Lewis Latimer

Dorktales Podcast: Episode 73

Hidden Heroes of History

Lewis Latimer

A story of innovation and self-determination! Lewis Latimer was an American inventor, patent draftsman and artist whose work included the detailed drawings for Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone. He improved Thomas Edison’s light bulb so it could last longer and be accessible to more homeowners. He earned seven patents for his own inventions that helped people with their day-to-day lives and, in his personal life, he enjoyed painting, playing the flute and creative writing. Lewis Latimer left behind a brighter world for us all!

Special Guest Storyteller

Did You Know?

Lewis Latimer was an American inventor, patent draftsman, and artist whose work included detailed drawings for the telephone patented by Alexander Graham Bell and the light bulb patented by Thomas Edison.

Mr. Latimer was born in Massachusetts in 1848. While he was in grammar school, Mr. Latimer showed an interest in reading and drawing. At the young age of 16, Mr. Latimer served in the Union Navy during the Civil War.

After his time in the Navy, he made his way to Crosby Halstead and Gould, a patent law firm. They helped inventors apply for patents, which are legal documents that protect and prove that someone is the creator of an invention. Patents also map out how an invention works and the materials needed to recreate it.

When an inventor applies for a patent, a draftsman puts together documents with mechanical drawings. The drawings give technical descriptions of the invention. Because of his interests and innate talent, Lewis Latimer learned how to create these drawings by observing draftsmen and buying books and drafting tools to teach himself the trade.

Eventually, Mr. Latimer’s talents were recognized, and he became one of the firm’s draftsmen. As part of his work, he was responsible for finding a way to make someone’s vision come to life, imagining and drawing things that never existed before. His work was so important because without these detailed drawings, the inventor would not have achieved a successful patent application.

In the 1870s, Mr. Latimer worked with Alexander Graham Bell on his patent application. He drafted the images for an invention Mr. Bell named the telephone.

In 1880, Mr. Latimer was hired by Hiram Maxim, the chief engineer and founder of the United States Electric Lighting Company– Thomas Edison’s major competitor.

Mr. Edison was a famous inventor, most well-known for coming up with the incandescent lightbulb. His patent was for a lightbulb that used a carbonized bamboo filament that burned for 1,200 hours. If it was lit continuously, it would only last for 50 days.

Mr. Latimer invented an even longer lasting carbon filament that was also more durable. As a result, incandescent light bulbs became affordable to more people. Safer and less harsh than other lights, incandescent bulbs transformed the average American home.

Lightbulbs evolved further and his innovation kickstarted all the huge advancements that came after him. So, without Lewis Latimer, the lightbulb may never have been as available to all of usas it is today!

His employer, Mr. Maxim, eventually sent Mr. Latimer to London to help set up a lamp factory. Unfortunately, the employees at the factory treated him unfairly because of the color of his skin. He decided to return to the United States to work for other electrical companies.

He was hired by Thomas Edison for The Edison Company– which is now known as General Electric. He was the company’s patent expert. Mr. Latimer worked alongside other scientists, and together they made electrical inventions that helped people with their day-to-day lives.

Thomas Edison might not be the most well-known inventor of electric lights if it wasn’t for the work of Lewis Latimer:

• Mr. Latimer proved why Mr. Edison’s patent was the most important for electric lights.
• He published a book on Thomas Edison’s development of the electric light and explained how an incandescent lamp works in an easy-to-understand way.
• He was a founding member of the Edison Pioneers, a group of former employees who came together to preserve the legacy of Thomas Edison. He was the only African American member of the group.

Mr. Latimer received seven patents for his own inventions, including:

• Apparatus for Cooling and Disinfecting: an early version of air conditioning which made rooms more sanitary and climate controlled. The device was particularly valuable in hospitals.
• Locking Racks for Hats, Coats, and Umbrellas: a device used in public spaces for securely holding items so they weren’t taken or misplaced.
• Book Supporter: an improved product that made sure books stayed neat and tidy on shelves.
  Water Closet for Railroad Cars: an improved toilet system for railroad cars.

Beyond his work as a patent expert, draftsmen, and inventor, Mr. Latimer enjoyed painting, playing the flute, and writing poetry and plays. His daughters published a book of his poetry in 1925 in honor of his 77th birthday.

Lewis Latimer left behind a brighter world for us all through his talent, innovation and achievements!

There are so many things we can learn from today’s Hidden Hero of History, Lewis Latimer. Our episode focuses on his many achievements and contributions to the world. But there are more of his stories and family history to uncover, and important discussions to have with your families. If you’re interested in learning more, check out these resources:

• Lewis Latimer House Museum: https://www.lewislatimerhouse.org/

• Smithsonian Institution: https://invention.si.edu/innovative-lives-lewis-latimer-1848-1928-renaissance-man/