The Vacuum Cleaner Collectors Club Website
Is Now Open For Enjoyment!
After a few months of development, testing and gathering of images and other materials, the new Vacuum Cleaner Collectors Club (VCCC) website is now available to visit by VCCC members. We have named it VacuumLand and its web address is www.vacuumland.org. Please join us there and enjoy the following features:
Picture of the Day: A unique vintage vacuum cleaner picture or ad that changes every day. We currently have about 50 ads and pictures loaded and will ultimately have many more thanks to generous members who have loaned us items from their literature collections.
Discuss-O-Vac Probably one of the best and most fun features of the site. The Discuss-O-Vac Forum is a platform for some great discussions about vacuum cleaners. The discussion forum is divided into three major areas – the Vintage Vacuum Forum for discussions about vintage vacuum cleaners manufactured before 1980, the Contemporary Vacuum Forum for discussions about modern vacuums-those manufactured after 1980 and an Off-Topic Forum for discussions about just about anything else. You can add pictures to the posts along with web links. Register with a user name and join in the fun conversations!
Vacuum Collections: A picture gallery of member’s vacuum cleaner collections for you to enjoy. If you wish to add pictures of your collection, just contact me at fnelson487@sbcglobal.net and I will get it set up for you.
Restorations: A gallery for pictures of collector’s restoration projects.
Consumer Articles: Currently we have the 1954 and 1959 Consumer Reports Ratings Articles on Vacuum Cleaners. We hope to add more from our members as time goes on.
See It Clean: Video Clips of vintage machines. We currently have clips of Jeff Parker’s last visit to North Canton including him using the Model O!
Meet our President: A message and some pictures from Morgan Frazier.
Video Downloads: Currently we have a link to the CBS Sunday Morning piece on the Louisville Convention with Bill Geiss. We also have a vintage 50’s GE Swivel Top TV commercial – “How to Avoid a Drag-Around Tragedy.”
Owner’s Manuals: Scans of vintage vacuum cleaner owner’s manuals. We have 4 loaded along with a Hoover 51 Parts and Price List. More will be added as time goes on.
Wanted/Reward: An area for members to post vacuum items wanted and vacuums for sale or trade.
Neat Links: Web links to sites of interest to vacuum enthusiasts.
Hall of Fame: A place for recognition of our Board, financial contributors to this site, a chronology of the contestants and winners of past vacuum cleaner cleaning competitions and recognition of some special people.
We also have links for anyone interested in joining the club or seeking additional information. More will be added to time goes on based upon requests from members and others.
I invite you to fully explore the various areas of the site starting from the home page. It is anticipated that this site will continually be updated with new additions. We welcome any suggestions, ideas and material that you may have regarding new pages and have a few new pages, including a convention section, in development. Have fun reviewing vintage owner’s manuals, vintage consumer articles, vintage commercials and the many other features we have incorporated into the site and most of all, join in the conversations on the discussion forums. If you have any questions, please just create a post on one of the forums or email me and we will answer your questions.
Fred Nelson
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, IL USA - Friday, August 25, 2006 at 16:31:05 (MDT)
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Hi All,
I am a new member and thought I would introduce myself. I am a recently new collector (less than 5 years) but have had an interest in vacs for as long as I can remember. Currently I own a Lux 9000, Lux 89, Rainbow D, Chrome GE swivel top, Eureka Rotomatic (blue), Dial a Matic, Miracle Mate and my most recent acquisition, a Kirby Ultimate G Diamond. I thought I was the only one with an interest in vacs but from what I have read here and on other sites as well as the pics I have seen (and how some people have them occupying every corner of their home/apt! LOL) I have a long way to go :-) I'd love to attend the convention sometime - looks like a great time! I don't think my partner would want to attend however LOL
Gary
Gary Saarimaki
Astorville, ON Canada - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 12:14:21 (MDT)
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The following website was sent to me, and I suppose it is very cute (OK, did I actually write 'cute?' Hmmmm BUT I couldn't help thinking that while most people would say an enthusiastic "YEAH!", us Mo's in the club would think "NO WAY! WE'D NEVER GET TO VACUUM!!"
http://www.frontiernet.net/~shelby304/specials/dontdowindows/nowindows.htm
RB :)
Rick Benedikt
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 08:37:59 (MDT)
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I would like to add some comments about carpet fresh. While a lot of people use it to freshen up their carpets, it is generally not a good idea to use it, and the reason why, is, unless you have a strong vacuum cleaner, the carpet fresh will get into the fibers of the carpet. As a Professional Carpet Cleaner, I have run into this problem before. After cleaning the carpet with a truck-mounted machine, after the carpet is dry, a lot of times there will be a white residue on top of the carpet. What has happened is the high suction from the truckmount has pulled the carpet fresh to the top, and the carpet fresh can be nearly impossible to ever vacuum out. This is why a lot of professional carpet cleaners do not recommend using carpet fresh in a carpet. It is not worth the problems.
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 17:40:56 (MDT)
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true, tom. i still remember what my mother said to me when i finally coaxed my grandpa into giving me grandmas old Eureka Princess. *canisters are no good, they dont get any dirt out of carpets*. this was the mid 80's. (im 29)
davidcibrian
USA - Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 21:59:50 (MDT)
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Dave:
Perhaps you are too young to remember the introduction of Carpet Fresh in the early 1970's. There were MANY, MANY people who had straight suction canister vacuums back then. The Eureka Princess was VERY popular, tons of people still had model G Electrolux, Rainbow, Filter Queen, Compact, etc. and all were stright suction. In fact, except for the Kenmore Power-Mate cleaners and Electrolux 1205's, virtually all canisters did not have revolving brushes. Carpet Fresh didn't specify any particular type of cleaner for removing it from the shag rugs, so popular at that time.
