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ANNE
GREENE here. I’m writing a book with the working title DESPITE ALL ODDS set in
the 1920s. I think you will be as interested as I am in life during the 1920s.
So, here are some of the modern new inventions that made life easier for the housewife
and gave her the ability to leave backbreaking chores inside the home to find a career outside.
Win a book: see below.
The
1920s was a decade of inventions.
With
electricity now available, inventors introduced new machines to the US. The electric washing machine saved hours of work for
the housewife.
The electric refrigerator made food preparation so much easier.
The pop-up toaster, invented
in the 1920s, was too expensive until the 1930s when sliced bread sold in
grocery stores. Sliced bread in wrappers finally appeared in 1928.
In 1924 people went to stores and movie theaters to cool off
with the new air-conditioners.
The hair dryer became available in beauty shops.
In
1927 the refrigerator, though
expensive and dangerous because of the type of coolant used grew popular.
With the new bobs, bob pins came on the market.
The Band-aid appeared and the Boy Scouts
made them popular.
Insulin started
saving lives. Diabetes was no longer a death sentence. Penicillin was discovered and used as a cure for eye infections.
Radio was introduced and instantly became a
necessity. Car Radio for the dashboard was invented.
The Traffic Signal, looking exactly as it
does today, made an appearance.
The Electric vacuum cleaner saved the housewife hours of hard labor.
What
invention do you think helped the housewife the most?
WIN A FREE BOOK
Leave a comment below and win an autographed copy of Anne's latest book, MARRIAGE BY ARRANGEMENT
ANNE
GREENE delights in writing about wounded heroes and gutsy heroines. Her second
novel, a Scottish historical, Masquerade Marriage, won three
prestigious book awards. The sequel Marriage
By Arrangement released November, 2013.
A Texas Christmas Mystery also won
awards. Anne’s highest hope is that her stories transport the reader to awesome
new worlds and touch hearts to seek a deeper spiritual relationship with the
Lord Jesus. Anne makes her home in McKinney, Texas. She loves to talk with her
readers. Buy Anne’s books at http://www.Amazon.com. Talk with Anne
on twitter at @TheAnneGreene. View Anne’s books, travel pictures and art work
at http://www.AnneGreeneAuthor.com.
Learn
more about Anne as well as get tips on writing award-winning books at http://www.anneswritingupdates.blogspot.com. Every two weeks prizes awarded.
Thanks for the informative post and giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI actually didn't know that there were so many inventions in the 1920's but it does make housework so much easier.
When I visit my in-laws in South America, I leave very thankful we have washer/dryer and dishwasher waiting for me back in the states.
arieljo12 (at) hotmail (dot) com
Janella
Hi Janella, thanks for visiting with me here. Yes, I'm so thankful for all the labor saving devices we have here in America as well. I'd love to visit South America one day.
DeleteI love the 1920s, but I'm so thankful I didn't live back then!
ReplyDeletederobin7 (at) gmail (dot) com
Donna
Hi Donna, We are spoiled aren't we? And yet, we do so much work outside the home, I wonder!
DeleteThe 1920's must have been an exciting time with all those inventions coming out. I'm not sure if the refrigerator or the washing machine would have been the most useful for housewives. Keeping food fresher and longer would have been a great help, but I love my own washing machine in my own home!
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you, Claudia. I know my great grand father used to deliver ice every morning for people's ice boxes. And it used to take days to do the washing. So much better now.
DeleteI'm also a writer of fiction during the 1920s. So many things were different back then that I started a blog about life back then www.throughthemilkdoor.blogspot.com In fact, almost every one of your inventions was discussed on my blog during the last 18 months. It's a very interesting time to research. Good article.
ReplyDeleteHI Connie, Thanks for visiting my blog Connie. I love the 1920s because of their great optimism and the way women were being acknowledged. It was a great time to be alive.
DeleteI recently watched a clip about washday "back then." It was an all-day affair, and ironing took up the next day. It's no wonder most censuses show a domestic living with families.
ReplyDeleteMy family never had a domestic. Yep, I didn't mention that next day was ironing day. Lots of drudgery. But it was a good time to be alive. The music was fun and melodic rather than today's loud noise. Thanks for visiting with me Terri!
DeleteThere are so many conveniences that we have now for granted. I couldn't imagine having to go through all the women did back then.
ReplyDeletecampbellamyd at gmail dot com
HI Amy, yes, can you imagine using a broom to clean your rugs. My great-grandmother used to hand rugs on a line in the back yard and hit them with a broom to get more of the dirt out. Lots of work for a woman.
DeleteI think my grandmother with five young children probably appreciated the washing machine. I am very grateful for modern appliances!
ReplyDeleteLinda Hutchins
lindajhutchins@gmail.com
HI Linda, Yes, lots of children were supposed to help on the farm and in the kitchen. But they were a lot of work to keep fed and clothed as well.
DeleteI'm grateful for the machine - so much work to get done without help! truckredford(at)Gmail(Dot)com Would love to read your book ann!
ReplyDeleteHi Eliza, so good to see you here.
DeleteGreat post. I'm actually expanding my writing genre by working on a YA that deals with a possible EMP hitting America (electromagnetic pulse) causing the loss of electricity. All the old methods of living will be back--ready or not! For this reason, I'm fascinated with how things used to work. As for what made the biggest difference, there is no doubt in my mind that refrigeration was the most important invention as far as food is concerned. As for labor-saving devices, the washing machine. (If you don't agree, try washing a single pair of jeans without one.) Thanks for sharing this. Linore@LinoreBurkard.com
ReplyDeleteHi Linore, I couldn't agree with you more. I was without a washing machine when I first married. So I know!
DeletePS: Now I'm off to check out the "Through the Milk Door" blog. Thanks for sharing your link, Connie Cortright!
ReplyDeleteAnne, I loved your informative post. It was so informative. Our modern necessities are the best!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Hi Melanie, so good to see you here. And I couldn't agree with you more.
DeleteFun post, I love finding out when or how inventions came about. I think the washing machine would be the winner in my house!
ReplyDeleteworthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
Hi Merry, Seems like the washing machine wins hands down.
DeleteEither the electric washing machine or the electric refrigerator which allowed less frequent shopping trips as you could buy more and refrigerate for use for several days. The washer saved on ladies' back, hands and time. Interesting post and I did not know of so many inventions in the 1920's. sharon wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon, I agree with you. I didn't realize until I started researching my newest book that so many inventions happened in the 1920s during the aftermath of the war.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteDONNA ROBINSON won a copy of Marriage By Arrangement. CONGRATULATIONS, Donna!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anne! I'm looking forward to reading it!
ReplyDelete