With this winter’s frigid temperatures and barrage of snow and ice storms we can all show a healthy appreciation for heat. Just a couple of weeks ago 49 out of 50 states had snow on the ground, including Hawaii. Florida, the only state to escape the white flakes still experienced cold temperatures, with the resulting frost damaging many crops. It’s at times like these that we must remember to be thankful to Alice Parker an African-American from Morristown, NJ who invented a gas heating furnace that provided central heating throughout a home or building.
Alice Parker’s brilliant idea was patented back in 1919 and has been invaluable in keeping homes warm, worldwide, since. This idea was not only innovative but it was convenient. No longer do we have to spend time going out to chop wood or buy it and schlep it home. Neither do we have to take risks by keeping fireplaces going through the night. Central heat is now a necessity and a fireplace a luxury.
Also consider that Alice Parker registered her patent as an African-American woman decades before the Women’s Liberation and Civil Rights movements. Do not let excuses pile up in your mind do not continue to manufacture them and express them. Many of the contributions that have been made by African-Americans have been against the odds and with numerous obstacles they could have made excuses for, including race and gender. So let us continue to contribute despite the odds because “Yes, we can“.
***the above image is the patent as it was designed
Also Check Out:
The Story Behind Black History Month
Phillis Wheatley – First Published African-American
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