Uprights would have done far better with the stuff. As canisters started to be sold with the 'new' power nozzles, carpet cleaning ability did improve. But it took at least until the early 1980s for many people to have canisters with power heads. I do believe that the poor cleaning ability of straight suction canisters led to the downfall from grace of the canister over the upright in the mid to late 1980's.
Hoover sold a TON of Constellations, they were sold through low priced department stores (along with the low priced Slimline models) for as little as $29 for the promotional models. I bought a Constellation, yellow and dark tan, tilted 45 degrees forward, tool rack, in the mid 1970's with money I earned mowing yards. Took me only a couple of weeks to realize why the living room was now so dusty (the machine was blowing dust from the rug into the air, only to settle on the tv and furniture a few hours later).
tom gasko
park hills, mo USA - Monday, August 21, 2006 at 10:11:52 (MDT)
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regarding Carpet Fresh:
Mr Gaskos observation BEGS the question: who in their right mind would try to sweep up carpet powder with a STR8 SUCTION cleaner?
davidcibrian
USA - Saturday, August 19, 2006 at 21:12:11 (MDT)
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NEW RACER -
I am almost finished with a racer made from a dirty, mangy old Compact. Check this image:
http://www.goodfirm.com/marksart/mark10/
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Saturday, August 19, 2006 at 09:47:51 (MDT)
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Norm:
One of our Hoover collectors had a new Constellation (Maytag Satellite) at the Convention in St. Louis a month and a half ago.
It's quite cool. I remember them well. Carpet Fresh did them in. When Carpet Fresh came out, it was all the rage. Unfortunately, it illustrated the downfall of the Hoover quite well. The exhaust would blow the carpet powder all over the living room, chocking the operator. On bare floors, the exhaust would blow the dust everywhere. A year after the introduction of carpet fresh, the Constellation was gone.
I ordered two of the new Constellations from Buckeye Wholesale Supply in Georgia. They were $139 each. Sold them both to fellow collectors who did not want to use them for vacuuming, just wanted them for their collections. The turbo brush is a good addition (wouldn't an electric power head be nicer?. Unfortunately, the new Constellation suffers the same problem as the old one, blowing the dusts in the carpet all up in the air of the room. This is one cleaner where one DEFINATELY must dust AFTER you vacuum (about 3 hours after, to let the dust settle).
tom gasko
park hills, mo USA - Friday, August 18, 2006 at 11:21:18 (MDT)
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Has anyone else seen the Brand "new" Hoover constellation? I walked into the long time local repair and sales, Weisheimer's in downtown
Columbus. There it was, two boxes high with the real one sitting on the top. A beautiful new Hoover constellation, Ivory white w/Gray trim and flexable hose. Attachment caddy at the base of the Gray handle (basic three)Then two lite weigh brushed steel wands and an air powered carpet nozzle. Priced at $198.00!!
I left very stary eyed and impressed!!
"What's old is new again"!!
I have lived too long!!??
Norm Brown
Norm Brown
columbus, Ohio USA - Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 21:37:56 (MDT)
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To Charles Lester:
St. Louis City was hit by 85 MPH winds almost four weeks ago. It knocked out power lines all over the city, as well as trees and even stop light poles. The Cardinals game was going on during the storm, and there was dramatic t.v. news shots of the high winds blowing hot dog carts into people. Just a terrible night.
Being as I live in the country, over an hour from the City where Stan lives, we just had rain (the winds moved into Illinois after tearing up St. Louis City). Most people in the City as well as North St. Louis (like Club Member Rick Asquith) were without electricity for OVER A WEEK. 4 of those days; we had temperatures of over 100 degrees and terrible, high humidity. Stan's entire block suffered a LOT of damage (Stan called it "devestation").
Luckily for him, the tree which was knocked over, fell into the front room's windows, damaging them as well as the tile roof. But the house is a good, old home and withstood any additional damage.
Add to that Stan's recent inner ear problem (for a musician, this is a problem) for which he went to the hospital for a few days. Stan says it's like he's 'drunk' sometimes in that he is disoriented. Plus, his recent purchase of a 1946 Lincoln has been the bane of his exisitence (Many, many problems with the restoration).
Stan is doing fine. Norman (Stan's friend and manager) isn't doing so fine. He was hospitalized for several weeks (artery from heart to brain problem) so Stan has really had a LOT on his plate. He wanted me to tell everyone, again, how much it meant to him to see the Club and get to show his machines, at the recent convention. He thoroughly enjoyed himself, and regrets that it was so warm in St. Louis that day.
tom gasko
park hills, MO USA - Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 10:56:16 (MDT)
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So very VERY sorry to hear this news about Stan. I have talked to him several times over the past few months and he mentioned nothing at all about the tornado that hit his home nor his recent hospitalization. I'm gonna have to smack him around a bit for not letting me know these things!
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 02:00:41 (MDT)
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I too think the "VCCC COOKBOOK" is a great idea! And I do have plenty of fun and, in most cases, very easy recipes to share!
Let's do it!!
Note that I am not sure we even need to have them produced at a professional printer. Laser printers have gotten so good now that a master copy could be printed out on a desktop image setter and then digital copies made at any local copy shop.
The copies can be finished with plastic covers and then comb- or wire-bound, which is the same basic way that most Church Cookbooks are produced. Any good copy shop has comb binding supplies and anyone who works in an office that prepares sales proposals, etc., will have a comb-binding machine at their disposal.
