Hubbry Logo
Discover Hubs
Create HubSign in
search buttonadd
Sign in
Marion Donovan
Marion Donovan
Comunity Hub
IntroIntro
WikipediaWikipedia
MediaMedia
arrow-down
TimelinesTimelines
arrow-down
ChronicleChronicle
arrow-down
ArticlesArticles
TalksTalks
addSign in
add
Sign in

Themed Timelines

Post Yale and Later YearsPost Yale and Later YearsProcter & Gamble and the Rise of PampersProcter & Gamble and the Rise of PampersThe Invention of the BoaterThe Invention of the BoaterMain milestonesMain milestonesLife During WWIILife During WWIILater Inventions and Business VenturesLater Inventions and Business VenturesEarly Life and EducationEarly Life and EducationPersonal Life and FamilyPersonal Life and FamilyPatents and RecognitionPatents and RecognitionImpact on Society and CultureImpact on Society and Culture
Show all
icon
Talks
General forumGeneral forum
General chatGeneral chat

Media Collections

Main images

03.04.25
Show all
icon

Overview

Marion Donovan, a name often overlooked in history books, was an American inventor and entrepreneur whose most notable creation revolutionized childcare: the disposable diaper. Her ingenuity and determination not only made life easier for countless parents but also paved the way for significant advancements in product design and materials science. This timeline chronicles her life's key events, from her formative years to her entrepreneurial triumphs and lasting legacy.
Main Milestones
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana
October 15, 1917
Marion O'Brien Donovan was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, into a family with a history of innovation. Her father and uncle ran a machine-tool factory, fostering an environment where problem-solving and tinkering were encouraged. This early exposure to mechanical processes and design likely influenced her future inventive endeavors.
Graduates from Rosemont College
1939
Donovan graduated from Rosemont College in Pennsylvania with a degree in English literature. While seemingly unrelated to her later inventions, her education honed her critical thinking and communication skills, which proved invaluable in navigating the business world and advocating for her creations.
Worked as an assistant merchandise editor at Vogue magazine
Post-College Employment
After graduation, Marion Donovan worked at Vogue magazine. While it might seem unrelated to her later invention, the work at Vogue would have given her an understanding of consumer needs and how to make an idea marketable.
Inspiration Strikes: The First Diaper Cover
Late 1940s
As a young mother herself, Marion grew frustrated with the constant laundry and discomfort associated with traditional cloth diapers. She used a shower curtain to create a leak-proof diaper cover, initially a prototype born out of necessity and a desire to make motherhood less arduous.
Patent for the 'Boater'
1949
Donovan received a patent for her diaper cover design, initially called the 'Boater'. This waterproof cover was a significant improvement over existing solutions, preventing leaks and reducing the need for frequent clothing changes. Securing the patent was crucial, protecting her intellectual property and paving the way for commercialization.
Sale of 'Boaters' and Related Patents
1951
Donovan sold her company, including the 'Boater' patent and related designs, to Victor Mills at Proctor and Gamble for $1 million. This was a substantial sum at the time and demonstrated the market's potential for disposable diapers. However, Proctor and Gamble initially showed little interest in developing a fully disposable diaper.
Continued Inventing and Entrepreneurship
1950s-1990s
Undeterred by the initial skepticism surrounding disposable diapers, Donovan continued to invent and innovate. She secured patents for over 20 inventions, including a dental floss holder and a space-saving closet organizer. This period highlights her relentless pursuit of problem-solving and her entrepreneurial spirit, extending far beyond her initial diaper invention.
Developed fully disposable paper diapers
1958
Despite selling her patent, she continues inventing. She develops a fully disposable paper diaper made with disposable paper. She struggles to find a manufacturer and cannot get the product to mass market.
Death in New York City
November 4, 1998
Marion Donovan passed away in New York City at the age of 81. While she didn't receive widespread recognition during her lifetime, her legacy as a pioneering inventor and a champion for practical solutions continues to grow. Her disposable diaper, though initially met with resistance, revolutionized childcare and stands as a testament to the power of innovative thinking.

Other Themed Timelines

Early Life and EducationEarly Life and EducationImpact on Society and CultureImpact on Society and CultureLater Inventions and Business VenturesLater Inventions and Business VenturesLife During WWIILife During WWIIPatents and RecognitionPatents and RecognitionPersonal Life and FamilyPersonal Life and FamilyPost Yale and Later YearsPost Yale and Later YearsProcter & Gamble and the Rise of PampersProcter & Gamble and the Rise of PampersThe Invention of the BoaterThe Invention of the Boater