Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning was a big chore for housewifes and servants in years past. Before electicity housework took a lot of effort. Washing was done in tubs and hung on a closeline to dry. Irons were heated on a stove. It hwas tiring and hot work. Without vacuum cleaners, throw rugs were beat with a carpet beater. The Historical Society has several beaters and irons in their collection. In a 1885 diary written by Hulda Stevens, a 22 year old young woman, who lived in the Wood Creek section of New Fairfield (now Brookfield) often wrote about her and her mother doing household chores. A few of the many references to these chores are below.

January 7- I ironed a little bit this morning but did not finish until after supper., about a 10pm but felt paid (sic)for finishing it if it was late.

January 9 - Ironed curtains

January 19- Mother washed, but clothes did not get drey. She had a large wash and did not finish until late.

February 9 - Washed and hung out clothes

March 31 - Finished ironing, not sorry

April 20 - Swept and dusted

May 6 - I ironed bur had the starched clothes to do some other time

May 8 - If clear tomorrow I want to clean the closets so as to be ready to clean the rooms next week, if plesant

May 12 - Helped put down carpets and fill beds. It was not very early when I finished setting the rooms.