This traditional rectangular wooden washboard has galvanized steel ridges for scrubbing clothes. It is a “Standard Family Size No. 25” manufactured by Carolina Washboard Co., Raleigh, N.C. It was donated to the Botetourt Museum of History & Culture by Patty King. Before the invention of the washing machine in the early 1900s, the washboard was an essential tool. The exact date washboards were invented is unknown, but in 1797 American James King received the first known patent. Recently, washboards have been used to make music. Educational tours will be given to all Botetourt fifth grade students in late September through early October. This artifact, along with others, is often discussed by the Education Committee.
~ Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture
