Wired & Washed
early technology
Step back in time and explore the everyday innovations that shaped daily life in Sointula. Wires and Washed highlights early household and communication technology, revealing the effort, ingenuity, and adaptation required to manage daily chores and stay connected in a remote community. Visit the exhibit to experience firsthand how past generations washed, cooled, and connected in a world before the conveniences of today.
Chore of the Day
Before modern plumbing and electric appliances, doing laundry was a time-consuming and physically demanding task. Water had to be heated on a cookstove, poured into the washer and rinse tubs, and hauled outside after use. In rural areas without electricity, washing machines were powered by kick-start gasoline engines—machines that could be as dangerous as they were helpful. Many who used early wringer washers bore scars from the experience. The Maytag washer on display represents a period of rapid innovation in laundry technology, spanning from 1890 to 1950, and reminds us of the satisfaction of completing the Monday wash and enjoying a well-earned rest.
Staying Connected
The exhibit includes a collection of old rotary phones, wooden wall phones, and a switchboard from 1956—the year private telephone service came to Sointula. Sointula jumped from eight telephones on one party-line to one hundred telephones. This switchboard (pictured in the header) is believed to be British Columbia’s first bilingual telephone system, being managed by operators fluent in both Finnish and English. Before direct dialing, switchboard operators manually connected calls using a system of keys, lamps, and cords. The operator’s desk held toggle switches and jacks that lit up when a call was received. With a few quick motions, the operator would connect conversations, ensuring that residents could communicate despite being miles apart.
plan your visit
Every journey to Sointula begins and ends with a boat trip – it’s part of the adventure!