Our own Cookbook could actually be produced very inexpensively -- and sold at a markup sufficient to generate income for the Club without having to make them so expensive that no-one would buy them.
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 01:59:25 (MDT)
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I like the cookbook idea. There have to be a lot of good recipes out there in the club. I know I will buy one of these cookbooks if it does happen.
Reggie Ridlen
Parker, Co USA - Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 17:52:17 (MDT)
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The batter that I designed is spiced like the Tom & Jerry mix that is put in rum at holiday in some cultures.
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 13:53:18 (MDT)
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Mark:
The Rum Sauce over French Toast sounds, well, interesting. Especially if the cook samples the rum, before, during, and after the meal.
Which reminds me of something Charlie Watrous once said: "When you cook with booze, getting to the finish line is always more fun". Charlie has certainly run his share of races...
tom gasko
park hills, mo USA - Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 10:47:01 (MDT)
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COOKBOOK
I like the idea. My submission would be a recipe that I totally developed by myself and it has tested with enthusiam. I called it is Tom & Jerry French Toast with Rum Syrup.
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 08:29:33 (MDT)
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Tom,
That is a great idea! One of the churches I play for is just now working on a cookbook for the church. Let me see if I can get some info on the company they used. If you have a company in mind let me know and we will check it out.
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 06:05:19 (MDT)
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Morgan:
I had a brainstorm the other evening and wanted to share it. Charles Lester has sent me a number of recipes over the years from his private collection. I've made them all (except for his most recent recipe for banana pudding - will try that Sunday) and they have, without fail, been some of the best recipes I've ever made.
You also shared some recipes with our group at dinner during the convention. I served "Morgan's Potatos" to the group at my house, and received many compliments. Who knew the secret ingredient was Cream Cheese?
Why can't we get together a Vacuum Cleaner Collector's Club Cookbook? We could get members to send in their favorite recipes (perhaps all could have vac related names - Like "Kirby Key Lime Pie"). Compile the recipes and have a few cookbooks made up, selling them to raise money for the club's upcoming expenses.
I for one, would buy a cookbook with any number of Charlie Lester's recipes. I know there are MANY great cooks in our club - we all have a little June Cleaver inside - and I think it would be a fun and rewarding idea. Plus, especially if we sell the books from our website, it's a way to raise a few extra dollars for our new website.
tom gasko
park hills, mo USA - Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at 09:47:57 (MDT)
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Tom,
Thanks for the update on Stan. I did not realize that a torndao had hit the St. Louis area. Stan is very lucky that was the only damage done.
You are so right about Stan's vacuums, I hope they would find good homes. The way most people treat any appliance in this day in age is horrible.
Tell Stan Hello from Morgan if your chatting with him in the near future. There will be some good pictures of him and his collection in the next newsletter.
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Monday, August 14, 2006 at 13:01:43 (MDT)
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Mark:
Lacquer Thinner works perfectly on vinyl bumpers. Do not use it for the hard plastic parts, but trim and bumpers and cords are cleaned better than any other way, with lacquer thinner.
To the Group:
Many people have been asking "why is Stan Kann selling his vacs on eBay". Stan is selling a very few, selected machines, on eBay to offset some of the tremendous financial hardship after the tornado that ripped through St. Louis last month. The tree in his yard went through the vintage, lead stained glass windows in his living room. The tile roof was also damaged. And, to top it off, Stan was in the hospital, briefly, and was without his usual income for a while.
Stan is fine now, but he decided to sell a few machines from his collection. So many people asked him to sell them his Hoover Duster at the convention this year, that he thought it should be the first one to 'go' on eBay. In the next week, the Kenmore Bug Eye; the Torrington; and the Scott & Fetzer Sanitation System will go on the auction block. All machines that people expressed a huge interest in at the convention. As of yesterday, Stan said that those were the only ones he is going to list. If I didn't already own a Scott & Fetzer, I would have begged Stan to reconsider selling it as he does USE the S & F to clean the orientals upstairs. Since I have one, Stan can always use mine when he feels nastalgic.
I pray that members of the VCCC are the ones who will wind up owning these few machines Stan is selling. We wouldn't want someone to buy the Kenmore Bug Eye and clean dog poo up in their basement.
tom gasko
park hills, mo USA - Monday, August 14, 2006 at 10:07:03 (MDT)
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HOW CLEAN COMPACT BUMPER?
I am building another racer only out of a nasty dirty Compact. It was found in a flooded buiness basement - white, dusty corrosion inside the case and the bumper is black with scum. I know y'all have recommended something to clean bumpers but I could not find it. What is your recommendation for cleaning up the bumper?
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Monday, August 14, 2006 at 07:19:34 (MDT)
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I received the following email today. Respond according to your interest.
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EAHS71@aol.com wrote,
Hi, We are clearing out a house that has many Hoover vacuums and shampooers, may still in unopened boxes. Do you know anyone in the Chicago area that would be interested in them?
Lisa
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California States of America - Thursday, August 10, 2006 at 10:56:29 (MDT)
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Work has started with the next newsletter. We hopefully will have all information compiled and ready by mid August.
Thanks
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Sunday, August 06, 2006 at 12:51:58 (MDT)
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When's the newsletter coming out? I think it sure be fun to see the pics from the convention.
Jason Davis
Dewey, OK USA - Saturday, August 05, 2006 at 15:35:09 (MDT)
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I have found a photo that ought to make Hoover fanatics go beserk! Better have some tissues handy.......!
It shows the HOOVER DUSTER, one of the rarest of all Hoover vacuum cleaners, and the HOOVER MODEL 700, which is Stan Kann's all-time favorite Hoover machine!
