Pleasant Ways of Old Time Homemaking

Sisters washing the breakfast dishes at home in Indiana, 1937. (LOC)

There was a time before bread machines and dishwashers.  Life seemed quieter when our chores required more labor.  There was a sense of rest as we worked. We could hear the birds chirping and the wind blowing through the open windows. It was also easier to work together as children helped each other and their parents. Everyone learned valuable skills as they took time to do the daily work at home.

 It may be easier to use machines today, especially for the laundry, but doing some things the old way can be pleasant and rewarding.

I recently did 2 videos about this that I will describe.

 First: Washing Dishes

The first video is a description of a pleasant way to wash dishes by hand.  Many people dread doing the dishes because the kitchen looks messy and overwhelming with dishes piled in the sink. They also have trouble finding enough room in the dish-drainer as they are working.   In my video I explain a solution that will avoid both of these problems.

In the old days, we would dry our dishes and promptly put them away. You often see this happening in old movies where someone is helping with the dishes in the family kitchen.  The other day, I was reading a children's book and saw a charming example on one of the pages.

A page from "We Help Mommy" by Eloise Wilkin, 1959. 

If you are interested in watching my video with detailed instructions for washing dishes by hand, here is the link:

"Pleasant Method for Washing Dishes by Hand"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-P0PTq7Iq4&list=PLdjNiA5yPfo46l2_O8L5taQscGSPbfgfX&index=13

Second: Baking Bread

The second video is about making homemade wheat bread from scratch. The method I describe is without the use of a mixer or bread machine. It is the common, old fashioned method of making bread by hand. 

I also describe an easy way of preserving the bread by freezing it in slices. It can then be easily defrosted and warmed up in a toaster oven. In large families, the bread will not last long enough to need storage.  It is often quickly consumed in a day or two. But in homes with one or two residents, such as an empty nest, or a new family, 2 loaves of bread will not keep without a form of preservation.

My table with ingredients ready to make bread. 

If you would like to watch this video, here is the link:

"Making Homemade Wheat Bread (and how to freeze it)"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftX6FayjL0U&list=PLdjNiA5yPfo46l2_O8L5taQscGSPbfgfX&index=11

It is wonderful to remember the old ways of homemaking. Some of these tasks are going to be easier to do with machines. Others, such as hanging laundry on the clothesline and taking the time to make one's own bread are so relaxing and peaceful.

I hope you are enjoying lovely spring days as you tend the family and keep house.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

Careful thrift - Reducing Expenses.

What Many of Us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.

A Simple Life - Days without Spending Money. 

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Help For Homeschooling:

Seeking a Thrifty and Simple Life: Encouragement for Christian Homeschooling by Mrs. White

Paperback, 112 pages

As you read this book, I hope you get a sense that, no matter what is going on in the world, every home can be a homeschool.