scrub board (artifact #25)

[Phillips collection]  This example is small size but the construction and look is typical of full-size boards.  It has a wooden frame and splash board, a corrugated-glass scrubbing surface, and is estimated 15" to 18" tall.  A regular board would be 24-30" tall.  A more primitive or hand-made type would have grooved hardwood or even wooden dowels to form the corrugated surface.  Alternatives to a wash board are the knuckle rub, beat on rocks, or woollybooger over smooth creek-bed stones.  Man, talk about dish-pan hands!

Annette writes, "Bill, this is Susie's washboard.  It is one that Mother bought after we moved back to Burden to do small amounts of laundry in the kitchen sink.  The one she used in Arkansas was larger — full size.  This is a small compact one.  It seems like Mother did acquire a small one after Daddy died.  It saved having to fill the wringer-type washer and tubs so often.

"Very faint on the front of this thing it says 'Home Aide'.  If I zoom in on it, I can read it in the photo.  The back is better.  This is precious — on the back side of the washboard is painted :

"Just the right size to fit into bucket, pail or lavatory.
Packs easily into suit case or traveling bag.
Columbus Washboard Co. Columbus, Ohio"