I emailed the photo to Stan's friend Phil who has internet access, telling him when Stan sees the photo his head may well explode from the double whammy -- so Phil might want to have the smelling salts handy!!
Go to the following link to the web page where I found the photo, and click on the fourth thumbnail down on the left side of the page:
http://www.farmingdale.edu/library/archives/techno.html
btw, I do not have Tom Anderson's email address. I am sure he'd love to see this, so could someone send it along to him. THX
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P.S. to Marty -- the 333 is one of my favorite places to stay in P.S. Give the boyz a shout-out from me and Arlee! :)
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Saturday, August 05, 2006 at 13:37:21 (MDT)
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Hey Charles :)
Yes, it is Andy amd Tim's house that i'm watching. They have SO MANY plants to water. Though after work today i'm gonna take a nice long soak in the hot tub tonight! The Filter Queen turned out really nice! It's amazing the suction it has when it has clean filters in it. Alot of people forget about that pre motor filter! Their bed and breakfast really is a nice place to stay isn't it?
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, CA USA - Saturday, August 05, 2006 at 07:22:35 (MDT)
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Great "Filthy Queen" story Marty! Wish I could be a fly on the wall to see Andy's reaction when he comes back and see's the sweeper! btw, is that Andy as in Tim and Andy of 333 Bed and Breakfast? Folks, that is the COOLEST place to stay in Palm Springs!
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Saturday, August 05, 2006 at 01:00:54 (MDT)
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So i'm watching my parent's house this week while they are on vacation but i am also watching my friend Andy's house while he is on vacation so i'm a busy guy lately. While at Andy's I go into the shed to get a broom and lo and behold is a Model 31 Filter Queen. I had seen this vacuum when he first got it but just assumed he had been using it all this time. Well he was until it became so full of dirt that he just put it away. I took it out and brought it home with me and gave it some much needed TLC. New cone and pre motor filter and she runs like a top. The whole thing got cleaned and shined except for the carpet nozzle. I'm going to use some Mother's Mag Wheel polish on it tomorrow then take it back to Andy's before he gets home. Of course i will run it around the house a lttle bit. Folks, you WANT me to watch your house. I will have it cleaner than when you left it LOL!!! So Andy's Filter Queen is a Filthy Queen no more!
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Friday, August 04, 2006 at 22:26:11 (MDT)
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HELP!!!!
Looking for a vacuum part. I just got a really cool Singer Power Master upright vacuum. It is the newer 70's A Frame upright. It is missing the end caps on the roller brush. If anyone has extra or if some of you vac shop owners have any in the farthest reaches of your shops, give me an email. Thanks! Marty
BTW, does anyone know if Singer offer attachments for these vacuums. I know the Ryobi made Singer upright had a cheap plastic tool kit for their uprights as did the Kenmore version. Just thought someone might know. Marty
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Wednesday, August 02, 2006 at 13:26:08 (MDT)
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Hoover Quadramatic Powerflex
I have a Power nozzle for the Hoover Celebrity referenced in my post below that is in fairly good shape, and that I have no use for, if someone needs it.
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Saturday, July 29, 2006 at 08:18:33 (MDT)
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Hoover Celebrity QS
I clean 2500 SF office space with a Kirby G3 (with the delightful Tech Drive), but Nigel, the office cat (who fetches) leaves hair on black sofas (and probably other places for all I know). I have been using the Hoover Celebrity QS for this but the cord wants to sneak back in the rewinder, but not all the way. So, like, is this something I can fix myself?
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Saturday, July 29, 2006 at 07:27:36 (MDT)
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Well Mr. Goodall, Thanks for the kind words and the photos ... but can we say "Reality Check" ...! Looks like I've put a few lbs back on -- which is a shock because the scales aren't telling me that! Or maybe it's just the white jeans?! Any way you look at it, I am a lot bigger than I thot I was, so guess it's time to redouble my efforts and get back to the business of exercising ... if only it wasn't sooo hot here in L.A.........?! How depressing!!
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States - Thursday, July 27, 2006 at 00:34:04 (MDT)
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I ATTENDED A CHARLES RICHARD LESTER THEREMIN PERFORMANCE!!
Okay, so I admit that instead of attending the St. Louis convention I was in Los Angeles where my daughter was entertaining me for Father's Day. Well, on a lark, we decided to crash the service at Faith Lutheran Church where Charles Richard Lester is the Director of Music. Not only were we treated to Charles' organ, the service included a Theremin performance by Charles! I whispered to my wife that my life was complete. Did y'all know that Charles played the theremin for the sound track of the recently released Spielberg animation, Monster House? He did. Here is a link - scroll down and you can see Charles and the theremin as well as a pic of us horsing around with a vintage Canadian Electrolux:
http://www.goodfirm.com/caljun06
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Wednesday, July 26, 2006 at 14:07:27 (MDT)
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Hey group,
Just had to tell you about the great time I had at Tom Anderson's this Saturday. Joe from Buffalo, NY was there too. We started the morning with flea marketing & thrifting, had lunch at Subway, then more of the same in the afternoon. I got the deal of the day when I found a model 903 Electro-Hygiene (the same model I used to sell)priced at $55.00, and took it home for $15.00!!
After the afternoon's thrifting we went back to Tom's house and admired his '77 Olds Cutlass, then Tom started working on my non-running Hoover 28, and when he was finished, it ran AND looked great!! And to top it off, he gave me a set of attachments for it!! After a fine supper of pizza & cheesy bread we went back downstairs and looked through literature I had brought, took some pictures, and ran some of Tom's vacs. Time to go home came way too soon, but not before Tom found 2 more vacs to send home with me--a Hoover Convertible with attachments and a model AE Electrolux with a cord winder!!
