ABOYNE – The Wellington County Museum and Archives (WCMA) has announced the opening of Wash on Monday, a new exhibit exploring the evolution of laundry technology from the late 1800s to the 1950s.
The exhibit provides a nuanced look at how technological innovation intersected with gender dynamics.
“Before mechanized laundry, an entire day – traditionally Monday – was dedicated to this physically demanding, time consuming chore,” said Heritage and Seniors Committee Chair Doug Breen in a press release.
“Since laundry was considered ‘women’s work,’ companies knew they had to first convince women, not their husbands, to buy their products. The sales tactics used to target women are explored throughout the exhibit with period photographs, advertisements, and sales catalogue excerpts.”
Wash on Monday features a range of manually operated and electric washing machines, with a special focus on locally manufactured equipment from the Beatty Bros. Ltd. plant in Fergus – one of the biggest and most successful manufacturers of washing machines in Canadian history.
“Quality products and successful marketing made Beatty a household name far beyond Wellington County,” said Curator Hailey Johnston.
“Many local families still have these machines in their basement, representing nostalgia and an important moment in domestic technology and women’s social history.”
Interactive elements in the exhibit bring history to life. Visitors can touch authentic washboards from the turn of the century, participate in a laundry symbol matching game, and explore a sensory station featuring various fabrics.
Younger guests will enjoy hands-on sewing and colouring activities.
Wash on Monday runs from Feb. 1 until Aug. 31. The galleries are open weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm and 11:30am to 4pm on weekends.
Admission is by donation, and visitors of all ages are welcome.
To learn more about all of the WCMA’s current exhibits, visit wcma.wellington.ca.
