Dublin Core
Description
Inventor Helen Augusta Blanchard was born in Portland, Maine on October 25, 1840. She was the daughter of a wealthy shipowner and businessman. When her father's business failed and he eventually died in 1866, Helen took to patent development and monetized her inventions. Over the course of about 40 years, Helen patented 28 inventions including the zig-zag stitch sewing machine. In 1876, she founded the successful Blanchard Over-Seam Company of Philadelphia.
The May 1, 1913 Washington Evening Star noted: "One of the most important patents granted during the centennial year was an overseaming machine which has become invaluable to manufacturers of knitted fabrics and of various articles of ready-made clothing. It was invented by Miss Helen Augusta Blanchard, who established a large company in Philadelphia."
After living in Philadelphia, she moved to New York City. She passed away in Providence, Rhode Island on January 22, 1922, and was buried in her home of Portland, Maine.
The May 1, 1913 Washington Evening Star noted: "One of the most important patents granted during the centennial year was an overseaming machine which has become invaluable to manufacturers of knitted fabrics and of various articles of ready-made clothing. It was invented by Miss Helen Augusta Blanchard, who established a large company in Philadelphia."
After living in Philadelphia, she moved to New York City. She passed away in Providence, Rhode Island on January 22, 1922, and was buried in her home of Portland, Maine.