Let’s have a look at some old fashioned washing machines!
(It was very tempting for House Crazy Sarah to write Old Fashioned Warshing Machines because that’s how her granny used to say washing.)
These timeless beauties are captivating with their vintage lines and colors.
If you are lucky enough to own one of these antiques, then you are indeed fortunate. If it still works – you have won the jackpot!
But let’s rewind a few decades…
The original washing “machines” were mere wooden contraptions, fully powered by human elbow grease.
The technology evolved slowly with more mechanized crank presses to wring-out clothing…
Washing machines were invented as early as 1767, when Jacob Christian Schäffer of Germany created the first prototype.
In 1858, Hamilton Smith patented the rotary washing machine.
In 1874, William Blackstone of Indiana built a machine that removed dirt and stains from laundry as a birthday present for his wife. This sweet husband’s gift would come to be the first example of washing machines designed for use at home.
From then on, it made the “women’s work” of laundering a little easier.
By the mid twentieth century, electric washing machines became status symbols for middle class housewives.
House Crazy Sarah giggles at how they dressed up in their cute heels and house dresses to do the laundry in these old ad photos.
Look at this lucky lady below:
She has a stackable built-in washer & dryer!
Now let’s look at how some of these old machines are displayed in homes today…
Vintage machines are often found in old house museums…
Recognize the one below?
It’s in Ralphie’s house from the real Christmas Story house!
In private homes, you can see various ways antique washing machines are displayed for decoration…
Some people have come up with creative uses for the drums:
The most aesthetically pleasing use, however (in House Crazy Sarah’s humble opinion), is to see old washing machines used as planters…
When vintage machines are mixed with colorful flowers and greens, it makes a dynamite display.
It’s so great to see these old things repurposed and proudly displayed, rather than rotting in a landfill!
Sources:
https://www.goldenstatelaundrysystems.com/blog/2015/12/07/the-history-of-washing-machines
https://www.landersappliance.com/history-of-the-washing-machine/Â
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My grandmother had a wringer washer. She never did purchase a modern style. Didn’t think they cleaned as well.
That’s awesome Julie!