Saving the Day: Garrett Morgan's Life-Changing Invention of the Traffic Signal

Garrett Morgan was a little boy with a head full of ideas who became a successful inventor and saved countless lives with his creations, including the traffic signal and gas mask.

Format: Hardback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2021
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

Before Garrett Morgan became a successful inventor and saved countless lives with his creations, he was a little boy with a head full of ideas on how to make life better for everyone.

At a tumultuous time filled with racism and discrimination, Garrett became a prominent business man and skilled inventor who produced the traffic signal, a gas mask, and other objects still used today.

This second book from the award-winning children's film series founded by Karyn Parsons, Sweet Blackberry, comes a little-known story about a man whose talent would be a gift to the world.

Garrett Morgan was born in Paris, Kentucky, on March 4, 1877. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in a poor family. Despite his humble beginnings, Garrett was a bright and curious child who loved to tinker with machines.

At the age of 12, Garrett started working as a janitor at a local telegraph office. He was fascinated by the telegraph and spent all his free time studying it. He soon became an expert in the field and was offered a job as a repairman.

In 1895, Garrett founded his own company, the Morgan Motor Company. The company was based in Cleveland, Ohio, and was known for its innovative designs and high-quality automobiles.

Garrett's most famous invention was the traffic signal. In 1923, he was driving through a busy intersection in Cleveland when he saw a car crash into another car. The crash caused a pile-up of cars, and many people were injured. Garrett realized that there was a need for a system to regulate traffic flow and prevent accidents.

He spent several years developing the traffic signal and eventually patented it in 1928. The traffic signal was a simple device that used lights to indicate when cars should stop and go. It was a huge success and quickly became standard equipment on all automobiles.

Garrett's other inventions included the gas mask, which was used during World War I to protect soldiers from gas attacks. He also developed a system for producing synthetic rubber, which was used in the production of tires and other rubber products.

Garrett Morgan was a brilliant inventor and a visionary businessman. He was a true pioneer in the field of transportation and technology. His inventions have had a lasting impact on the world, and he is remembered as one of the most important inventors of the 20th century.

In addition to his inventions, Garrett Morgan was also a philanthropist. He was a strong supporter of education and donated large sums of money to various schools and universities. He also founded the Garrett Morgan Foundation, which provides scholarships to African-American students.

Garrett Morgan died on October 24, 1963, at the age of 86. He left behind a legacy of innovation and philanthropy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

In conclusion, Garrett Morgan was a remarkable man who made a significant impact on the world with his inventions and philanthropy. His talent and determination allowed him to overcome adversity and achieve great success. His inventions have saved countless lives and improved the quality of life for millions of people. Garrett Morgan's legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 224 x 289 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780316457262