Hi everyone,
After Joy saw Nellie’s bathing attire a few days ago…
…she sent me a very interesting and fun article I thought you might like to read…
Click “continue reading” to see the rest of the article.
That’s it for today,
Blessings, Jeanne
13 thoughts on “Did you know about Victorian Bathing Machines?”
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You know, I think I have actually heard of these “bathing machines”, but really didn’t know much about them. This article gave some additional information. Thanks, Joy!
As for me, I’d rather go swimming in Lake Michigan than any ocean. Unfortunately Lake Michigan is 2000 miles away! I did grow up swimming in it, however.
An update: Saturday I visited four adult family homes, with an eye to Ron’s care. One is less than three blocks from our house; the others are all still inside our town. I have talked to him about them, and showed him the pictures I took. Now to decide….and, truly, we will need to decide quickly; he fell again Friday, and is getting progressively weaker, very fast.
Glad to hear the visits went well and taking pics was a great idea. So sorry to hear Ron had another fall. Thinking of you and Ron.
Charlotte, praying for you and Ron that you will find the perfect adult family home for him so that you can spend time together just enjoying each other’s company. I’m so sorry to hear he fell again but that’s just more proof that you are doing the right thing at the right time.
Dear Charlotte, I am so sorry to hear this news. I know you will make the right decision. I am holding you in prayer.
Well, that was fun. We should do that more often — one of us should send you something fun and educational or doll-related to share.
A blogger named Heather Cox Richardson sends out “Letters from an American” every night, but sometimes when she’s busy or tired, she sends a photo taken by her husband, a professional fisherman, or one of their friends. The pictures are usually of the Maine coast. It works quite well. Sometimes we get a history lesson — HCR is a historian — sometimes she links a current political event to a historical one, and sometimes we get a day off, accompanied by good wishes and a photo. It’s a nice way to take a break. The point here is not to advertise a column, but to suggest ways of making a daily blog easier.
If some of us have other ideas, this may be a good day to share them.
When Jeanne’s up for a new challenge, I found an Etsy site with historical patterns. Some would have to be resized. Many show line drawings instead of a photo, and someone who enjoys pattern making could work from the drawing. Here’s a link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1403519228/vintage-doll-pattern-antique-design-bhd?click_key=7174c6fdf003ba46282402a1cbe4a42c67146079%3A1403519228&click_sum=4e8e25c5&ref=shop_home_active_46&frs=1
If that doesn’t work, try ADollternateView on Etsy.
Charlotte, it sounds like you’ve found some good alternatives. It’s a hard decision, but it sounds like you’ve reached the no-choice point. You’ve been a wonderful wife and a thoughtful care-giver. When we reached the no-choice point with our father, a hospice worker said, “There’s a time when professional care-givers need to take over so that the family can just be his family again.” That made us feel better.
I really like the comment from the hospice worker. That’s what I thought of with Charlotte and Ron. After Ron gets settled in his new surroundings, when they spend time together the “what if” stress is alleviated and they can just enjoy each other’s company.
Oh, I love that comment Marilyn! I need to write it down, and post it on the fridge, to remind myself when I feel discouraged!! Thank you for sharing it.
I fond the story about the beach boxes very funny, Jeanne! To think that women went to all that trouble just to dip their toes in the water! I’m not a beach person by any means, and haven’t worn a swimsuit in ages, but I think I can relate to some of that!! Those coverups that women wore, like Nellie is modeling, is just the thing if you burn, and of course, no suntan lotion in those days. I burn in the blink of an eye, so also have to stay away from the direct rays of the sun. Still, all those clothes, just to have a day at the beach…..kind of a bummer!
So glad to hear you are close to making a decision, Charlotte. The sooner, the better for both of you. I know it must be awfully hard to be separated after all those years of being married, but this is what you have to do now for the two of you to live without the stress of another fall. Praying that your decision is the right one.
The bathing machine was new to me. We are so lucky to be living in these times where things we want to do can be done easily. Good grief… going to the beach would have been an all day event. My Mom was in a bathing suit contest in approx1930. She had to borrow a bathing suit which was a very heavy knit fabric with a top like a wife beater undershirt and little boy shorts. She won and that picture is a hoot! Thanks Joy that was fun.
Charlotte…🙏🏻for you and Ron. Hope the facility you choose will help both of you.
Hope George is getting stronger while you take over all his chores and yours Jeanne. I’m so glad your church family has been helping with food. Dr visits this week?
I found an article on these bathing machines when I was researching early bathing costumes after seeing Nellie’s picture. I thought they were very interesting not to mention amusing but I didn’t think of sharing. Sorry. I really can’t imagine going to all that trouble for a day at the beach.
Hope George is improving day by day. I can’t remember when you said his appointments were but hope there is a quick resolution to his problem. I know he’s ready to get back on his feet.
i just heard yesterday that my Linda McCall will be on her way today. Hopefully she will be here in time for the splash party which will be happening soon – very soon. The girls are waiting in anxious anticipation.
Thank you for sharing the article, Joy. I do know about Victorian bathing machines as the Victorian/ Edwardian era has held great interest for me ever since I first read Anne of Green Gables when I was eight. I love the sea and water in general. I’ve been in all five Great Lakes and both oceans. Love the beach. The best would have to be the Atlantic when we were in PEI and also Lake Superior. I remember hearing when the Edmund Fitzgerald sank on the way home from 2nd grade. ;-(
I’m praying you find a safe place for Ron soon, Charlotte. Then you can just enjoy time together without worry or stress.
Hope George is getting better each day, Jeanne. Prayers for him as well.
Dear Jeanne, prayers continue.
Dear Joy, thanks for sending the blog information. I did know about this activity as I belong to a Jane Austen club and there have been programs about how women used these bathing machines in her time.
Hi Jeanne,
Hoping and praying all is healing well and that hubby is feeling better and better with each passing day.
Charlotte wrote me today and reminded me I haven’t chimed in lately. So here I am late as usual. Wishing all the sofa sister a blessed day/night.
Joy … interesting read. I love my pool and live in Lands’ End swimsuits during the hot summer days. I know I would not have done well in Victorian times, long sleeves and choking high collars blah!