The most popular theory credits Thomas Jefferson with an early version. In the late 18th century, Jefferson’s daughter complained of being served last at the dinner table. To solve this, Jefferson supposedly devised a “dumbwaiter”—a revolving serving stand placed in the center of the table, allowing guests to help themselves. While Jefferson’s invention was similar in concept, it wasn’t called a Lazy Susan.
The name “Lazy Susan” appears to have emerged much later, around the early 20th century. One widely cited story points to an inventor named from New Jersey, who patented a “revolving server” in 1917. He reportedly named it after his daughter, Susan, though historical evidence for the daughter’s existence is thin. Around the same time, a Van Schooneveld also marketed a “Lazy Susan” for corner cupboards. who invented lazy susan
, historians consider its origins to be a combination of European furniture evolution and individual 19th-century patents. Verified Historical Inventors The most popular theory credits Thomas Jefferson with
One of the first official patents for a "Self-Waiting Table" was filed in 1891 by Elizabeth Howell of Missouri. Her design used rollers on a central pivot to allow the table's center to spin. How It Got the Name "Lazy Susan" While Jefferson’s invention was similar in concept, it
While the "first" inventor is debated, several key figures played documented roles in its development: Elizabeth Howell
While there is no single confirmed inventor, the Lazy Susan likely evolved from 18th-century "dumbwaiters"—revolving trays used in Europe to replace servants at the dinner table. Key Figures & Myths Elizabeth Howell (1891): She filed one of the first U.S. patents for a "Self-Waiting Table," which used rollers and a central pivot to rotate food. Thomas Jefferson : A popular legend claims he invented it for his daughter, Susan, because she complained about being served last. However, historical evidence is thin, and Jefferson never actually had a daughter named Susan. Thomas Edison : Some believe he adapted the turntable from his phonograph into a rotating tray, but this is also largely unproven. George Hall (1950s): An engineer and restaurant partner in San Francisco who is credited with reintroducing the rotating tray into Chinese restaurants, leading to its global ubiquity today. Wikipedia +7 Where did the name "Lazy Susan" come from? The term first officially appeared in print in a
Many widely cited stories about the invention are considered legends rather than historical facts: