Even though today is Wednesday, the traditional day of baking, we are talking about Monday (wash day) today. This funny looking item, a tin cone with a wood handle, is a laundry agitator. It functions just like the agitator in a washing machine except it is hand operated. The Sears Roebuck and Company 1908 catalog claimed that this “Ideal Cleaner” was equal to a washing machine but worked more rapidly and easier. It can be used in a tub, pail or boiler full or laundry without the usual wear and tear of a washboard. The catalog describes the agitator’s capability as it “…forces compressed air, steam and water through clothes quickly removing all dirt.” It further claims that it can be used on dainty fabrics, lace curtains, blankets, woolens, etc. The cost for this marvelous device was 39 cents or $4.40 per dozen.