The square box washing machine and dryer came about after World War II in the late fifties, and became popular with the recovery of consumer markets after the war. Washing machines are considered to have been key in liberating women from 'woman's work' - the industrial revolution of the home. Before the washing machine, a woman would spend a day a week carrying out the activity. Monday was laundry day. Fast forward to where we are today: The Washington Post article is titled: How washers and dryers became trophy appliances. Here's an excerpt:
"Manufacturers continue to add features to their lineups of washing machines, including HE front loaders, HE top loaders and traditional top loaders. Dryers are being tricked out with steam cycles that gently remove wrinkles or sanitizing options that can kill germs. Machine colours continually change: They are available in colours such as granite, marine blue or platinum to match the wallpaper or the Mercedes."
We remember the avocado green and forest gold colours of the 1970s appliances. There are people who are still using them - the article is HERE. It has a long list of people, where they live, and what machine they are still using along with its date of manufacture. It claims: "Doris Gomes of Acushnet owns an avocado green Whirlpool dryer that’s at least 43 years old and still going strong." The article was written in 2009.
Lucky us to be in the labour-saving era. We can make fun of laundry now:
Q: How much fun is doing your laundry? A: Loads
Q. Why is a poker player so good at doing laundry? A. He knows how to fold.
Q. Don't you get tired and feel like throwing in the towel sometimes? A. No, that only means more laundry to do.
I found this wall of art in the Sacramento Mall and was able to get a few motion blur pictures that worked out.
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