H70.142.15

• california gold rush

Kettle/lid. Description: a: Iron kettle used for boiling water, designed to fit in stove hole. b. with lid. From the History Information Station: We usually think of hot water on tap as a basic necessity, but for California pioneers our modern plumbing would seem very luxurious. During the Gold Rush, using hot water meant drawing water from the creek or well, carrying it inside, putting it into a heavy kettle like this one and setting it on the stove--where the fire was already lit--to get hot. This was the only way to heat water for cleaning, bathing, drinking, and cooking.

Used: kitchen ~ stove ~ cooking | Boiling ~ water