Trade Card for Mrs. Potts' Cold Handle Sad Iron, John Nazro & Company, circa 1880

In the 1870s, Mary Florence Potts made ironing easier. Conventional single-piece, cast iron flatirons were heated on stoves -- and the handle got hot! Mrs. Potts invented and patented a detachable wood handle that stayed cool and could be switched between her irons. The irons also featured two pointed ends that allowed users to work in either direction. Mrs. Potts' irons remained popular into the 20th century.