Wash Day at Fort House - Circa 1900

In past times, when washday included a washboard, homemade lye soap, Mrs. Stewart’s blueing and hand-hauled water, a housewife struggled to hang a sparkling clean clothesline.   It was grueling, back-breaking work and often the entire family would pitch in and help.  Historic Waco Foundation announces a new exhibit, WASH DAY AT FORT HOUSE – Circa 1900.   Several dozen historic garments and flat textiles from HWF’s Heritage Collection are hung on wire clotheslines, Also shown are old washtubs, old ironing boards, washboards as well as an unusual nineteenth century roller wringer.  This device looks very primitive and inefficient to the modern eye, but lucky was the Victorian housewife who owned one.

This thought-provoking exhibit was created by Claire Masters, who has overseen 28 exhibits in the past.  It can be viewed at Fort House Museum, Fourth and Webster, Waco, Texas.  Sorry, no elevator.  It will remain in place until end of the year.  Visiting hours are Saturday and Sunday, 2-5 pm.  Special tours are welcome and can be arranged by calling 753-5166.