Jun 10 2008
Its an…
early electric washing machine! circa 1910
The first electric washing machine was invented in 1906. It was a vast improvement over the below systems:
Although electric washing machines made the weekly laundry day considerably easier for the woman (less rubbing, pounding, lifting – not to mention less exposure to the caustic soap used then), there were still problems:
- She still had to heat all the water on the stove (it was so much work, that the whites were washed first, then the colored – all in the same water).
- Originally, the motor wasn’t protected from the water. Short circuits often occurred and/or the women received a nasty shock.
- The motor often worked too vigorously, shredding the clothes.
- There was no spin dry – you used a wringer, which often removed buttons, hair, and sometimes damaged fingers.
- The tumble dryer arrived on the scene a bit later – circa 1930. Even then, most women hauled the laundry to the clothesline or spread it out over bushes to dry. Then, they faced the hot task of ironing.
SO, three cheers for my washing machine, the dryer, and my electric iron (for the rare occasions upon which I require it). AND, oh yes, three cheers for my husband who doesn’t expect that I will be the only one to run the washer and dryer and, most importantly, neither expects nor wants anything ironed.
4 responses so far
Oh wow, a washing machine! Cool. And I’ll second those cheers! For my appliances and hubby too – ironing? What’s ironing?
I would have never guessed. Obviously, since I thought it was a light fixture. The last picture brings back memories: the old irons that we used to heat on the stove and the sleeve ironing board. I remember them well. As to the old wooden ironing board, I still have my mothers. The first time I used it was fifty-five years ago when I ironed (are you ready??) my father’s handkerchiefs. When I was deemed proficient I moved up to shirts. The rare times I iron these days, I still use the board. I imagine it will be the first thing my kids throw out when I die.
Thanks for this stroll down memory lane. Terrie
I was going to be a smart apple and say, “What’s a washing machine?”
Interested in using your photos for an ERP technology blog. If you provide permission, I will link back to your site. (please delete this post and respond to my email.