In colonial days garments were stiffened with starch. Starch making was an involved process. Potatoes were grated through tin sheets pierced by nails and put into a tub of water. The skins floated to the surface and were discarded, and the starch sank to the bottom of the tub. The starch was removed from the tub and slowly dried into a pure white cake, which was then crumbled into powder.