On May 24, 1910, Walter M. Hard, a young Black barber and inventor, patented a mechanical device that significantly improved the reliability of trolley car service. His invention was designed to prevent the electrical contact (known as the trolley pole) from slipping off the overhead wires—a common problem that often caused frustrating delays. Hard’s innovation was expected to reduce service interruptions and increase the efficiency of urban transportation. His achievement highlighted the often-overlooked technical contributions of African Americans to public infrastructure and industrial innovation during the early 20th century.
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