Lilian Moller Gilbreth (1878-1972), a resident of Montclair, New Jersey, was an inventor, author, industrial engineer and mother of 12 children. Working with her husband Frank, she studied ways to better manage household chores.  They used short films (which they called “therbligs,”  Gilbreth spelled backwards) to watch how these tasks were done and then determined the best way to wash dishes, take a bath, brush teeth and other chores.  They used their children to test each experiment and the ensuing hijinks (silly activities) inspired the book Cheaper by the Dozen written by two of their children. This book was turned into the popular 1950’s movie of the same name.  

Lilian’s work as an industrial engineer to improve kitchen design led to many other inventions including shelves insides the refrigerator door (including the egg keeper and butter tray) and the foot pedal trashcan.  After interviewing over 4,000 women about the best height for stoves, sinks and other kitchen items, Lilian designed the “Gilbreth Kitchen Practical.”  Under her arrangement, a person could mix a cake, put it in the oven and do the dishes without taking more than a few dozen steps.  Her ideas and inventions continue to influence kitchen design today.  Not bad for someone who didn’t like to cook!