The Untold Story of Bette Nesmith Graham: How One Woman’s Invention Revolutionized the Workplace
As we navigate through our daily tasks, it’s effortless to overlook the little things that make our work easier. From stationaries to the technology we use, every development played a role in shaping the workplace to what it is today. One of such developments that have been instrumental in shaping the office space is the invention of Liquid Paper by Bette Nesmith Graham. This innovation saved time, resources, and untold frustration for secretaries and typists around the world. In this blog post, we will examine the untold story of Bette Nesmith Graham, how her invention changed the face of the workplace, and everything you should know about Liquid Paper.
1. Who was Bette Nesmith Graham?
Bette Nesmith Graham was born on March 23, 1924. She was a single mother who worked as a typist, served as an executive secretary, and eventually became an executive at the same company where she was once just another typist. However, she was better known for inventing Liquid Paper than for her professional accomplishments.
2. The untold story behind Liquid Paper’s invention
Bette Nesmith Graham’s inspiration for her invention came from a personal need. As a typist, Betty often made mistakes that she had to redo by retyping entire pages. To make her work easier, she started mixing water-based paint with a blender and painting it out to correct errors. After perfecting her formula with white paint, she began using a brush to paint it on top of a mistake and then retyping the correct letter. One day, she overheard a colleague express her frustration about having to redo an entire page because of one mistake. Knowing that her invention could be the solution, she shared her formula with her colleagues. The rest, as they say, is history.
3. Liquid Paper was born
Bette Nesmith Graham began producing her invention in her kitchen in 1951. She initially packaged it in small bottles, marking them ‘Mistake Out.’ With time, she made additional refinements to the formula and improved the ease of use. As the demand for Liquid Paper grew, she started her company, The Mistake Out Company, and changed the product name to Liquid Paper.
4. Liquid Paper revolutionized the workplace
With the slow advent of the computer revolution, Liquid Paper remained the go-to solution for correcting mistakes during typewritten documents. Before Liquid Paper’s invention, typists, secretaries, and others in office settings had to start over entirely or type out pages with white carbon paper on top. Liquid Paper offered a revolutionary solution that immediately corrected mistakes, saving time, resources, and untold frustration.
5. The patent and acquisition of Liquid Paper
In 1958, Graham patented her invention and sold the rights to her company for $50,000. Later, in 1979, Gillette Corporation purchased the company for a massive $47.5 million.
6. Bette Nesmith Graham’s impact on the world of work
Bette Nesmith Graham was a trailblazer for women in business and science. Despite having a high-paying job, she still had to work as a typist to make ends meet. Her determination and innovation paved the way for millions of career-oriented women throughout the world to fulfill their professional ambitions.
7. Liquid Paper today
In today’s world, Liquid Paper has been replaced by modern document processing software. The digital age of document processing has made correcting text easier than ever before. However, Liquid Paper still retains a place in the memories of the professionals who experienced the typing world’s early days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bette Nesmith Graham and Liquid Paper
Q1. What was Bette Nesmith Graham’s profession?
A1. Bette Nesmith Graham was a typist and executive secretary.
Q2. How did Bette Nesmith Graham come up with the idea of Liquid Paper?
A2. As a typist, Bette Nesmith Graham often made mistakes that she had to redo by retyping the entire page. To make her work easier, she began experimenting with water-based paint.
Q3. When was the first bottle of Liquid Paper invented?
A3. The first bottle of Liquid Paper was invented in 1951.
Q4. When was Liquid Paper patented?
A4. Liquid Paper was patented in 1958.
Q5. Who manufactured Liquid Paper?
A5. Liquid Paper was first manufactured by Bette Nesmith Graham’s company, The Mistake Out Company.
Q6. Who acquired Liquid Paper?
A6. The Gillette Corporation acquired Liquid Paper in 1979.
Q7. What impact did Bette Nesmith Graham have on the world?
A7. Bette Nesmith Graham was a trailblazer for women in business and science. Her innovation paved the way for millions of career-oriented women throughout the world to fulfil their professional ambitions.
Conclusion
Bette Nesmith Graham may not be a household name, but her invention, Liquid Paper, revolutionized the workplace. Her perseverance and creativity, coupled with her determination to help others, enabled her not only to fulfil her dreams but to make a significant impact on the lives of countless others. Her legacy lives on, and we are eternally grateful for her innovative spirit.