The 1950's Housewife

I love these insights into our social history.

Click here for an insight to the 1920's A Nice Cup of Tea

The 1950's.

When a young woman lived with her parents until she married …

… when wash day was always on a Monday …

… and took all day.

The Gas Council produced this handy little book.

'All About Washday'

A thoughtful guide.

With delightful illustrations especially for ...

 ‘the new housewife ...

… confronted for the first time with a family wash …

… with your husbands linen …

… your own silk and woollen undies’ (woollen - really??)

The guide alarmingly declares …

‘He will expect you to maintain the high standards to which he is accustomed’

… but then encourages ‘don’t be downhearted’

It advices to

 ‘always use the best equipment …

... a deep sink, a good wringer, a firm ironing board’

A gas washing machine, it declares 

’saves you much of the drudgery’

… and ‘will give you result of which you will be truly proud’

Perfect.

That is our aim.

It explains how to starch ...
... light (cotton frocks), medium (napkins and tray cloths) ...
... and heavy (shirt collars and damask table cloths).
... how to iron ...
... and, perhaps the most intriguing ...
... how to strip stockings of their original colour and re tint.

With handy hints such as ...

’ don’t let your clothes get too dirty …

... never skimp any process' ... 

and 'a hurried wash means a dingy wash

or worse than that ...

A badly ironed garment is a most depressing sight!

Eek!

How times have changed.

Some things definitely for the better …

… some things positively for the worse.

To be doing the weekly wash …

…. dressed in high heels (see front cover) …

… a nipped waisted frock …

… and a frilly pinny.

***

‘’T’aint Right, T’aint Fit, T’aint Proper’’

Sunday nights viewing just won’t be the same.

Poldark has finished …

… until next year.

Brilliant storyline.

Jud and Prudie (t'aint right, t'aint fit, t'aint proper) - photo courtesy of Pinterest

Great characters.

Loved the accents and the clothes ...

… and the amazing views ...

photo courtesy of Pinterest

 ... wherever you looked.

The original Poldark series back in the 70's ...

... was my introduction to Cornwall.

The rugged cliffs ... 

... wild moors ...

...  and crashing seas.

I fell for this beautiful place …

… and never forgot those amazing scenes.

Areas of untouched and unspoilt countryside …

… seeped in history.

Pretty cottages ...

.... and quaint harbours …

… tiny, winding  lanes with high hedges.

Granite steps inviting exploration …

… not to mention the sea and ocean.

From a sparkling turquoise sprinkled with diamonds …

… to the darkest brooding greys of an incoming storm.

***

They start filming again soon ...

... perhaps I may even get a tiny glimpse.

***

Sparkling Dew

Early mornings here are now filled with bright sunlight …

… filtering through the greenery …

… and throwing thousands of little sparkles …

… on the dew drenched grass.

It is so, so pretty.

The days are much longer …

… and warmer.

The birds are busy nesting.

The bees are busy too.

I have been working in the garden.

… and going on long lazy walks in the countryside …

… where the lane tops are ablaze with yellow gorse …

… scenting the air around with sweet coconut.

(Just like the pink liquorice allsorts)

The verges a white and green sea of wild garlic …

… smelling of … garlic.

In between are all the spring flowers …

… that fill the hedgerows here.

***

Felicity and Violet …

… always welcome a carrot or two.

Don’t you just love that hairy chin?

***

Fripperies ...

I love a frippery, or two.

Living in an old cottage …

… there are lots of little nooks and crannies …

…  to display little treasures.

Small glass bottles.

Pretty postcards ...

... or a teeny vintage doll.

With the wind howling outside …

… I have been cosied up inside ...

... making fripperies for my next fair.

Including tiny dangle houses …

… and teeny box assemblages ...

.... of vintage finds.

***

A Keeper of Secrets ...

... a place to jot down creative ideas ...
... personal thoughts or doodles.

Handmade journals.
Vintage fabric, lace, buttons and stitching ...
... with deckle edges pages.

***