Summary

Electric 32 volt washing machine manufactured by Syracuse Washing Machine Corporation in New York, United States of America, circa 1920s. The manufacturer who made the washing machine was originally formed in 1877 as Dodge & Zuill. The name Syracuse Washing Machine Corporation was used 1919-1932, after which the business became the Easy Washing Machine Corporation.

This twin tub model, named the 'Easy', was made throughout the 1920s and 1930s, but was originally patented in 1912. It was the basis of the later standard twin-tub washing machine, and at the time represented a major advance in washing-machine design. The machine is made from enamelled metal and stainless steel, and features two tubs set in a triangular frame. It has rinse and spin dry options, with settings marked 'blue', 'suds' and 'rinse'. The larger tub is the agitator tub and the smaller tub acted to rinse and spin the clothes. The washing machine stands 98.2 cm high, is 104.4 cm in length and 62.0 cm wide. The Syracuse 'Easy' featured vacuum-cup technology, which helped force soapy water through clothes.

The very name of this washing machine reinforced the alluring, but not entirely true, promise from advertisers that electrical appliances would be labour saving. Although it offered some advantages, unlike modern washing machines this machine was not automatic and still required much manual handling of the washing.

This domestic machine would have been operated almost exclusively by women, as washing was regarded as 'women's work' during the 19th century and most of the 20th century. While these attitudes were challenged by the women's liberation movement of the 1970s, studies in the early 21st century have found that men still do not participate equally in household chores.

Physical Description

Model 'R'. Metal is not enamelled. Has vacuum cup agitator system.

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