had used a charcoal iron for years could probably recognize when it was ready simply by observing its behavior.
Ironing Was Once a Much Bigger Chore
The charcoal iron reminds us just how different household work used to be.
Today, many people think of ironing as a relatively small chore.
But in earlier generations, preparing clothing could require significant amounts of time and physical labor.
Clothes had to be washed.
They had to be rinsed.
They had to be dried.
They had to be folded.
And many garments needed to
