Submitted Photo A rare Victorian foot tub is among the historical collection at the Ward County Pioneer Village.

One unique artifact we received in 2024 at Pioneer Village, by Burlington, was once a household item that only some of the middle class and upper class of people could afford. Our artifact is a rarely found Victorian foot tub with cast iron claw feet.

We believe it was made between 1840 and 1880.

Claw feet originated in Holland and gave furnishings, like this foot tub, a more elegant appearance and were common from 1837-1901. A lion’s paw clutching a ball was popular in England while an eagle’s claw was popular in the United States during this time period.

This particular foot tub originally came from a dentist’s office. Usually utilized by wealthy clientele during the mid to late 1800s, a foot tub was used for personal hygiene and as a form of medicinal treatment for ailments like headaches, toothaches and eye pain. Cold water and constant rubbing of the feet while in the bath helped dispel illnesses.

This foot tub has a porcelain surface and an attached “waste” pipe to drain the water when desired. Foot tubs were made portable during that era so staff could work around it and move it where needed. It weighs approximately 75 pounds, and foot tubs were typically 25 inches wide, 23 inches deep and 15 inches tall.

What did the lower class of people use for their feet? They had to make due with copper or galvanized round foot tubs.

Admission to Pioneer Village is free and we accept small and large donations for the museum and its purpose of educating through displaying historical artifacts. A special thanks to Jim Davenport of Deering for helping us obtain this interesting piece of history.

Delwyn Groninger is past president of the Ward County Historical Society.