The NUMU history collection includes several items related to the care and cleaning of clothing or fabrics. The irons likely date from the late 1800s into the early 1900s. Each iron would have been heated in a fire and used until they were no longer hot enough to do the job. For this reason, multiple irons would be used in rotation—one being heated, one being used. To protect the hands of the ironer, the handles would have been wrapped with thick cloth or leather. These examples are made of solid iron—hence the name—although newer versions included a wood handle. The word “sadiron” dates back to Middle English, and the word “sad” can be translated to “solid.” Would it surprise you to know that each of these irons weighs between 10-15 lbs? Very solid, indeed!
Other items seen here may look familiar, such as the drying rack with women’s stockings. The stockings would have been washed by hand and hung to dry. In the first half of the 20th century, laundry businesses grew as people used these services outside the home. One such service in Los Gatos was called The Gem City French Laundry, opened in 1930, and was run by two French immigrants who lived next door to their business on University Avenue.
The treadle sewing machine made by Wilcox & Gibbs dates from approximately 1880-1900. The artistry in the ironwork shows an elaborate letter W and letter G intertwined in scrollwork. Not only could it be used to make beautiful clothing, it is beautiful on its own.
