Irons,

[wmkane]

Hello,

My wife has gotten it into her head that she wants a period correct iron, but hasn't the information regarding what would be period correct. Can anyone help to point us in the correct direction? (She's also looking into washboards and tubs)

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

First, go to Ragged Soldier Sutlery (www.raggedsoldier.com) and get Mrs. Mescher's fine booklet on laundry and laundresses. Its a fantastic period resource and has almost everything you need for the impression. To look at period irons, go to http://www.shirbil.com/ and look at their fine collection. To purchase irons, the best way is to go to your local antique stores. I've found countless antique irons for pocket change over the years. When it comes time to find the correct washtubs and boards, be prepared for sticker shock to get the right wooden cooperage - they ain't cheap. Jas Townsends (www.jastown.com) and Beaver Buckets (http://www.beaverbuckets.com/index.htm) are good sources; Beaver is the best, but the best is pricey. Avoid the galvanized metal or glass washboards, as those are postwar - go with the all wood. You can get lucky and find servicable ones at antique stores as well, but they are less than common. Use the laundry guide from Ragged Soldier as a guiding list of what you'll need from soap to clothespins and everything in between.

[Micah Trent]

If looking for one and know what you are looking for, I have found that sometimes your local antique shops have them lying around and at a decent price.