FREEDOM-AIN’T-FREE-BABY (@19671965cuda)

The desire to reduce time spent in domestic activities led to the development of appliances such as vacuums, electric mixers, and washing machines. Stores such as Hughes and McCaleb in Dillon, Montana, sold more than wallpaper, paints, oils, painters’ supplies, and sporting goods; they also sold Maytag Electric Washing Machines and radios such as the ones seen below. For information on upkeep of early appliances, owners in Montana could turn to the manufacturer’s instructions or to bulletins produced by the Montana Extension Service. A few interesting tips on washing machines produced in Bulletin 213 by Margaret Huston Tuller include: “when stored in a cold place during winter, bring it in so that it and the oil in the motor warms up; open the drain faucet and prop the lid open for circulation between washdays; stains on the wringers can be removed with kerosene, gasoline, or turpentine but should be washed off immediately with soapy water since they harm the rubber; and don’t store the machine in damp storage places.” [MHS #PhotoArchives, Lot 034 B7F11.01, unidentified photographer, “Appliance store in Dillon, Montana,” Between 1919-1939]