So thanks again, Tom, for being such a great host, for bringing my 28 back to life and the tool set, for the Lux and Convertible, and for an altogether great day!
Jeff
Jeffrey W. Schroff (Sr.)
Galion, OH USA - Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at 00:06:32 (MDT)
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hey group,
I was just noticing that not to many postings on here most of the time. I thought more people would be posting on here all the time. Like the old vac network where people used to fight all the time( and we don't want that on here certainly)
however I always looked forward to going on there everday and seeing all the wonderful discussions and conversations. Something always new to learn if you could overlook the bad peoples BS. Anyway I really hope that when the new website is up and running, more people post on there... I sure do miss reading all the wonderful information on here.. anyway keep them coming It is very informative and entertaining... life is kind of boring here in the midwest... hope to see more info soon... KirbyKid
Dan Bandy
Thermopolis, wy USA - Sunday, July 23, 2006 at 18:44:07 (MDT)
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We have a birthday today!!
Happy Birthday Louis!
Hopefully you can spend the day with your favorite vacuum.
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 10:12:42 (MDT)
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A Note from the President
Just a few updates:
Work on the new web-site is coming along quickly. The committee and Robert are working very hard to make certain that all of the requests from the member survey can be met. It will be a GREAT PLACE to share information once it is up and running.
Convention planning is also ahead of schedule. Hotels, agenda, speakers, and various other activities are all ready in the making. Keep posted for further details!!!
Finally, if you have any articles, mini-meet info or other info you would like to see in the next newsletter please get it to Alex as soon as possible. We would like to get started on the next issue.
Your president,
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Friday, July 21, 2006 at 12:21:44 (MDT)
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Here's an interesting old industrial film about the Hoover Company, including footage of a Model O in use.
http://www.archive.org/details/company_profile_1
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 12:23:53 (MDT)
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Here's an idea I'd like to throw out to the vac lovers: As most of you know I operate a vac shop. Business is good, but it has gotten to be too much for me to run alone. I am overrun with machines needing rebuilding for resale. It is all I can do to keep up with customers' repairs, which I do ahead of my own rebuilts. Housekeeping has suffered too. Everytime I've hired someone to help me, they learn for a while, then stop learning. Then they move on to something else. I'd like to find someone who would truly enjoy working in a vac shop to help me. Business would be even better with a little help. Besides, maybe someone younger might want to take my store over if I should decide to retire sometime down the road. I'm not close to retirement age yet, but eventually. If anybody is interested, please let me know.
Clay Floyd
Hudson, NC USA - Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 08:39:32 (MDT)
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does anyone here know when Eureka began selling upright cleaners for *commercial* use? the photos in my commercial Eurekas manual have stirred up some questions here. what were the color schemes throught the years? this would be the *all-metal era*, of course. thanks, David
davidcibrian
USA - Friday, July 14, 2006 at 20:26:54 (MDT)
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Hello David
I heartily agree, but as I indicated, I am prejudiced and partial to the 29 as it is part- and-parcel to some wonderful early memories growing up. I do find all of them, including the 62, 63, 64,and 29, all close cousins, to be wonderful machines. I had to (just)check and verify that the wattage was in fact the same, at least on the 29 and 63 and so assume on all four (or five). The 29 actually being a lower end to the 62/63, I would not have been surprised had it had a less powerful motor, but then again, I believe the low and high-end convertibles had one motor which of course is intelligent from a manufacturing and inventory standpoint. BTW, if anyone happens to have an original and nice 29 bag, you may have just found a buyer for it!
Rick Benedikt
WM, CA USA - Friday, July 14, 2006 at 12:19:56 (MDT)
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i think that, perhaps other than the 61, the 29 is the most lovely of the series, no?
davidcibrian
USA - Friday, July 14, 2006 at 01:00:33 (MDT)
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Dating myself? Well, perhaps. But it has been about 40 years since I ran/played with a Hoover Model 29, but mine just arrived yesterday and it as if the hands of time had been turned back! Although I found this machine (with box, attachments, and owner's manual) pretty much intact, I was strongly but warmly encouraged to have it drop-shipped to North Canton's sub-station in Milwaukee, the home of Fred Stachnik, both for a tune-up and to be 'poofed & douched.' Having initially been hesitant to impose, I am now deeply grateful to Fred for his encouragement and for his dilligent work. The kitten purrs like a Hoover! I also send kind thanks to RJ and Jeff for their contributions to this project. Happily, I also picked up a flawless, correct cord for this baby while in St Louis. I am one happy Mo!
Rick Benedikt
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 17:17:56 (MDT)
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Dear friends, I just want to say thank you for the wonderful plant that was just sent from the club. Cards and letters keep coming and it's nice to know Charles was truely loved by the club.
I have so many people to thank. Morgan, R.J. Ken, Louis, Marty, Bobby, Charlie, Charles Richard, clay and many many more.
with love
Alex
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 16:05:51 (MDT)
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A r-e-a-l-l-y BIG'Thank you'to R J for serving as President the past 2 years.R.J.,you did a superb job!! And'Best Wishes' to Morgan as new Prez!!
