Manufacturer McClary Manufacturing

McClary's Wash Tub

Credit LineGift of Ms. Jane Bondy, London, 1990

Object number1990.015.120

Label TextBefore washing machines, laundry would be done with tubs such as this one, and washboards. Water would need to be hauled and heated to fill the tub, soap would be grated into flakes, and clothes scrubbed against washboards. Then, the dirty water would be emptied, and the tub would need to be refilled with clean water to rinse the laundry. Once everything was rinsed, it was usually wrung out by hand or pushed through wringing machines. The McClary Manufacturing Company made this washtub. In 1852, John McClary (1829-1921) and his older brother Oliver (1818-1902) opened J. & O. McClary, a tinsmith shop in London. Over the years, the McClary Manufacturing, Company produced a vast array of high-quality items, including cast iron stoves, copper kettles, and decorative enamelware. The company took advantage of every opportunity to trumpet the quality and range of their products. From match holders to ashtrays to toys, their goods reminded customers of the McClary name and reputation. In 1927, the McClary Manufacturing Company merged with four others to become General Steel Wares. Its London plant closed in the mid-1970s.

NameWashtub