“The Whitewasher”

City Characters, or, Familiar Scenes in Town published in 1851 included illustrations and descriptions of  individuals that were likely to be seen in an American city such as “The Fruitseller,” “The Retired Gentleman,” “The Huckster,” and “The Street Sweeper.” In the chapter “The Whitewasher” the author describes how whitewash is used as an inexpensive way to cover grime and dirt on walls, ceilings, and fences:

“It is made of lime and water, mixed together with a little bit of salt and indigo to make it clear. Brushes with long handles on them dipped into it, and rubbed over the walls of the room; when this dries, all the yellow is covered, and the room looks white and clean.”

The original engravings are in the collection of the Library Company of Philadelphia.