I just read a great article in the New York Times about the last remaining washboard company in the US. In War Time, an Old Reliable Is Called to Serve, describes how the Columbus Washboard Company has found new life in meeting the needs of our servicemen and women that are deployed to places where the military’s washing service is not very reliable. The company had been struggling to survive, but the wars have highlighted a place where washboards are still useful.
This company seems very interesting and dedicated to the washboard. They even go so far as to have an annual musical washboard festival in June every year. I’m glad that there are still companies like this in our country. Even if they aren’t that profitable, they certainly have gumption.
[...] after I go camping for the very first time. Yes, I’ve apparently either lost my mind or Becca has totally inspired me to get in touch with my “old world” self. Or perhaps a [...]
I checked out their website and I have to admit that I wish they had a better description of their washboards. We always had one hanging on our wall when I was growing up, but I’d love to have one that I could actually USE if need be (especially since we have a well and live in Florida, if a hurricane knocks out electricity, we’re SOL).
I love the fact that they sell musical versions. So cute
Meg – I never thought of having one around in case of a natural disaster. That’s probably a good idea if you get hit by storms a lot. I imagine that you could still use an antique one, if it is still around.
I am very temped to make a trip out to their musical washboard festival just to see what it is like. It sounds like a hoot.
So glad I ran across your blog! Really interesting stuff. I not only use a washboard (when I am at our non-electric cabin), but I also use and old fashioned laundry plunger and wringer. I’ve been collecting old-world stuff for a while, and now that I am putting it into practice, it’s awesome. Hope to be totally old-fashioned one day. Anyhow – awesome blog! I’m going to head back and put you on my links list right away so I can keep up!
Love the post…I’m actually looking forward to reading the rest of our blog as it’s very much what I’ve set out to do this past year. I had been reading “Gene Logsdon’s Practical Skills” and he mentions washboards in there. I’ve been less than impressed with the performance of most washing machines and detergents so I had been planning on giving it a try myself!
I definitely agree with Meg, I wish the descriptions on the Columbus Washboard Company’s website were better as I’m having a difficult time picking one out.