New in 2011, Kutztown Festival visitors will be treated to Berks County, PA‘s Joan and Bob Green’s “Wash House” display. The Green’s “Wash House” display consists of one of the Northeast’s largest collections of antique washing machines and related equipment.
The Green’s collection which consists of pieces spanning nearly 150 years, will certainly give visitors an appreciation for their modern day conveniences when it comes to washing related equipment. On display will be pieces as simple as 19th century washboards to gas powered 1920’s machines.
Touch, hold, and feel how cumbersome some of the country’s first clothes irons were to operate. If you wanted to wash with hot water you had better be an expert in maintaining just the right amount of fire in your steam fired dryer. Visitors will have an opportunity to try a wide variety of period related tools and accessories that were essential in maintaining a household’s cleaning needs.
Parents looking to get their children to do laundry must certainly bring them to the Festival. Children eagerly stand in line waiting to get a chance to give one of the hand crank operated washers a try. Imagine having to tell the kids,”leave the washing machine alone”, it’s time to go!
The 62nd Annual Kutztown Folk Festival is the oldest folklife festival in the Country. It runs from July 2 – July 10, 2011, 9 AM - 6PM in Kutztown Pennsylvania. You may get more information by calling our office at 610-683-1597.