1 Memories

Memories from Nancy Preston

A Memory from Nancy Preston

When I was young, I remember helping Grandma and Grandpa (Esther and Frank Gallaway) on wash day.  Grandpa gathered wood and placed it under a large pot outside near the washing machine which was located under a covered area next to the smokehouse.  The large pot was rinsed, the pot was filled via a hose that ran from a nearby spigot, and a fire was started under the pot to heat the water.  When the water in the pot was hot enough, it was carried in buckets to the washing machine.  The washing machine had only one cycle--wash--and a wringer that swiveled!  I do not remember an on/off switch, and I believe the cord was plugged in to turn it on.  Three large wash tubs were set on benches near the washing machine so that the wringer (two rollers that force soap and water out--similar today to those used in some mop buckets) could be rotated as the clothes were rinsed and moved from one tub to another.  Hot water was added to the washing machine, and Grandma started with white clothes.  When the clothes finished the wash, Grandma poked a stick into the hot, soapy water to lift each item and place it in the wringer that fed into the first tub.  After each rinse, the wringer was rotated to the next tub, and the clothes were fed into that one.  The final rinse water contained a bluing ingredient that made the whites really white.  Following the whites, Grandma subsequently laundered the medium and dark colors, finishing up with the grubby work clothes, including Grandpa's khakis.  Clean hot water was added to the wash/rinse areas as needed.  The clean clothes were placed in a bucket or basket to be carried to the clothes line.  The clothes line consisted of wires strung between two t-shaped poles.  Between the poles, the wire sagged so there was a plank with a notch in the top to support the wires when heavy items were added.  The plank was lowered for hanging and then raised.  At some point, Grandma added starch to the water for Grandma's khaki shirts and pants.  The clothes dried on the line and then were taken into the house.  The non-starched items were folded and put away.  The bed sheets (made from sewing together white sacks) were put on the beds for the best sleep ever.  The starched items were sprinkled with water and set aside for ironing.