(1933)
I was not feeling well, was nervous, and we got a maid, Caroline Fandrick. Jobs were so hard to get she had to put up sharing Skip's room. There was no other place for her.
Showing posts with label housework. Show all posts
Showing posts with label housework. Show all posts
June 27, 2013
February 13, 2013
Cleanliness
(1980 memoirs)
I want to make it clear, that tho Frankie's kitchen was old fashioned, all the work was carried out with utmost cleanliness. The rolled edges of pans were not only scoured, but traced with a toothpick in case a trace of food remained there. A kettle was kept boiling on a low burner to provide water to pour over every dish every time.
I want to make it clear, that tho Frankie's kitchen was old fashioned, all the work was carried out with utmost cleanliness. The rolled edges of pans were not only scoured, but traced with a toothpick in case a trace of food remained there. A kettle was kept boiling on a low burner to provide water to pour over every dish every time.
February 6, 2013
Maid service
(1980 memoirs)
Frankie would also bring fresh towels for my wash stand, probably dust the huge massive chest of drawers with little glove and handkerchief drawers on each side of the top, run the carpet sweeper too.
Frankie would also bring fresh towels for my wash stand, probably dust the huge massive chest of drawers with little glove and handkerchief drawers on each side of the top, run the carpet sweeper too.
February 5, 2013
Change-the-bed day
(1980 memoirs)
Ordinary every-day days, I should pull the feather bed straight to make the bed; or if I were late, just pile out and not make it at all. But on Change-the-Bed Day, Cousin Frankie, the darling, would come up, shake the whole thing up fluffy and high and make it all up for me! How could I have let her do so much for me and do so little in return? I cannot answer this except to say I was very busy and she was Kindness itself.
Ordinary every-day days, I should pull the feather bed straight to make the bed; or if I were late, just pile out and not make it at all. But on Change-the-Bed Day, Cousin Frankie, the darling, would come up, shake the whole thing up fluffy and high and make it all up for me! How could I have let her do so much for me and do so little in return? I cannot answer this except to say I was very busy and she was Kindness itself.
January 12, 2013
Coal stove
(1980 memoirs)
In this part of the [Clapp] living room was a four-sided coal stove, and we loved to see the fire thru the isenglass. Every night Frankie hoisted up a hod of hard coal and poured it in the top, adjusting the drafts. In the morning, drafts were opened, ashes poked down, heat enjoyed. Not once did she ever let me do one thing about the stove; I neither brought in the coal nor took the ashes out. I did offer at first, but was turned down. Once Lorin took the bucket of coal from her and poured it in the top, and she was quite surprised that he could do it well. Oh, that stove! Old fashioned and out of style, but how glowing it stood with the nickle trim gleaming and the black outlining its true shape.
In this part of the [Clapp] living room was a four-sided coal stove, and we loved to see the fire thru the isenglass. Every night Frankie hoisted up a hod of hard coal and poured it in the top, adjusting the drafts. In the morning, drafts were opened, ashes poked down, heat enjoyed. Not once did she ever let me do one thing about the stove; I neither brought in the coal nor took the ashes out. I did offer at first, but was turned down. Once Lorin took the bucket of coal from her and poured it in the top, and she was quite surprised that he could do it well. Oh, that stove! Old fashioned and out of style, but how glowing it stood with the nickle trim gleaming and the black outlining its true shape.
October 1, 2012
Norwegian housekeeper
(1992 Memoirs)
Before she [Minnie] gave up [housekeeping], she hired a number of housekeepers, one of which was an aged Norwegian with blond hair long and gray and worn on a roll at the top of the head, very insecure. We got along fairly well although she was too lonely for her family to stay long. When I explained something to her, she would say when at last she understood, "Oh, daj but ee ay." "Yes," I'd say, "That's what it is."
