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I-0093a Washboard ca. 1920 Materials: Wood, Glass This object is a washboard, which was used to wash clothes. Before there were a washing machines and dryers to clean and dry our clothes a washboard and a clothesline were everyday household [...]

I-0430a Barometer Chelsea Clocks Company American 20th Century Material: Metal It’s important to keep track of the weather. The weather can have a dramatic impact on our material needs such as food, clothing and building materials. These are our absolute [...]

I-0475a Drinking Bottle Unknown Origin 1740s-1840s Materials: Glass This item is a drinking bottle that most likely held wine. This particular bottle is thought to date between the 1740s to the 1840s. By looking at the bottle’s lip and base [...]

I-0291b Iron American Date: Late 19th/Early 20th century Materials: iron, wood This is a small metal iron, referred to as a sadiron. It was donated by Sister Alexandrine, whose family immigrated to Texas from Silesia in the late 19th century. [...]

I-0355a Washer, Clothes Newton, Iowa Date: 1920s Materials: copper, metal, wood This washing machine is an early type of electric washing machine. According to Lee Maxwell’s Washing Machine Museum, electric washing machines have been mass produced since approximately 1906 by [...]

I-0439a Child’s dress American Date: ca. 1920 Materials: cloth Photo via: Iota, WikiMedia Commons   The edging and lace decorations on this dress are examples of the art of tatting. The art of tatting involves using a shuttle, or a [...]