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Candle mould, 19th century.
The fat from beef or mutton was rendered to make tallow for candles. This was usually done in a large iron pot over a fire and, if possible, it was done away from the house as the process resulted in a very unpleasant odour. Twisted lengths of cotton were either repeatedly dipped into the hot tallow or tallow was poured into moulds. The process sounds simple enough. However, it was yet another time-consuming and tedious task performed by women. In 1840, Anne Langdon wrote with relief, "I got my candle-making over today."
(Missisquoi Historical Society Collections)
The fat from beef or mutton was rendered to make tallow for candles. This was usually done in a large iron pot over a fire and, if possible, it was done away from the house as the process resulted in a very unpleasant odour. Twisted lengths of cotton were either repeatedly dipped into the hot tallow or tallow was poured into moulds. The process sounds simple enough. However, it was yet another time-consuming and tedious task performed by women. In 1840, Anne Langdon wrote with relief, "I got my candle-making over today."
(Missisquoi Historical Society Collections)