I must have been about 4, not in kindergarten yet....Grandmom couldn't figure out the automatic machine, she was so used to the wringer....Mom would get up early and start a few loads before she left for work, but after that, nothing else got done....she tried operating it, but along comes me, I guess after watching Mom, at how simple it was....and we got the wash done....I had to stand on a chair to see inside and the controls....I was also on watch duty so the machine didn't overflow, as the machine drained into the kitchen sink, in case someone left a dishcloth/dishes in there
I was the last one at home that Grandmom had to watch, so I was always close by, and would help out when and where I could....bringing the clothes downstairs, carrying the baskets outside for her, I could only reach the lines that were close to the back porch, basically socks and washcloths...
for the most part, it wasn't hard as we had a basic, simple one cycle GE V12 Filterflo...just turn the dial to the DOT and pull out the knob....warm wash/warm rinse for every load.....
great memories growing up.....and apparently what started my fascination with appliances....