Was laundry day! Sometimes it was Mondays, but more than not, Wednesdays. First, women had to make the lye soap; then they had to haul water, usually from some distance. Then began the eleven-step “receet” for washing clothes, as spelled out in Westering Women by Susan Myres that she quotes with all its original spellings:
1. bild fire in back yard to het kettle of rain water.
2. set tubs so smoke won't blow in eyes if wind is peart.
3. shave 1 hole cake lie sope in bilin water.
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