Before she [Minnie] gave up [housekeeping], she hired a number of housekeepers, one of which was an aged Norwegian with blond hair long and gray and worn on a roll at the top of the head, very insecure. We got along fairly well although she was too lonely for her family to stay long. When I explained something to her, she would say when at last she understood, "Oh, daj but ee ay." "Yes," I'd say, "That's what it is."
September 30, 2012
Minnie's health
(1992 Memoirs)
After my brother was about 4 and I was 9 or so [ca. 1914], our family broke up because of my mother's failing health. Perhaps she did overdo at housework; my father thought she did. [She had tubercolosis.]
After my brother was about 4 and I was 9 or so [ca. 1914], our family broke up because of my mother's failing health. Perhaps she did overdo at housework; my father thought she did. [She had tubercolosis.]
October 20, 2011
Upstairs
(1991 June 12)
Geraldine here today; cleaned upstairs [where Polly never went any more].... When she came downstairs: "Your son and wife finished a carton of cigarettes and the little girl's waste basket was full of candy wrappers." Upstairs - Downstairs.
Geraldine here today; cleaned upstairs [where Polly never went any more].... When she came downstairs: "Your son and wife finished a carton of cigarettes and the little girl's waste basket was full of candy wrappers." Upstairs - Downstairs.
October 18, 2011
McDonald's
(1991 May 9)
Jan came and got me and we went out on the highway to McDonald's and had a hamburger and a milk shake - each of us. I can't say I care for that place, but no dishes to do that night anyway. (But that job I really don't mind.)
Jan came and got me and we went out on the highway to McDonald's and had a hamburger and a milk shake - each of us. I can't say I care for that place, but no dishes to do that night anyway. (But that job I really don't mind.)
October 10, 2011
Jailbird
(1991 April 9)
Some time ago you said you thought Geraldine seemed to be a jolly sort and asked if I ever enjoyed any conversations with her. I said no - that we were always working Wednesdays. However, yesterday it happened. Altho it was past 11 when she should go home, she stayed to put a bed spread from the washer to dryer, thinking it too heavy for me. So I sat in the living room knitting, back to Lorin's study; she sat across from me, ear on washer. Earlier when we changed my bed, she said one of her sons would be out of jail May 1 and would then be able to work to pay her back $50 she gave him for cigarettes, which, if you smoke them,must be bought at the jail. He was in for driving while drunk. [to be continued]
Some time ago you said you thought Geraldine seemed to be a jolly sort and asked if I ever enjoyed any conversations with her. I said no - that we were always working Wednesdays. However, yesterday it happened. Altho it was past 11 when she should go home, she stayed to put a bed spread from the washer to dryer, thinking it too heavy for me. So I sat in the living room knitting, back to Lorin's study; she sat across from me, ear on washer. Earlier when we changed my bed, she said one of her sons would be out of jail May 1 and would then be able to work to pay her back $50 she gave him for cigarettes, which, if you smoke them,must be bought at the jail. He was in for driving while drunk. [to be continued]
September 4, 2011
Canny surprise
(1991 January 4)
Geraldine was here today cleaning me up. We folded sheets, and I ironed pillow cases, and when she carried it all up[stairs], she was gone a suspiciously long time and came down so proud. "The big one is all made up," she said, "and I used the old ones in the cupboard."
Geraldine was here today cleaning me up. We folded sheets, and I ironed pillow cases, and when she carried it all up[stairs], she was gone a suspiciously long time and came down so proud. "The big one is all made up," she said, "and I used the old ones in the cupboard."
June 28, 2011
Culligan Man
(1989 March 1)
A Blizzard of sorts.... A loud banging and door bell ringing - it was Culligan changing the tanks. Poor boy. He insisted leaving his big boots outside. Trucks are now going by and a few cars. A fine snow falls slantwise. On and on. Freezing rain to follow.
A Blizzard of sorts.... A loud banging and door bell ringing - it was Culligan changing the tanks. Poor boy. He insisted leaving his big boots outside. Trucks are now going by and a few cars. A fine snow falls slantwise. On and on. Freezing rain to follow.
