Joseph Lee Patents the Bread-Making Machine

Joseph Lee, a Boston restaurateur and caterer, patented an automatic bread-making machine in 1895 that could mix and knead dough mechanically, dramatically reducing labor in commercial baking. He later patented an improved bread-crumbing machine in 1902. Lee's inventions were adopted by major bakeries and his bread-kneading machine is credited with helping to modernize the commercial baking industry.