Washing machine [HIBSPEBAR]
Maker and role
Hibbard, Spencer Bartlett Co. Ltd, Manufacturer
Production date
1901
Object detail
Accession number
2007.157
Production period
Description
Wooden washing machine, model unknown, manufactured by Hibbard, Spencer Bartlett Co. Ltd. Wooden circular shaped tub with fold up lid, wooden agitator (or udder) inside and connected to lid, iron metal flywheel at side, board at side to allow attachment of a wringer, four wooden legs, labels on side state "HIBSPEBAR" and "ATTACH WRINGER TO THIS BOARD". Also has wooden lever for turning flywheel, metal reinforcement in middle.
Brief History
Early washing machines such as this one were hand-powered. This machine works on the dolly peg principle. The paddles rotate in a two-way action when the large handle on the side of the tub is turned. The reversing rotating movement of the paddles is similar to the movement of washing machines today. These early washing machines would have been made by coopers, the makers of wine and beer barrels.
Hibbard Spencer Bartlett & Company was a Chicago-based firm, known more for being a distributor of goods than a manufacturer. The firm was established by William Hibbard (1825-1903), Franklin Spencer (1817-1890) and Adolphus C. Bartlett (1844-1922) and was in existence from 1855-1962.
Hibbard Spencer Bartlett & Company was a Chicago-based firm, known more for being a distributor of goods than a manufacturer. The firm was established by William Hibbard (1825-1903), Franklin Spencer (1817-1890) and Adolphus C. Bartlett (1844-1922) and was in existence from 1855-1962.
Marks
"HIBSPEBAR" Label
"ATTACH WRINGER TO THIS BOARD" Label
"ATTACH WRINGER TO THIS BOARD" Label
Credit Line
Hibbard, Spencer Bartlett Co. Ltd. 1901. Washing machine [HIBSPEBAR], 2007.157. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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