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Housewares History: A little steam goes a long way

November 22, 2010

Ironing is probably something you do often, a chore that goes without much thought as to how it’s process has evolved and continues to evolve (into a sport?). Well ironing was not always as simple as it is today, especially when they thought weight, not heat, was the key to better ironing.

Now & Then

This 1919 model clothes iron had a hose to connect to the stove and used natural or coal gas.

iron_gas2

The Sunbeam Motion Smart model has more features than most entire kitchens back in 1919. Irons, like many things, have come a long way in 90 years.

L12244845

Housewares Trivia

Just over 100 years ago in 1909, the Chicago Flexible Shaft Company made the most impaortant advancement the iron has ever seen. The company proved that heat/steam were the key to better ironing, not weight as assumed by many, much to the happiness of wives everywhere.

This company is still around and making irons today. Can you tell us what name this company goes by today? You can submit your guesses and check back later today here for the answer.

Who says there’s nothing “extreme” about ironing?

Finally, take a look at the sport thats sweeping the globe. OK, maybe it’s not going to challenge the top games for world supremecy of sport, but it’s worth a look:

Filed Under: Vintage Tagged With: history, housewares, IHA, iron, ironing, sunbeam

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