Mid-19th Century Reaction to a Laundry Invention

Mid-19th Century Reaction to a Laundry Invention

Today the task of laundry is simple. We load machines with clothes, add laundry detergent and softener, and check settings. But essentially, the modern washing machine and dryer do the job for us. However, in the mid-19th century, long before our modern appliances, it was not so easy. Laundry was time-consuming and labor-intensive, so perhaps this pamphlet describing a “really wonderful invention” sounded intriguing.
It proposed a method “to accomplish a large family wash before breakfast” without machines and without rubbing. The folded pamphlet is titled
Twelvetree’s Washing Pamphlet
(ca 1850) by
H. Twelvetree
, and as we can reason from one of the testimonials found within, H. Twelvetree was most likely Harper Twelvetree (or
Twelvetrees
).
It does not provide step-by-step instructions, details, or illustrations to describe this new method for washing clothes. Instead, it provides only general information about the plan along with testimonials and references of those who tried it. We might call this folded pamphlet an advertising circular, as it encourages mid-19th century readers to inquire for more information and to obtain the details from H. Twelvetree.
H. Twelvetree, New York, NY.
Twelvetree’s Washing Pamphlet
(ca 1850), front cover/unnumbered page [1], general information about washing plan.
Since this particular item does not share that detailed information, we might be wondering a few things. What can this advertising circular reveal about the plan itself? How can a “large family wash” be accomplished before breakfast in the mid-19th century? And what did people at the time think of this idea?
Twelvetree’s Washing Pamphlet
(ca 1850) explains that this method was discovered by Professor Leibig who, for a sum of money, gave permission for the proprietor, H. Twelvetree, to use it. The washing plan combined “economy of time and money, with safety and simplicity.” Ordinary individuals, high officials, and institutions were already using it. There is also a mention that the washing plan had been tested by hundreds of editors of newspapers and periodicals, including some who are listed as references in the list below.
H. Twelvetree, New York, NY.
Twelvetree’s Washing Pamphlet
(ca 1850), page 4, list of references including newspaper editors and clergymen.
The pamphlet shares a few basic components of the plan. It required no rubbing, no machines, and no extra washing utensils. Previous knowledge was not necessary. It required water, but the substance used for washing was cheaper than soap. It did not include acid, turpentine, or camphene. It did not have an unwelcome odor. And, as the pamphlet claims, it would not injure those performing the wash or destroy the fabric being washed.
There are also two pages of testimonials which provide more information, particularly in regards to how people felt about using this new method. Similar emotions and feelings are found throughout the test…