Josephine Cochrane enjoyed a comfortable life as a socialite. Her wealth and social connections allowed her to host elaborate dinner parties, a common practice among the upper class during the Gilded Age.

Frustrated by the chipping of her fine china by servants while washing dishes after her social gatherings, Josephine was prompted to say, “If nobody else is going to invent a dishwashing machine, I’ll do it myself!” This statement encapsulates her frustration and motivation.

Josephine and her husband, William, lived in a number of mansions. One such property was in Shelbyville, Illinois, where they entertained frequently. These large households and frequent gatherings highlighted the need for efficient dishwashing solutions.