then and now

then and now

We have machines in our homes to do jobs for us. Long ago, people's homes were different from ours. They did not have very many machines then. All the family had to help to do the housework.

We have dishwashers to wash and dry our dishes. Long ago, everybody had to help with that job. There were no vacuum cleaners then. They had to sweep the floor with a broom.

People could not wash and dry their clothes in machines like we do. Washing was put on a line outside to dry, and sometimes it got wet again!

Homes had gardens to grow fruit and vegetables. People could pick apples and pears from their trees. They made bread at home. There were no microwave ovens then, and no freezers or refrigerators.

Now we turn on a switch to get light and heat. Long ago, people had to light lamps at night. In winter, they had a fire burning wood or coal to make the house warm.