Scot Towels, circa 1937
Add to SetSummary
Paper towels, like paper cups, were first promoted for public use as a health measure, adopted for public washrooms during the early 20th century. By the 1950s, disposable paper towels made increasing inroads in the American kitchen, offering more convenience, cleanliness, and less maintenance than cloth. Yet, to some, disposable paper products would come to represent waste--and a threat to the environment.
Paper towels, like paper cups, were first promoted for public use as a health measure, adopted for public washrooms during the early 20th century. By the 1950s, disposable paper towels made increasing inroads in the American kitchen, offering more convenience, cleanliness, and less maintenance than cloth. Yet, to some, disposable paper products would come to represent waste--and a threat to the environment.
Artifact
Paper towel
Date Made
circa 1937
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
2015.53.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Color
White (Color)
Blue
Dimensions
Height: 11 in
Diameter: 4 in
Inscriptions
On front of paper wrapper: ScotTowels/ FOR KITCHEN USE/ [...]/ 11 X 7 1/2 inches On repeated pattern: Thirsty Fibre On back of paper wrapper: 10 Ways to Save Time, Laundry with ScotTowels./ Drying or Wiping Hands; Cleaning Pots and Pans; Draining Foods--Bacon, etc.; Wiping Up Spilled Liquids; Wiping Off Stove; Wiping Out Sink; Scraping Plates; Wiping Windshield; Drying Foods/ Cleaning Glassware
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