Thoughts for the Work Week Ahead

Contributed by my friend Kathy O.

1880s Recipe for Washing Clothes

Years ago an Alabama grandmother gave a new bride the following recipe. This is an exact copy as written and found in an old scrapbook, complete with spelling errors (For you non-southerners, wrench means, rinse).

Build fire in backyard to heat kettle of rain water. Set tubs so smoke wont blow in eyes if wind is pert. Shave one hole cake of lie soap in boilin water.  

Sort things, make 3 piles 

1 pile white,

1 pile colored,

1 pile work britches and rags.

To make starch, stir flour in cool water to smooth, then thin down with boiling water.

Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard, and boil, then rub colored don’t boil just wrench and starch.

Take things out of kettle with broom stick handle, then wrench, and starch. 

Hang old rags on fence.

Spread tea towels on grass.

Pore wrench water in flower bed. Scrub porch with hot soapy water.

Turn tubs upside down.

Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs. Brew cup of tea, sit and rock a spell and count your blessings.

The next time you think things are bleak, re-read this formula and thank God for the modern conveniences that make our lives so much easier.  For all the hustle and bustle and problems of today’s world, there’s never been a better time to be alive.  Have a wonderful week and always remember to be thankful.