store in Chicago.

The Folding Bed Invention:

Goode’s furniture store catered to working-class people living in small apartments with limited space.
She invented a folding bed that could be easily stored away when not in use.

The bed was cleverly designed as a cabinet that folded into a roll-top desk, complete with compartments for writing supplies and stationery.

Goode’s goal was to balance the weight of the folding bed, making it easy to lift and hold in place while also providing support when unfolded.

Legacy:

Although Judy W. Reed received a patent about a year before Goode, Reed had used an “X” mark to sign the patent, not her signature.

Sarah E. Goode’s patent for the cabinet bed remains a significant achievement, showcasing her ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Sarah E. Goode’s story exemplifies resilience and innovation, and her contribution to space-saving furniture continues to impact design even today. 🌟