Renfrew Rocker Tub Washing Machine w/Wringer - Quesnel, British
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T0SHEA
N 52° 58.607 W 122° 29.345
10U E 534306 N 5869809
A top notch museum, the Quesnel & District Museum was created to acquire and preserve information on the early history of the Cariboo.
Waymark Code: WM176BZ
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Date Posted: 12/22/2022
Views: 1
The museum has a large and eclectic collection of everything and anything one expects to encounter in a Grade A museum, from the tiniest household artefacts to farm wagons and machinery, mining and forestry equipment.
In 1861, the first pioneers of Quesnel began homesteading in the area. The Cariboo Gold Rush, and particularly the Barkerville Gold Rush of 1861-62 are what gave rise to the City of Quesnel, which happened to be well situated to become a stopover and supply point for Barkerville.
Though the rocker tub is not identified, it is most likely a Renfrew available in the early 1900s. Attached is a manually operated wringer.
Overall the rocker tub washer is still in good condition though some of the detailed pattern on the front and the water line are faded they are still distinguishable. Another unique feature is its greenish coloring.
The wringer is a hand crank and the washer tub is attached with an upright handle. The handle is swayed from side to side creating the rocker motion.
The rocker style washing machine was first introduced around 1888. Considered one of the greatest inventions of its time, reducing the time and efforts of the homesteader's wife on "Monday is Wash Day".
