Weekender Tote Bag (Sarah E. Goode)

Sarah E. Goode was a pioneering African American entrepreneur and inventor. Born in 1855, she made history as one of the first African American women to receive a United States patent. Her most notable invention was the cabinet bed, patented in 1885, which was designed to maximize the use of space in small apartments1. The bed could be folded up into a roll-top desk, providing a dual-purpose piece of furniture that was particularly useful in urban living environments where space was at a premium1.

Goode’s innovative design was a precursor to the modern Murphy bed and reflected her keen understanding of the needs of her community. She operated a furniture store in Chicago with her husband, where she likely drew inspiration for her invention from her customers’ needs1. Sarah E. Goode’s legacy is a testament to her ingenuity and her contribution to making efficient use of living spaces in an era of rapid urbanization.