Our Town Shelbyville: Birthplace of the dishwasher
Updated: June 26, 2012
SHELBYVILLE - Norma Hubbartt has made it her business to know everything about the dishwasher and its inventor. The common kitchen appliance was invented in 1886 on Broadway Avenue in Shelbyville.
"There's a lot of people, who up until 20 years ago, didn't even know the dishwasher was invented here," said Hubbartt.
By day, she's an 82-year old antiques deal and history buff. But by night, she becomes Josephine Garis Cochran, the woman who invented the dishwasher. Hubbartt fits the role, from head to toe. She's spent some time collecting different parts of the costume.
"Usually I wear high boots, but those are hard to take on and off," she said.
She's part of an reenactment group in Shelbyville. They recreate historic events that happen throughout town. For Hubbartt, what started out as a hobby has morphed into something bigger.
"Sometimes I feel like I am her," said Hubbartt. "It takes over your life when you're getting ready for the reenactment. you get your costume, your clothing, and you rehearse as you go around the house."
And at the end of each show, she always leaves her audience with a very special message.
"I tell everyone when they go by their dishwasher to go 'thank you, Josephine'."
Now, the house where the original dishwasher was built is still standing. If you swing by, you can find a plaque out front telling Josephine Garis Cochran's story.
"There's a lot of people, who up until 20 years ago, didn't even know the dishwasher was invented here," said Hubbartt.
By day, she's an 82-year old antiques deal and history buff. But by night, she becomes Josephine Garis Cochran, the woman who invented the dishwasher. Hubbartt fits the role, from head to toe. She's spent some time collecting different parts of the costume.
"Usually I wear high boots, but those are hard to take on and off," she said.
She's part of an reenactment group in Shelbyville. They recreate historic events that happen throughout town. For Hubbartt, what started out as a hobby has morphed into something bigger.
"Sometimes I feel like I am her," said Hubbartt. "It takes over your life when you're getting ready for the reenactment. you get your costume, your clothing, and you rehearse as you go around the house."
And at the end of each show, she always leaves her audience with a very special message.
"I tell everyone when they go by their dishwasher to go 'thank you, Josephine'."
Now, the house where the original dishwasher was built is still standing. If you swing by, you can find a plaque out front telling Josephine Garis Cochran's story.
