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Show wooden clothes pins. The entire process was a work of art, and Virginia was always thrilled with her clothesline, even though wash day was heavy and exhausting. Soap powders and detergents were unknown. Bars of Fels Naptha soap shaped much like small bricks were chipped and sliced, then boiled in water to dissolve the chips into a thick, syrupy substance that was poured into the washer or boiler as needed. Homemade soap bars were treated in much the same way if folks were fortunate enough to have some of them, for they were rated as being superior. Homemade soap was made of animal fat or tallow that was rendered in a tub over a camp-type fire, then boiled with some lye and other ingredients. After boiling down to thick consistency, it was poured into another tub to a depth of four or five inches and allowed to cool. When somewhat dried and hardened it was cut into large cubes; and when solid enough to be handled each piece was lifted onto paper and left to age. Virginia was always happier on washday if John K or a brother was able to be at home to dip and lift the dirtied, soapy water out of the washer and tubs and carry and dump it in a plantless site. THE HOT IRON Before ironing day, Virginia dampened the dried clothes and linens, piece by piece, by dipping her fingers into water, and shaking drops of it onto the dry article. A 109 |