Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
BATHING
BATHING. In the middle to late 18th century, the attitude toward bathing began to change. Social leaders began suggesting that frequent bathing might lead to better health. In the 19th and early 20th century, the "Saturday night" bath became common in industrialized nations.
Since there was no indoor plumbing or a hot water heater, everyone used the same water. There was a great deal of effort in drawing, carrying, and heating the water. This was followed by filling the small tub and afterwards by emptying it. The cleanest person used the water in the tub first with the dirtest last.
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Source:
"Weekly Bath," Boot Hill Museum, Dodge City, Kansas.