May 28, 2011
Geraldine
(1989 November 8)
Geraldine came with hair dyed black and sticking straight up. Said the label said "Ashen" and her daughter thot it would be dark gray. Sort of sad to think she has 8 children, many married with children, and she, poor soul, must walk from place to place cleaning. She keeps on looking for more work, as if she gets 12 places, she will get food stamps (free).
Geraldine came with hair dyed black and sticking straight up. Said the label said "Ashen" and her daughter thot it would be dark gray. Sort of sad to think she has 8 children, many married with children, and she, poor soul, must walk from place to place cleaning. She keeps on looking for more work, as if she gets 12 places, she will get food stamps (free).
May 22, 2011
Early green
(1988 August 26)
A friend gave Jan a dishwasher but Bob wouldn't let her accept it - takes more water than hand washing. She also was prepared to go to Madison to start a scientific reducing course but he said no - "he doesn't want me driving to Madison" - a thing she does as easily as breathing. Is it the Welsh who speak of a man as "careful"?
A friend gave Jan a dishwasher but Bob wouldn't let her accept it - takes more water than hand washing. She also was prepared to go to Madison to start a scientific reducing course but he said no - "he doesn't want me driving to Madison" - a thing she does as easily as breathing. Is it the Welsh who speak of a man as "careful"?
May 4, 2011
Window washing
(1988 May 21)
As for me, I have been more or less occupied with workmen. Archie has been here and instead of painting the north side of the house which turn it was, he said it didn't need it and instead went around the entire house scraping off loose paint and patching. He is good at that. He also painted black the storms I still have on, washed the three sides of glass, and came into the house to do the windows in my study and kitchen which open inward. This required moving of furniture and all in turmoil. He believes when drying a window, bunched-up newspaper should be first used as the print gives a shine to the glass.
As for me, I have been more or less occupied with workmen. Archie has been here and instead of painting the north side of the house which turn it was, he said it didn't need it and instead went around the entire house scraping off loose paint and patching. He is good at that. He also painted black the storms I still have on, washed the three sides of glass, and came into the house to do the windows in my study and kitchen which open inward. This required moving of furniture and all in turmoil. He believes when drying a window, bunched-up newspaper should be first used as the print gives a shine to the glass.
July 22, 2010
No appreciation
(1970 September 2)
Also - one big thing housewives have against housework is they work so hard and it is never appreciated. Every time another type of work is done, there is praise - "A nice report you handed in, Susie" or "Did you really make that dress? Beautiful!" But who mentions the everyday tasks that took as much care and must be done over & over & over. No appreciation. ... If the cook has got up a good meal and everyone sits down talking about the 4th Dimension and ignores her effort, believe me she will soon think anything will do.
Also - one big thing housewives have against housework is they work so hard and it is never appreciated. Every time another type of work is done, there is praise - "A nice report you handed in, Susie" or "Did you really make that dress? Beautiful!" But who mentions the everyday tasks that took as much care and must be done over & over & over. No appreciation. ... If the cook has got up a good meal and everyone sits down talking about the 4th Dimension and ignores her effort, believe me she will soon think anything will do.
July 6, 2010
Old ladies' man
(1968 August 1)
Betty was here yesterday and we were taking our beds apart, washing the slats, vacuuming mattresses and restoring broken buttons - in other words, working our heads off - when the doorbell rang, revealing a short, aggressive man whom I finally took to be an antique dealer. He said he was from Kansas City, Missouri, and was looking for old furniture, and did I know any old ladies who might have a quantity of Bavarian china or Carnival glass stored in their basements which they were not using but will sell cheap. What really got me more tho was the statement that Wisconsin had so much more in the antique line than Kansas and his state did. Bringing to mind the grand auctions you attended, I was amused. But I was anxious to have him leave so I could get back to work, so I just told him where some shops were and let the argument rest. His wife sat in the car and wrote down such odd names as Muscoda, Boscobel, and Boaz which fell from my lips.
