An 83 year old british gentleman arrived in Paris by plane. As he was fumbling in his bag for his passport a stern French lady asked if he had been to France before. He liked he had indeed been previously.
The lady said then you should know to have your passport out and waiting sir. The gentleman said i didn’t have to show it last time. Impossible! The woman said, you British have always had to show your passports to get through here! The man passports to get through here! The man responded by whispering, well, when i came ashore on the beach on D Day in 1944, i couldn’t find any Frenchmen to show it to!… Wear your poppy with pride.
Back when a simple yet effective tool, played a crucial role in domestic life before the advent of modern washing machines
The Washboard: An Antique Laundry Essential
The washboard, a simple yet effective tool, played a crucial role in domestic life before the advent of modern washing machines. Typically made of wood or metal, it features a ridged surface that allows users to scrub clothes by hand.
Historical Significance
Dating back to the early 19th century, washboards became commonplace in households, particularly in North America.
They were often used by women, who would stand over a tub filled with water and soap to clean their family’s garments. The washboard was not just a practical item but also a symbol of the hard work and resourcefulness of women during this time.
How It Works
Using a washboard involves a straightforward process:
- Preparation: Fill a tub with water and add soap.
- Scrubbing: Place a soiled garment against the ridged surface of the washboard, and rub it back and forth to remove dirt.
- Rinsing: After scrubbing, the garment is rinsed in clean water to remove soap and grime.
- Drying: Finally, the washed clothes are wrung out and hung to dry.
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