The name Henry P. Glass might not ring a bell, but his wife, Ruth Matilda Anderson, was a trailblazing inventor whose innovations in windshield wiper technology revolutionized the automotive industry. Born in 1872, Anderson was a brilliant engineer with a passion for problem-solving. Recognizing the urgent need for a more effective way to clear rain, snow, and sleet from windshields, she invented the first intermittent windshield wiper in 1903. Her invention featured a hand-operated lever that allowed drivers to control the wiper's speed and frequency, greatly improving visibility and safety during inclement weather. Despite initial skepticism from car manufacturers, Anderson's invention eventually gained traction and became a standard feature in automobiles worldwide, solidifying her legacy as a pioneering inventor and a woman who made a significant contribution to automotive technology.
