WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Garments were typically beaten over rocks, scrubbed with abrasive sand or stone, and pounded underfoot or with wooden implements.

Detailed explanation-2: -The washing process itself involved lifting the items from the cold soak and wringing or mangling each item before transferring them, with more soap flakes, into the copper for boiling. Items that remained soiled, even after an overnight soak, were rubbed on a scrubbing board before being transferred to the copper.

Detailed explanation-3: -In the 1950’s the ubiquitous electric wringer washing machine was still the workhorse of choice before automatic washers became commonplace. This washing machine was on wheels so it could be moved around and had a large tub with an agitator that was started up by a pull knob or a long handle on the outside of the tub.

Detailed explanation-4: -Washing had to be sorted into white items and coloured ones. Many had been left soaking in cold water overnight to help loosen the dirt. The items had to be separated in this way as many of the dyes used to colour fabrics were not always ‘fast’ and could stain other materials when wet.