Washing Clothes

washing clothes

home  
history  
people

The piece below was sent by our friend, Christine Coleman. I have washed clothes as directed below. And it did not mention hanging wet clothes on a clothes line in freezing weather. Nor did it mentioned the long full day of ironing the day after all the clothes are washed and dried. So count your blessings and have a great day.

~ Ruth Shaw, sent 4/15/2004

memories
photos
places
the dinky
military heros
this n that
help requests
links
guestbook
 

HOW TO WASH CLOTHES
 

"How sweet it is Years ago an Alabama grandmother gave the new bride the following recipe for washing clothes.  It appears just as it was written, and despite the spelling, has a bit of philosophy.  This is an exact copy as written and found in an old scrap book-with spelling errors and all.


"Build fire in backyard to heat kettle of rain water.   Set tubs so smoke wont blow in eyes if wind is pert.
Shave one hole cake of lie soap in boilin water.  Sort things, make 3 piles

1 pile white,
1 pile colored,
1 pile work britches and rags.

To make starch, stir flour in cool water to smooth, then thin down with boiling water.

Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard, and  boil, then Rub colored don't  boil  just wrench and starch.
Take things out of kettle with broom stick handle, then wrench, and starch.   Hang old rags on fence.
Spread tea towels on grass.  Pore wrench water in flower bed. Scrub porch with hot soapy water.
Turn tubs upside down.  Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs.
Brew cup of tea, sit and rock a spell and count your blessings."

Paste this over your washer and dryer. 

Next time when you think things are bleak,  you should run and hug your washer and dryer!


 

 

 

 

 

 

The information contained on this website is submitted by volunteers and is not intended for commercial use. Unauthorized use of content in this website is strictly prohibited.


Copyright © 2004, 2005, 2006 [Beth Shaw]. All rights reserved.

web by