This is a picture of a bathtub from the early 1900's, and it shows a mother bathing her child in a bathtub or a basin. This is important because the mothers needed it to wash their babies, and it was also needed to become clean. Mothers used a china basin for the babies because they are so small. In this particular picture, this tub was probably used just for babies or little kids (3 and under). The basins would range in price. Some were very expensive or very cheap. People used bathtubs usually in the evening after they were finished work. For the babies, the bathtub was usually placed inside the house on a wooden board. When it was for the older people, it was placed in the bathroom. They used homemade soap that was sold from door to door or by peddlers or was made in their homes. Also in this picture, the basin is set on a wooden table and a wooden board.

Ella Newbery Bathing her Infant Daughter Marion
PARO, Acc3885/72