Laundress' Quarters

Laundress' Quarters. . , The four wooden frame buildings that comprised "Sudsville" or "Laundress Row," were located approximately 100 yards behind and to the left of this sign. Each building housed four laundresses and their families in two 12' by 12' rooms. Laundresses were often enlisted men's wives who were allowed to live at the post by doing laundry for a group of 15 to 20 soldiers. Each soldier paid the laundress $1 per month to do most of his laundry, paying extra for overcoats, pants, and bed sacks. With most privates earning $13 per month, a laundress could double her family's income., In order for an enlisted man to marry, he had to get permission from his commanding officer. Permission could not be granted unless the company had room for another laundress.