Jim Harakal
Mena, Ar USA - Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 14:09:02 (MDT)
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well i washed it. treated some spots with SHOUT and washed gentle action with a little Tide. the fabric seems unaltered. i used a machine cause of my experience with a Kirby bag: the thick-weaves seem to *hold* a lot of dust. seems the dunk and swish of hand washing isnt lively enough.
davidcibrian
USA - Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 11:59:11 (MDT)
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A couple of interesting things concerning Air-Way - I have recently learned in a phone conversation with Air-Way, while ordering machines, that the bags will soon be changing. A new 3M Filtrete bag, blue in color, will be the new standard bag for Air-Way. What that also means is that the old traditional Air-Way bag material, you know, the crinkly stuff, is going away forever. This is the material Air-Way has used since 1920. My guess is that the machinery used to make this material, which Air-Way owns, and originally held a patent on (now long expired) is probably just to worn out and incapable of providing the necessary volume to meet the market demand. The 3M Filtrete is good stuff, and should work just as well, or better than, the original, but it won't be as unique.
Another interesting Air-Way note. Yesterday I sold a new Air-Way Anniversary Edition to a delightful 78 year old lady whose mother had owned the original Air-Way upright. Thought it was only right to continue that lineage, rather than selling her something else. It was more money than she had planned on spending, but when she and her husband saw the new Air-Way, they went for it without hesitation.
Clay Floyd
Hudson, NC USA - Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 07:40:19 (MDT)
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Hi all,
Just to chime in, I was recently cautioned that it is never a good idea to wash a cloth bag. I was disappointed (and have done it before) but was told it will never hold dust as well, partially, I believe, because it looses its sizing (siezing?) I have to admit, this seems to be true. The best seems to be to thoroughly vacuum it out with an ELECTROLUX. It is rumored that other tanks and cannisters MAY work! Also, Craig has told me that Woolite is not nearly as gently as we are led to believe.
Rick Benedikt
Westminster, , CA USA - Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 00:02:58 (MDT)
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Oh BTW, about the bojack belts at Wal Mart and Target! I was at a thrift store today ( and i wonder why i'm still single, oy!)and i found a box chock full of various genuine Hoover Belts!!!!! So i bought up all the convertible belts they had! hehehe!
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 19:52:09 (MDT)
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David,
I have an old Kirby 518? bag and i asked about washing it and Charlie( Charles to the rest of you!!!) hehehehe, well he said to use cool water in the sink and hand wash with Woolite. I haven't done it yet and it has been some time so maybe Charlie will check in and offer up better advice.Just in case i don't remember right .
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, CA USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 19:42:57 (MDT)
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speaking of bags, i have a cotton Eureka Commercial-style shakeout bag that im considering washing. cool water and gentle action, of course. thing is, the cleaner's manual says *dont wash or dry-clean*. im nervous about the *commercial* lettering rubbing-off, but should i be mindfull of something else going wrong? btw, this is an all-cotton bag WITHOUT the non-stick white lining used on the current Sanitaire models. thanks.
david cibrian(brettsomers)
USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 14:55:23 (MDT)
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Bags!
I just recently purchased a pack of the Arm and Hammer Z bags for my Hoover. I vacuum daily as I have a lab mix that sheds! Time will tell if they leak much dust into the bag cavity. Supposedly there's the baking soda infiltrated into the bag to eliminate odors. I noticed also they even carry C bags for Electrolux. The carton says they're made in China, but marketed my Electrolux Home Care Products out of Bloominton Ill. which is probably the old Eureka home office. I was impressed with the look and feel of the bag. I washed both my filters, so we'll see if my exhaust remains baking soda fresh or if I can smell Lexie's hair in a few days! I'll keep you updated!
Rick L. Asquith
Saint Louis, mo USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 07:53:30 (MDT)
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Bags!
Marty,
I noticed that as well. Mabey one of our vac store owners can give us a clue. It seems odd to me that your selling name brand vacs and not offering their product.
Charlie thanks for the pics on Auto Wash... I have been wanting to see the new Kirby. Now to see the Handi Butler.
Morgan
Morgan T Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 05:40:26 (MDT)
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Bags!!
What is up with this new trend in vacuum bags at Target and Wal Mart? Every bag at Target are made by Honeywell ( like the air filters ) and the bags and belts at Wal Mart are made by Arm and Hammer and DuraBelt. Are vacuum companies just not making there own bags or is it cheaper for the big box stores to carry genertc bags? Does anyone think they are any good?
martin rocha
palm springs, ca USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 02:26:41 (MDT)
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Dear Alex,
I have been away and did not hear or read of the news of Charles' passing. Tracy and I send our deepest sympathy and our thoughts and prayers are with you! You were a wonderful friend and caretaker to Charles and he knew it!!
Ken Wagman
Capron, IL USA - Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 17:51:43 (MDT)
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Hi, Everybody--Keep my Uncle, Daniel Gillham, in your prayers--He is having triple bypass surgery. 3 Out of 4 of his arteries are completely blocked. He is 75 years old--Your prayers and thoughts will be greatly appreciated.
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 15:19:54 (MDT)
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A collector in Germany has sent me photos of the new Kirby Sentria. This machine just came out about a month ago and is so new that the last time I checked, the Kirby web site (http://www.kirby.com/) had not even been updated. [I just checked again and it still hasn't been.] An interesting feature about this new model is that the Handi-Butler has returned!
If you go to the AutomaticWasher.org site, choose "Discuss-o-Mat" and then "Super" and either scroll thru the list of topics or search for "sentria."
Charles Lester
Los Angeles, California US United States - Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 14:59:16 (MDT)
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Dear Marty,
Thank you for the update on Thrift Stores in the Valley. I am in total agreement with Mr. Lester that the Thrift Store is slowly disappearing. We had a local Thrift Store in North Hollywood that was so large, someone donated a crop duster airplane and sometimes motor vehicles. On every Saturday all items were reduced 30% off the ticket price. This is how they moved out the old inventory to make room for new items. The items were always priced under $20.00. I can not tell you how many vacuums and telephones in my collection came from there for very little money. Even yard sales are not what they used to be. Times are changing!
