Vigo County Historical Society

Historical Treasure Article

Historic Treasure of the Week - August 31, 1986
By Susan J. Dehler
Vigo County Historical Society

When only the rich had indoor plumbing. . .

Before the advent of indoor plumbing, hauling fresh water into the house and lugging dirty water and refuse out were standards household chores.

Although this task involved heavy lifting, most women carried all of the water that was needed. This meant several daily trips to the well, country stream or urban street hydrant for water for cleaning, cooking, laundry and bathing.

Although public waterworks developed as early as 1811 in Philadelphia, only a small percentage of city dwellers could afford to subscribe to the system. This pattern continued throughout much of the 19th century. As cities developed so did their waterworks systems, but indoor fixtures remained a luxury to families of the working class. Rural families continued to rely upon creek water or outdoor pumps.

Most 19th century housewives had to conserve water because of the back-breaking measures involved in getting it. Dishwater was reused. Clothes were changed less frequently. Baths were considered dispensable.

Domestic manuals of the period recommended frequent baths to preserve health and beauty. In "The Family and Householder's Guide" (1859), one "authority" remarks: "The indifference exhibited by the inhabitants of this country in respect to bathing, whether considered as a luxury, or as a means of prolonging life and preventing disease, is surprising." Yet, these manuals originated from the upper classes where availability of water was less of a hardship.

Most households were furnished with a washstand or commode, which was set in the bedroom or in an adjoining chamber. It held a pitcher and bowl and soap, brushes and towels. Although early examples (1820-50) of such furnishings were handmade by rural craftsmen, such as the Shakers, late 19th century washstands and commodes generally were made in large factories throughout the East and Midwest.

The commode and washing accessories on display in the Victorian bedroom in the Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley are typical of pieces used during the Victorian era. The oak cabinet of the commode includes a full-length drawer to store linens and soaps and a cupboard below to conceal the chamber pot. The flat top is backed by a splashboard and towel rack.

A seven-piece chamber set, which includes such items as the water pitcher, basin, and soap dish, was donated by Helen Condit of Terre Haute. A variegated floral design appears on each piece of Royal Vitreous made by John Haddock and Sons of England. The set was used by the Condit family in the 1870s.

Although by 1897 Sears and Roebuck offered sinks and washbasins fitted for plumbing (but no bathtubs or toilets), matching pitchers and bowls were still popular items in the catalog. The "Saturday night bath" continued to be a luxury for many families and indoor plumbing remained a matter of class well into the 20th century.

The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St., is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday.