During the 1930s, the tobacco company W.D and H.O.Wills gave away colourful and entertaining collectors ‘cigarette trade cards’ in packets of their cigarettes. ‘Household hints’ was issued several times, in slightly different editions from 1930 to 1939. Some of the ideas look antiquated and redundant but occasionally there are forgotten gems that are pertinent today. I am sharing this series as a historical glimpse into yesterday’s home maintenance and the occasional addition to solutions for the modern home.
3. A Broom Rack
“Brooms kept in a rack are never in the way and run no risk of their bristles getting crushed. To make the rack, obtain a well planed piece of deal, about one inch thick. Saw off two equal lengths , according to the rack required ( twenty to twenty four inches is suitable for a two broom rack), and in one cut openings, as shown in our illustration. The second piece is used for the back. Round off the corners, provide two triangular pieces for supports, and screw the whole firmly together.”
The bespoke home was commonplace when someone in the household had command of simple woodwork abilities. This satisfying project uses a plane, a handsaw, a coping saw and some sandpaper to make and a drill and some screws to attach it to the wall.