Kyle Jeffrey Mathews
Los Angeles, CA USA - Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 11:53:20 (MDT)
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Dear Alex, I am very sorry to hear about your recent loss. Charles was fortunate to have a friend like you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Kyle Jeffrey Mathews
Los Angeles, CA USA - Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 11:39:38 (MDT)
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Alex,
So sorry to hear of your recent loss and will keep you in my thoughts & prayers.
Jeff
Jeff Schroff (Sr.)
Galion, OH USA - Friday, July 07, 2006 at 22:45:51 (MDT)
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Charlie, I would tell them go right ahead and put it on ebay! It would be very interesting to see how much they would get! There is one place in San Bernardino called Gina's Bargain Thrift. I call it Gina's Non-bargain Thrift! They have had the same ratty old Kirby Classic III's priced at $79.99!!! for years! I stopped going there a long time ago! But i did go about a month ago and bought a brand new (well maybe 4 year old) Patriot vacuum. A knock off of the the Compact, for $48.00!!! I bought that and left the By now cobwebbed Kirby where it sat! I think some people price their merchandise based on the products name!
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Friday, July 07, 2006 at 14:57:52 (MDT)
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Yes, thrift shops are dying all around. Coincidentally (not) with the advent of eBay.
When I first moved to L.A. in 1980, they were all over the place. Every so often I'd take a day and just drive a big wide circle all around the greater Los Angeles region, starting in the Valley in Van Nuys, going through Burbank and Glendale, into Eagle Rock and then Chinatown and the east side of Los Angeles, down to Long Beach, Lynwood and Lakewood, across to El Segundo and up through the west side and across into Hollywood and the Mid-Wilshire area, and then back to the Valley via Barham. I'd usually have so much stuff that I could barely close the doors on my car. The last time I made a big run like that, I came home with an XXX filter pad and a ratty Kirby D50. The Kirby had the original bag on it and it was only $7.92 so I picked it up.
Now, the thrift shops that are still open tend to place big $$$ on the stuff they are selling, especially things that they think are "VINTAGE." I could tell y'all stories about some of the ridiculous prices I've seen on crappy old sweepers in thrift shops. If you say anything about it the proprietor will snarl, "Well, I could get three times that much for it on eBay!"
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Friday, July 07, 2006 at 14:21:22 (MDT)
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Attention Charles,Kyle and Dave.
The demise of some great thrift stores!!! You remember the two in Joshua Tree up in the High Desert? Well the one for the hospital that was run by the "Pink Ladies" was all boarded up and a chain link fence was surrounding the whole area! And the other one with the back patio where you could rummage though the stuff is all cleaned up and you can't go back there anymore! Talk about a bummer! All of the really great thrift stores are drying up!!
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Friday, July 07, 2006 at 13:50:24 (MDT)
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Cool vacuum find!
Went to the thrift store in Desert Hot Springs where i found my Singer Silver Glide Model C9. The only vacuum there today was a ratty Eureka Rally canister. On the floor next to it was a beige Singer Carpet Nozzle. I asked the lady how much and she said it went with the vacuum in the back. I showed her it didn't and explained about the Singer vacuum i had purchased there months before. So she says, " Well you can just have it then!" I thought that was pretty cool!
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Friday, July 07, 2006 at 13:42:38 (MDT)
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Alex,
I, too, would like to extend my sincere condolences to you. Having been away for several days, I only learned of Charles' passing this evening. I am grateful to have spent some time with Charles at each of the past two conventions. I will especially remember our working together and loading up your very historic and diverse collection in the trailer at the close of last years' convention in L.A. Charles clearly recognized the special care that collection required, and together, we refused to be rushed, rather making certain the vacuums were well-protected.
I recognize this is a very difficult time, but please know that in time, only wonderful memories will remain, the difficult images do subside. How fortunate for each of you that your paths crossed when they did.
With my sympathy,
Rick
Rick Benedikt
Westminster, CA USA - Wednesday, July 05, 2006 at 21:44:14 (MDT)
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Happy Fourth of July everybody.
I am better, thank's to all of you for the love and support.
Alex.
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Tuesday, July 04, 2006 at 18:07:46 (MDT)
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Alex-
Charles was fortunate to be able to share his own interest in vacuums with you, along with his friends in the VCCC. I especially enjoyed meeting him at the L.A. convention last year and am happy for him that he had the opportunity to experience two very different functions in two different locations with such a diversity of people and machines.
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA USA - Tuesday, July 04, 2006 at 17:35:20 (MDT)
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Dear friends, thank you for the notes and phone calls.
One thing I have to clear up here and now. Charles has no surviving family. The tale of Charles is a long one, best saved for the newsletter. Sufice it to say that when I met him he was using drugs and was alcoholic. The drug use ended that night, and I brought him off the booze. He was clean and sober for the 10 years I knew him.
I was his medical caregiver, best friend and sometimes a severe mentor.
He loved this club, had great respect for Stan and while he didn't look like he was always with us, he never missed a thing, his mind was wide awake.
His interest for vacuum cleaners was dorment from childhood, but at 10 was interested in his step mothers Electrolux model G, his favorite was the Electrolux XXX. He was not alone! When he met me he confessed his hidden love, and as I said, made me display my collection. I will dedecate that room to his memory.
