Who Invented Lazy Susan Verified May 2026

The Lazy Susan—that rotating tray found on dining tables, in cupboards, and on countertops—is a classic convenience, but its origins are surprisingly unclear. No single person holds a patent for the very first Lazy Susan, and its invention is more of a gradual evolution than a eureka moment.

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

In short: Its mechanism (a revolving tray) has ancient roots, its practical application was popularized in Jefferson’s era, and its name became standard in early 20th-century America through a mix of folklore, family stories, and clever advertising. The Lazy Susan—that rotating tray found on dining

Here’s a concise, informative text on the topic: One widely cited story points to an inventor

Another plausible origin is purely commercial: In the 1910s and 1920s, several companies began selling “revolving servers” or “lazy susans” as labor-saving devices for housewives—eliminating the need to reach across the table. The term may have been a catchy marketing phrase, combining “lazy” (since the server does the work of passing dishes) with the common female name “Susan.”