FEBRUARY 23 ISSUE ANSWERS (photo to left): As similar as it may seem, this flash from the past is not a toilet plunger. As you see the bottom cone shape with three concentric circles is made of metal because of its use in water. In summer it may be used in a large metal tub on the back porch or a separate house built for laundry. In winter it may be used in the kitchen or cellar. It swishes clothing up and down and is the precursor to an agitator in today’s washing machine. Hauling water from a pump or hydrant, making lye soap, boiling the whites on a wood stove or perhaps gas, if you’re lucky, then hanging all those socks, shirts, towels, pants, undies, on a line, then ironing the necessary items, AND keeping in mind that it could be for a family of six or more, could be trying. Perhaps even “agitating.” This is part of the Church Street Museum’s display on “Romeo Before Electricty.” Come visit Tuesday evening. Joan Beringer, Romeo Historical Society staff