Links to additional resources
Trove newspaper article about death of Irene French from exploding petrol iron.
Shire of Toodyay > Records
PETROL IRON
c. 1900 - 1950Subcollections
Overview
Petrol operated Iron with a decorative metal and wooden handle.
The handle is attached to the base by 2 metal screws.
The base is made from cast iron with 18 vent holes.
On each side there is a metal globe shaped container with a small curved metal hose where the petrol was held.
There is a small metal pipe with a screw attached, possibly for control of flow.
Details
Details
Registration number
cwa-org-37-2001.255
Width
190 mm
Height or length
70 mm
Themes
Contextual Information
Gas pressure irons were manufactured as early as 1900 and were an improvement over earlier irons that had to be heated on the stove or heated by charcoal.
The types of fuel used included petrol, alcohol, methylated spirits and kerosene. The pump was used to build up pressure in the fuel tank. Then a match was lit underneath to make a flame inside the iron. They were lighter in weight and their temperature was more even, but they made ironing a potentially dangerous activity.
In 1938, Irene Hanna French (aged 30) of Irishtown, near Toodyay, was killed by an exploding petrol iron she was using in the kitchen of her home.
Year
c. 1900 - 1950
Primary significance criteria
Historic significance
