#10: Vintage Hand Washer

Believe it or not, this vintage washing machine was once considered cutting-edge technology. James King invented and patented the first washing machine with a rotating drum in 1851. The drum was partially filled with water, which allowed for faster, easier washing. Women and children, who were often tasked with washing clothes, no longer had to perform such back-breaking work with this new invention.

King’s machine is considered by many to be an early predecessor of the washing machines we have today. Although it was still manual, it featured a rotating drum that moved the clothes around and loosened dirt and grime. This early washing machine also featured a wringer and a crank to move the drum.