A Rise in the Price of Washing

Steam laundry companies announce an increase in prices, driving customers to “hundreds of colored washer-women, who depend for a livelihood upon this kind of employment.”

The steam laundries have decided to advance prices and the claim is being made that they have been losing money. This will be pleasing information to the many hundreds of colored washer-women, who depend for a livelihood upon this kind of employment. The rates for laundering collars will be 2 ½ , an advance of ½ ct. Cuffs will be 5 cts, an advance of 1 ct. Plaited shirts will be 12 cts. an advance of 2 ct. Shirts with cuffs will be 15 cts., an advance of 5 cts. Ladies shirt-waists will be 20 cts, an advance of 5 cts.

“A Rise in the Price of Washing,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed January 18, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1292.