This wooden washing machine is most likely the oldest household appliance on display and estimate it to be early 1900s. Usually there was a wringer/mangle attached. This washing machine does not have one, either it never had one or it is missing. Though the advent of the washing machines was intended to make wash day less daunting, this wooden washing machine is operated by a lever, still a difficult task.
Overall it is still in good condition and makes a fine example for the display.
Washing Machine
This washing machine is operated by a wooden lever. The lever was pulled back and forth, causing an agitator inside the machine to move the clothes around and clean them.
Remember: MONDAY IS WASH DAY
Master Grande Portable Washing Machine
I have added this most interesting portable washing machine. It is small and compact and is powered by electricity.
Master Grande electric portable washing machine
model s-1910 is a 2 amp 115 volt and originally came with a stainless steel tub that measured 10 inches deep and 14 inches across. Height of the washer is 15 inches and the top has handles on the sides, and a lifting knob on the top.
Found sources dating it from 1940s to 1950s. Ann Dickout donated this Master Grande portable washing machine to the Fort St. John North Peace Museum in 2002.
This is a portable washing machine. Clothes were placed in a basin and the portable washing machine was placed on top and turned on. The propellers spun the clothes around to get them clean.
transcribed from sign
Watch this Master Grande portable washing machine in action
YouTube
Fort St. John North Peace Museum
From its humble beginning officially opening on February 16th, 1984, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area.
Currently, it is a large museum that can keep one occupied for several hours.
As you wander about the grounds visiting historic buildings moved onsite and a plethora of machinery related to the oil and agricultural industries. One item impossible to miss is a 136 foot tall oil derrick which last worked 143 miles up the Alaska Highway.
Inside the main building, as you enter, is this guest book and be sure to sign the guest book. The exhibits, which deal with all aspects of the Fort St. John area, from the local geology to the local Native peoples to the founding of the first settlement to oil and agriculture.
There is a large display area devoted to "Life on the Homestead". Featuring a old wood stove, several washing machines, ice box and a large display of small kitchen items that would be found in most kitchens.
Also offered by the museum are Educational Programs, Guided Tours, Scavenger Hunts, and Pre and Post Visit Activities.
Fort St. John
The original Fort St. John was established as Rocky Mountain Fort in 1794, making Fort St. John the oldest white settlement in mainland British Columbia. In 1942, Fort St. John became field headquarters for U.S. Army troops and civilian engineers working on construction of the Alaska Highway in the eastern sector.
Fort St. John has a population of about 21,000 residents and is the largest city in Northeastern BC. It is situated along the world-famous Alaska Highway. Fort St. John is located at Historic Milepost 47 of the Alaska Highway, 47 miles north of Dawson Creek where Mile 0 is located and marks the beginning of the Alaska Hwy.
Fort St. John is known as The Energetic City for their large resource base of oil, natural gas, forestry and agriculture.