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This washing machine brings back many memories for me. Not only do I recall my Grandmother using such a contraption, but I had one as well back in the 70's.
This was the time in my late teens when I found myself a bride living up on the Canadian border in ...shall we say...the boonies.
Our only modern convenience was electricity. We had a kerosene burning furnace and an old woodburning cookstove for warmth.
There was no running water, it was delivered once a week by the water truck and we made it last by rotating everything through cycles. Dish water was often used to water the plants since it drained into a bucket under the sink (no plumbing), baths were taken in shifts with the baby being last and then that water was used to wash the floors.
But I digress as I wander down memory lane. Back to the washing machine. Since I had my child during the Dark Ages, we used actual cloth diapers...so there was a lot of washing to be done. Mine had a gimpy leg (the washing machine, not the child) and when the machine got to rocking and rolling a bit too much as the load shifted, the leg would let go and pretty soon the machine was dancing across the floor like an old "I Love Lucy" episode.
I failed to see the humor at the time, but now it's a riot.
Oh the Good Ole Days...you can keep them.
Long Live the Queen
glad you survived 'roughing it'! we had an old washer like this with rinse tubs, but we had running water. 8 kids and 2 parents shared one bathroom and one utility sink. we had a huge wood furnace for heat. good old days? :)
ReplyDeleteWow - that makes our little family of three seem easy in comparison. Isn't it amazing how we all managed without a lot of luxuries.
DeleteI too had one of these in the early days of my marriage and like you I used cloth nappies, oh now we show our age, lol. i enjoyed yur reminiscing.
ReplyDeleteDiana
I envy the younger generation with all the easy baby stuff - but there is something fulfilling about doing laundry the old way and hanging them up to dry.
DeleteMy Amish friends still use this style washer (but prefer those with a square tub), they take the electric motor off and hook up a gas engine. They have no running water (they have to run for it), no indoor plumbing and wood heat. Ah, the good old days are still here. Tom The Backroads Traveller
ReplyDeleteI remember my grandmother using one of these back in the early 60's. I also remember being told to stay away from it! I had long braids, and she was sure that I would get caught in it.
ReplyDeleteThat's a neat old machine for sure.
ReplyDeleteI remember my grandmother washing clothes in a tub with a washboard. She was so happy the day she got one of these washers and it was used. I actually had one, too when my babies were little. Lots of familiar memories here.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, I am quite familiar with this contraption! I think they all 'danced'!
ReplyDeleteI started out with the washboard in the sink or tub, and finally graduated to this gorgeous old washing machine. Ah, such a blessing it was!!! In my teens, we had the electric bulb hanging from a cord from the ceiling for lights, a pipe coming through the wall for water in the sink, and a three seater in the backyard. I'd say we've come a long way in our day!!!
ReplyDeleteYou have a wonderful day, hugs, Edna B.