Hays in Ellis County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Laundress' Quarters
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2012
1. Laundress' Quarters Marker
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.
Erected by Kansas Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Industry & Commerce • Wars, US Indian • Women.
Location. 38° 51.696′ N, 99° 20.558′ W. Marker is in Hays, Kansas
Photographed By Unknown, undated
2. Laundress' Quarters Photo on Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Blockhouse (a few steps from this marker); Post Trader's Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Band Barracks (within shouting distance of this marker); Bake House (within shouting distance of this marker); Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker); Icehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Post Surgeon's Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Hays Soldiers (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hays.
Also see . . .
1. Fort Hays State Historic Site. (Submitted on September 24, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Fort Hays State Historic Site. (Submitted on September 24, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2012
3. Laundress' Quarters Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2012
4. Laundress' Quarters Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 320 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 25, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
