Apr. 29, 2006 - Columbus Washboard

I have two old washboards in my basement.   They were made by the Columbus Washboard Company.   They are the Dubl Handi model which is the first style pictured in a  Wikipedia enty about 'washboards.'  

The funny note on the back of my Dubl Handi washboards is: 

IDEAL FOR SILKS, HOSIERY AND LINGERIE
OR HANDKERCHIEFS
JUST THE RIGHT SIZE TO FIT IN A BUCKET,
PAIL OR LAVORATORY

PACKS EASILY INTO SUIT CASE
OR TRAVELING BAG

COLUMBUS WASHBOARD CO., COLUMBUS OHIO

Yes all in caps, I guess yelling was OK!  On the front side my washboards say:

USE EITHER SIDE ACCORDING TO FABRIC

I personally can't tell the difference in the two surfaces. 

Columbus Washboard Company is no longer in Columbus but still in Ohio. Columbus Washboard Company moved to Hocking County in 1998.  The company still make washboards.  The Columbus Washboard Companies website  has a great history of the company founded in Columbus Ohio in 1895!    

From the Columbus Washboard Company Website:

"The Columbus Washboard Company manufactures the only washboard made in the USA today. This site features, our products, craft ideas, artisan items for sale, the Washboard Music Festival, musician boards, our history and much more.

"From 1931 to 1938, twenty two other washboard names were introduced to the market place. Of these only five survived into the 1980's. These brands, which are all trademarked, are Dubl Handi, Maid-Rite Silver, Maid-Rite Brass, Sunnyland, and Crystal Cascade. Fortunately most of the original dies and designs have been maintained by the Company."

Visit the Columbus Washboard website for instructions on 'HOW TO USE A WASHBOARD"

My two Dubl Handi washboards would be from sometime in the 1930's until the 80's, I guess. 

Rand McNally's Best of the Road 2006 takes a trip from downtown Columbus sites  to West Virginia with a stop in Hocking Hills followed by a visit to the Columbus Washboard Company in Logan Ohio.  

Copyright 2006 Columbus Best Blog and Maureen McCabe

Dec. 9, 2006 - re: Columbus Washboard

Dec. 9, 2006 - re: Columbus Washboard

Oct. 1, 2008 - RE: Columbus Washboard

Oct. 11, 2008 - RE: Columbus Washboard

I have the same Dubl Handi washboard but only a few of the red images can be seen now.  I just love the phrase on it about "packs easily into suitcase or traveling bag"!  I use it as a decoration in the laundry room.

Even if it is only from the 80's and not the 30's, I wouldn't care because it would still be considered old and it makes a great conversation piece when someone sees it in my laundry room.

Maybe one of my grandchildren will use it someday to play music on.  They are all very musically inclined.

Jan. 30, 2009 - RE: Columbus Washboard

   i have  1 of your washboards it was supposed to be my grandmothers . i was trying to find out if it really could have been hers       its  a  maid - rite     standard family size  (  special  metal  )    #   2072   is whats on the board . tried to findout if really was hers and to time peroid fits .   thanks    if possible can you refer me to a web site for more information .

Jul. 8, 2009 - RE: Columbus Washboard

I have a Columbus washboard that belonged to my mother. It has HOME AIDE on one side. On the other the lettering is very faint.

I can read something about handkerchiefs-Just the right size to fit in a bucket............lavatory; Packs easily into suitcase or traveling bag. I would just like to know the approximate date it was made.

I am 61 years old and my Mama would be 100 if she were living.

Thank-you so much.

Mrs. Celia Bray

Aug. 16, 2009 - RE: Columbus Washboard

I too have one of these sweet little lingerie washboards.  The wood on mine is in great condition but the lettering is very faded.  The side with the ridged glass reads about the "Ideal for blah, blah" but no reference for any alternate use for the reverse side which has smooth glass and reads "Home Aide" with bubbles around those words.  I bought mine in an antique shop in Eastchester, NY in 1979 and it seemed old then.  I also got a National Washboard No. 510 in the same shop that day and it is really beat up.  Thirty years later, I'm starting to look more worn than my old washboards :o(

Aug. 17, 2009 - NEED HELP IDENTIFYING

I have recently come across a washboard from the ohio washboard company. No# 2137 Laundry Size Reversible wood. This is imprinted on the one side of the board. The other side has a picture of columbus with a protractor mapping and a picture of a boat in green up at the top with red print across the wood stating COLUMBUS. If there is anyone out there who can help me get more details. on the date, and who might have owned this board would help..

Aug. 17, 2009 - RE: Columbus Washboard

Thanks for the comments all.  Good luck in finding out more about your board William.    

Aug. 26, 2009 - RE: Columbus Washboard

i have a columbus washboard standard fanily size brass # 2062.      maid-rite  perfect condition like to know about what year       made.

Sep. 4, 2009 - RE: Columbus Washboard

I have a very interesting washboard. It is a Maid-Rite, by the Columbus Washboard Co.  However, this one is wood, not metal or glass, and on the back it says: "No. 2072 W " It continues: "MAID-RITE  This washboard redesigned to eliminate the use of critical metal needed for the war effort and victory." There is a large V on the left hand side of the board with three dots underneath it. I think it would be of some worth, if someone had not purchased it, and put a 10 1/2" X 4" mirror at the top, and attached a small shelf for keys, or some such object near the bottom. If anyone knows anything about these boards, I would love to hear about them. Obviously, it was made in the 40's and I purchased it in an antique store. Thanks.

Sep. 5, 2009 - RE: Columbus Washboard

I'm answering my own question. I went to the home site and read the history of the Columbus Washboard. It seems these wooden ones were made in 1941 and 1942 in an effort to conserve metal during the war. What I don't know is about the mirror and the decorative part, and if that totally destroys its worth. Assuming it has any in the first place.