household hints

Danny Dowling (1927-2021) collected a large assortment of historical newspaper articles. Some were directly related to Glenmore or surrounding areas, and some articles reflect a time and activities long forgotten. Today, we are going to highlight some of Danny’s collected articles that best fall under the description of “household hints.” We have attempted to identify and explain any ingredients that may not be known today. Our explanations are in square brackets [   ]. We conclude with a 1910 joke found in one of Danny’s hints files concerning two Waterford aristocrats.

Washing Hair

Most people today probably assume that shampoo was available 100 years ago. That does not appear to be the case. “An Old Fashioned but Excellent Julep—an excellent julep for washing the hair can be made by mixing a cupful of soapy water with a teaspoonful of powdered borax and then beaten up with a yolk of an egg. This is well rubbed into the roots and length of the hair, and is then washed out in clear warm water. It leaves the scalp clean and the hair delightfully soft and glossy.” (Kilkenny Moderator, Sat. 28 July 1923, p. 4)

[“Borax is a powdery white substance, also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate. It’s widely used as a household cleaner and a booster for laundry detergent. It’s a combination of boron, sodium, and oxygen.” For more information concerning its use as a pesticide and current research etc. see, WebMD].

An interesting note Danny made is simply dated 1913. This note also concerns hair. “Never wet the hair at night, and if there is a tendency to deafness never do so at any time.”

“Dandruff may be removed by the occasional application of a shampoo wash composed of the yolk of an egg beaten by up with a pint of rainwater and 1 ounce of rosemary spirit. The mixture must be beaten thoroughly and used warm, being rubbed well into the skin of the head.” (New Ross Standard, Fri, 5 Aug. 1910, p. 11)

Clotheslines

A clothesline may be easily cleaned by wrapping it round a washboard and thoroughly scrubbing it in soapsuds. (Re-published from the Derry Journal, Mon. 20 Dec. 1915, p. 3)

Boil a new clothesline and the it will not twist. New ropes are apt to twist. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Sept. 1911, p. 11)

Pest Control

When setting a mouse trap use raw meat instead of cheese for the bait. (Re-published from the Derry Journal, Mon. 20 Dec. 1915, p. 3)

“A preventative against moths, and one which forms a pleasant sachet powder as well. Grind to a powder the following ingredients in equal quantities: cloves; carraway seeds, nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, and Tonquin beans with as much orris root as the other contents put together. Fill little bags with the powder and scatter among the clothes.” (Leinster Leader, Sat/ 23 Sept. 1911, p. 23)

[According to Mama Jean’s Natural Market website orris root powder is the dried and ground root of the iris plant. It smells similar to violets ,and today is used as a fixative in perfumes to enhance other aromas. It has stabilizing properties that help preserve scents in cosmetics, potpourri etc.]

[Tonka beans are a product of the South American cumaru tree, contain a naturally occurring chemical known as coumarin. Since coumarin can cause health problems such as liver damage, the Federal Drug Administration of the US has enforced a ban on tonka beans since 1954.]

Recipes

Potato Scones—Mash boiled potatoes quite smooth, adding a little salt. Then knead out with flour or barley meal to thickness required. Toast on gridle, pricking them with a fork to prevent blistering. Eaten with butter they are superior to crumpets and very nutritious. (1906 article name of newspaper not copied)

The secret to frying fish is to brown the breadcrumbs before using them. Bake the bread in the oven, and crush to crumbs. Be sure a beaten egg covers the fillets of fish. Then dip the fillets in the bread crumbs. Fry in plenty of hot fat (Re-published from the Derry Journal, Mon. 20 Dec. 1915, p. 3)

If eggs that are to be boiled hard place them in rapidly boiling water. The yolk will not become dark on the outside. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 Feb. 1911, p. 11)

First Aid and Health

“If you get a fishbone in your throat a raw egg should be swallowed immediately. Do not drink anything, but well chewed solids, such as bread often helps to remove a fishbone.” (Lancashire Evening Post, Tues. 1 April 1913)

“For anyone suffering from rheumatism they will find great relief from this simple remedy. Put some dry mustard between flannel, and constantly wear it in your boots, house shoes etc. Replenish the mustard every now and then.” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 17 June 1910, p. 10)

“A simple cure for Rheumatism and Gout….crush some horse chestnuts, scald them and apply as a poultice.” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 24 Feb. 1911, p. 11)

Cleaning

To clean a lamp chimney hold it over the steam of a kettle for a few moments, then polish it with a clean, dry cloth. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 25 Nov. 1910, p. 10)

Rubber gloves worn for dishwashing and housework should be thoroughly washed before being taken off the hand. In this way they are kept free from impurities and wear longer. (Lancashire Evening Post, Tues. 1 April 1913)

Furniture polish that will act more like varnish on furniture can be made. One gill of linseed oil, 1 gill of white wine vinegar, ½ ounce of butter of antimony. Mix each in order and shake well between each. Shake well before using. Apply a little on a soft rag, and finish with a soft duster. This will dry almost as soon as rubbed on. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 25 Nov. 1910, p. 10).

[“Butter of antimony” is an outdated term for antimony trichloride (SbCl3), a chemical compound known for its pungent odour and waxy, butter-like consistency. It was historically used as a reagent in various chemical reactions and tests, including a test for vitamin A. Warning Butter of Antimony is toxic if ingested, inhaled or comes into contact with the skin. For further information see, Facts.net]. 

“To renovate dark stained furniture, soak a rag in paraffin and rub it on the stained furniture. Leave it to dry for a few minutes. Polish with a clean soft cloth, and you will find all marks will disappear. No unpleasant smell of paraffin will be left behind.” (New Ross Standard, Fri. 29 Sept. 1911, p. 11)

Miscellaneous Hints

“Sliced onions scattered about a room will absorb the odour of fresh paint.” (Irish Independent, Fri. 25 Jan. 1918, p. 2)

“Tight boots or shoes are much more easily put on when thoroughly warmed by turning the soles to the fire.” (Farmer’s Gazette, Sat. 1 March 1913, p. 22)

“A useful machine oil is made of one part of paraffin and three of olive oil”. (New Ross Standard, Fri. 14 July 1911, p. 11)

Joke About Waterford Aristocrats

Some years ago, Lord Charles Beresford and his brother the Marquis of Waterford were driving in London when the former suddenly said, “Wouldn’t you like to upset that truck of apples?”

Lord Charles Beresford beckoned a boy and said, “Would you like to earn half a sovereign?”

“Do you mean it, sir?”
“Certainly. Go and knock over that truck of apples.”

The boy pocketed the coin and soon the apples were rolling all over the road. A policeman immediately arrested the boy, who said: “These gentlemen over there told me to do it.”
“Sorry gentlemen; but I must make a case of this.”

The three were brought to the police court. The Magistrate asked their names.
“The Marquis of Waterford.”
“Lord Charles Beresford.”
“Your name, my boy?”
“I ain’t going to give a pal away. Put me down, The Duke of Wellington.” (Hampshire Telegraph, Fri. 9 Dec. 1910, p. 12).

Please send any corrections or additional information etc. to glenmore.history@gmail.com . Please feel free to comment below or on our facebook page about any of the content.

For Glenmore Folk Remedies see our post of 22 Dec. 2019.

Dr. Kathleen Moore Walsh