The frame in the bottom of the case reads:
Women’s History Month
Wash on Monday; Iron on Tuesday; Mend on Wednesday; Churn on
Thursday; Clean on Friday; Bake on Saturday; Rest on Sunday
The items on display were provided by the Lompoc Historical
Museum. They are comprised of devises used throughout history to help women
with their daily chores. The metal cone plunger was used in the 1800’s and
1900’s for cleaning laundry. In the late 1800’s the iron was heated by gas and
alcohol fuel which eliminated the need to burn fires all day. In 1909 the first
electric toaster was invented by Frank Shailot of General Electric. Candle
making was very important in homes with no electricity. The style of the candle
maker displayed dates back to the 1800’s. The metal washboard was invented in
the 1800’s by Stephen Rust. New York Times called it the “great American
invention”. Churning milk into butter took a very long time. Families would
churn twice a week and many cultures have their own churning song…
Come butter come
Come butter come
Peter stands at the gate
Waiting for butter cake.
Many of the other devices and antiques that you see were
used in the 1800’s and 1900’s.
Could you imagine using some of these today?
Legacy 122; page 6 (reprinted below) mentioned the display at Vandenberg AFB Library.
These are the photos from that display.
Women’s History Month Display
LVHS helped Vandenberg AFB’s Library in March to commemorate Women’s History Month by loaning 25 items from our Kitchen Museum for what turned out to be a two month long display. Items of notice were the laundry plunger; an old fashion toaster and of course the chamber pot. Vandenberg’s Library Director, Eva Christine Mclaughlin was grateful for the loan and has plans to do it again next year.
