Washing machine, 1940s C016 / 2552
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Washing machine, 1940s C016 / 2552
Washing machine rinsing. Woman following wartime instructions to drain and rinse her washing machine. Home maintenance was necessary because US domestic washing machine production was suspended after the USA entered World War II in 1941. This was to allow industry to switch to manufacturing war materials. The attached mangle (wringer, centre left) was used to squeeze excess water out of wet clothes after a washing cycle. This photoshoot, in February 1942, was by US photographer Ann Rosener (1914-2012), part of her wartime work for the Office of War Information and the Office for Emergency Management
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9202397
© LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1900s 1940s 1942 Clean Cleaning Cultural Culture Device Domestic Engineering February Filter Home Hose House Household North American Office Of War Information Second World War Sociological Sociology Wartime World War 2 World War Ii World War Two Wwii Housewife Laundry Room Mangle Office For Emergency Management Rinse Rinsing Self Sufficiency Self Sufficient Washing Machine Wringer
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a snapshot of domestic life in the 1940s during World War II. In adherence to wartime instructions, a determined woman diligently follows the guidelines to drain and rinse her washing machine. The suspension of US domestic washing machine production after America's entry into the war necessitated home maintenance, as industries shifted their focus towards manufacturing war materials. The photograph showcases an array of fascinating historical engineering devices. Positioned at the center-left is a mangle, also known as a wringer, which was employed to extract excess water from wet clothes post-wash cycle. This ingenious contraption played an essential role in ensuring garments were ready for drying. Taken by renowned American photographer Ann Rosener in February 1942, this image forms part of her remarkable wartime work for both the Office of War Information and the Office for Emergency Management. Through her lens, Rosener captured not only technological advancements but also sociological aspects of society during this transformative period. As we observe this scene unfold, we witness a glimpse into daily life - a resilient woman meticulously tending to household chores amidst global turmoil. This powerful visual encapsulates themes such as self-sufficiency and cultural shifts that occurred during World War II. Preserved by the Library of Congress/Science Photo Library archives, this monochrome photograph serves as a poignant reminder of how ordinary individuals contributed to extraordinary times in history.
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