Flat Iron & Trivit Stand

Before electric irons became common in the early 1900s, families relied on heavy cast-iron flat irons to press wrinkles from clothing and household linens. Heated on a wood- or coal-burning stove, these irons were an essential part of weekly laundry. Most households owned several irons so one could be heating while another was in use. Weighing between five and ten pounds, the iron's weight helped press fabrics smooth, while its polished surface created crisp collars, cuffs, aprons, and dresses. For generations of farm families, ironing was a time-consuming but necessary household chore.

Fun Fact: A typical cast-iron flat iron weighed 5 to 9 pounds. Ironing a family's clothes for several hours provided quite a workout long before gyms and fitness programs!