Betty was here yesterday and we were taking our beds apart, washing the slats, vacuuming mattresses and restoring broken buttons - in other words, working our heads off - when the doorbell rang, revealing a short, aggressive man whom I finally took to be an antique dealer. He said he was from Kansas City, Missouri, and was looking for old furniture, and did I know any old ladies who might have a quantity of Bavarian china or Carnival glass stored in their basements which they were not using but will sell cheap. What really got me more tho was the statement that Wisconsin had so much more in the antique line than Kansas and his state did. Bringing to mind the grand auctions you attended, I was amused. But I was anxious to have him leave so I could get back to work, so I just told him where some shops were and let the argument rest. His wife sat in the car and wrote down such odd names as Muscoda, Boscobel, and Boaz which fell from my lips.
July 4, 2010
Water everywhere
(1968 June 24)
The news on the weather front is too much RAIN. I couldn't do my work properly this morning because of violent thunderstorms and almost pitch blackness. How can you clean up dirt when you can't see it? Daddy walked 8 blocks out of his way to avoid water in gutters a foot deep. As if this weren't enough water, I overdid on watering the house plants and nearly ruined two, including a table!
The news on the weather front is too much RAIN. I couldn't do my work properly this morning because of violent thunderstorms and almost pitch blackness. How can you clean up dirt when you can't see it? Daddy walked 8 blocks out of his way to avoid water in gutters a foot deep. As if this weren't enough water, I overdid on watering the house plants and nearly ruined two, including a table!
March 23, 2010
Backyard report
(1963 June 20)
Dee is now to be relied enough to be free and go with me to the clothesline where I have just hung up a mess of rags used for cleaning during the week. With my new soft water these old rags are cleaner than my towels used to get! Meanwhile Dee finds the bone from last Sunday's roast and chews away on that as a Mother Squirrel and 2 babies venture from their nest. Hidden from sight are birds teasing me by singing or quoking away (I wish I could identify them!). - Oh, it is so pleasnt in our back yard! Of course there are certain dark objects here and there in the grass, not far from Dee's tie-out rope - but a new Puppy-Scoop ordered from Penny's should be here today and that problem if not solved, made more pleasant!
Dee is now to be relied enough to be free and go with me to the clothesline where I have just hung up a mess of rags used for cleaning during the week. With my new soft water these old rags are cleaner than my towels used to get! Meanwhile Dee finds the bone from last Sunday's roast and chews away on that as a Mother Squirrel and 2 babies venture from their nest. Hidden from sight are birds teasing me by singing or quoking away (I wish I could identify them!). - Oh, it is so pleasnt in our back yard! Of course there are certain dark objects here and there in the grass, not far from Dee's tie-out rope - but a new Puppy-Scoop ordered from Penny's should be here today and that problem if not solved, made more pleasant!
March 3, 2010
The tub's farewell
(1962 February?)
The minute we got in the house after taking our girls to Madison, I started in making beds and making the upstairs presentable so the plumbers wouldn't be shocked. At 8 a.m. today I emptied the bathroon and about 8:30 Klenzings came and carried out all the old fixtures. The trap under the floor of the tub was broken. Not too bad after all. It took 3 strong men to carry out the old tub, straining like ancient Egyptians. It played one more dirty trick on me, that old trap. I was standing by the front door and got drenched, I hope for the last time! Ran for old dishpan.
The minute we got in the house after taking our girls to Madison, I started in making beds and making the upstairs presentable so the plumbers wouldn't be shocked. At 8 a.m. today I emptied the bathroon and about 8:30 Klenzings came and carried out all the old fixtures. The trap under the floor of the tub was broken. Not too bad after all. It took 3 strong men to carry out the old tub, straining like ancient Egyptians. It played one more dirty trick on me, that old trap. I was standing by the front door and got drenched, I hope for the last time! Ran for old dishpan.
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