Laundry Pictures From The Past

I found these laundry pictures recently, and it got me thinking that today we don't have it so bad in the laundry department.

Sure, I have to make an effort to stick to my laundry schedule, and I sure do miss my washing machine when it breaks.

But I don't have to break my back slaving over a hot bucket like this woman.

Photo by The Library of Congress

I also don't have to do my laundry at the community laundry basin either. (This photo below is circa 1940s.)

Photo by The Library of Congress

Here is a picture showing laundry equipment circa 1903. This picture is especially interesting because it shows a man working the laundry machines while the women behind were on a laundry strike.

Courtesy of Chicago History Museum

Here is another picture of a woman doing laundry with a machine I cannot even fathom having to use daily. (I am sure it would not be so bad if I learned how, but it is as unfamiliar to me as if this lady saw my computer today.)

Courtesy of Chicago History Museum

This picture, below, was taken in 1910. In a way it is like time hasn't changed. People still hang out their laundry, of course. (Look at the cute little bowl cut on the baby!)

Courtesy of Chicago History Museum

I had a lot of fun looking at these pictures. I found them at the Library of Congress American Memory website, and Flickr Creative Commons in case you want to look for some more.

Related Links At Household Management 101

House Cleaning Pictures From The Past

My Favorite Quotes About Laundry

Laundry Tips For Families

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