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Tuesday, July 04, 2006 at 04:02:26 (MDT)
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Alex, please know that my thoughts are with you and Charles' family. It is always so very hard to let someone dear to us go even when we know it is for the best. I am glad that I had the chance to met him and that he had the chance to make to the trip to St.Louis. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Terry
Terry Lattz
Danville, Il USA - Monday, July 03, 2006 at 22:06:30 (MDT)
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Alex,
Thank you for letting us know about Charles. There are no words adequate, so let me just say, I am sorry. Thank you for caring for him and for bringing him to St. Louis. I'm glad he got to see the Fox Theater.
If his interest in vacuums was relatively new, how fortunate that he was part of the most heavily attended convention in our history with so many new attendees including him.
Know I am thinking of you and will be in touch. As always, I send my best thoughts to you with love.
Charlie Watrous
Charlotte, NC USA - Monday, July 03, 2006 at 21:33:36 (MDT)
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Alex--My Thoughts and Prayers are with you. I'm glad I had the privelege of meeting Charles at the convention. You will be in my thoughts and prayers every day.
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Monday, July 03, 2006 at 16:05:41 (MDT)
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Dear Alex,
So sorry to hear about Charles. But he's at peace now, is no longer suffering, and you can comfort youself with the knowledge of that, as well as of the fact that you were such a dear friend and devoted companion to him.
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Monday, July 03, 2006 at 14:05:28 (MDT)
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thats horrible! im so sorry. i remember meeting him, and he was soo nice to take care of my camera after i had lost it. it sucks having to say goodbye...
DavidCibrian
USA - Monday, July 03, 2006 at 13:49:02 (MDT)
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Dear friends I wanted to thank you in Charles name for being so kind to him during the convention. What a lot of you don't know was that he was in great pain most of the time. Walking was far from easy and yet he HAD to tour the Fox theater, there was no stoping him. By Saturday he was worn out but kept going. He was so proud to be a part of our club. He had just started to collect hand vacs and wanted to learn all the machines.
Charles passed away peacefully at 10;30 last night. He been in the hospital on Thursday but wanted to be home.
Charles is also responsible for getting my machines out of storage and helping me set up the display room. So he is really the one who got me to come back to the club in 04.
Charles H. Brookreson
May 25, 1958-July 2, 06
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Monday, July 03, 2006 at 08:49:34 (MDT)
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SAD NEWS TO REPORT:
Just received word from Alex that his friend Charles passed away last evening of a massive heart attack. Those of us who attended the convention had the pleasure of meeting Charles.
Please keep Alex in your thought and prayers.
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Monday, July 03, 2006 at 05:32:08 (MDT)
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SAD NEWS TO REPORT:
Alex has just notified me that his friend Charles passed away last evening of a massive heart attack at about 10:30. Please keep Alex in your thoughts and prayers.
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
USA - Monday, July 03, 2006 at 05:24:12 (MDT)
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I thought that I would get things rolling here again! Hate looking at a blank page. Just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy and safe 4th of July! Terry
Terry Lattz
Danville, Il USA - Sunday, July 02, 2006 at 21:39:01 (MDT)
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Hello all,
The June postings have now been archived, so here we are with a fresh slate for July.
Hope everyone has a safe and memorable July 4th celebration.
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Saturday, July 01, 2006 at 21:51:03 (MDT)
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Happy Fourth of July!!
Summer is here and everyone is outside enjoying the weather. Enjoy the weekend ahead, be safe and have fun.
The committee's are up and running and the excitement is building. Keep your eye on the forum so we can keep you informed. If you have any pictures or articles for the newsletter please get them to Alex so we can start to work on the newsletter. We would like to see pictures of personal collections, mini-meets or any other Vacuum related topics. Some of you that are store owners or work for a store and have any info on new products coming out please share that info as well.
Charles I do apologize for missing your name on the committe list. We just purchased a new computer and while I was proof reading I noticed that I had used Charlie instead of Charles, when I went back to change it the computer gave me a message that there was a storm approaching and would recomend you shut down the computer due to power surges. Amazing how far the computer world has come just in my lifetime. Same holds true for the Vacuum.
Party Hearty, Have Fun and KEEP THOSE POSTS COMING!
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Friday, June 30, 2006 at 08:06:26 (MDT)
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Hi fellow collectors:
While I am a vacuum cleaner historian, my area is mostly non-electric and early electric. I also know a great deal about Electrolux, Hoover and Kirby. If you are into Air-Way, Compact, Filter Queen and Rexair please drop me a line, as Clay said these are companies that don't share information. I need to check my facts before printing the histories of these companies. If you are an Air-Way collector please contact me, I need to check a few dates a.s.a.p.
Thanks,
Alex
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 15:26:47 (MDT)
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Clay is right! Most companies don't care about vacuum cleaner history, but I do! That's why as the club Historian I can dig the research for you. Direct all historical questions to the editor's desk, or call me at 619-749-2333.
If you have pictures for the newsletter send them to me.
Alex Taber
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 14:11:22 (MDT)
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The convention was great. What a wonderful opportunity to see old friends and make new ones, as well as to see some great old vacs.
I want to thank the Club for entrusting me with the position of Board Member. All of the Board Members have great ideas for making the club even better. Fred Nelson forwarded me copies of the last page of the recent member survey in which the members could list their suggestions. We are taking these to heart.
Something many club members don't realize, especially those who are not in the vac business. The manufacturers, except Hoover, so it seems, have no interest whatsoever in their history or old models. Consequently, they are not really a source of help to collectors. To illustrate this, I had a conversation a couple of days ago with one of the ladies who works in Customer Relations at Rexair. (Bear in mind I am an authorized Rainbow Service Distributor with a Rexair computer number, someone outside their organization could not have gotten this far.) This lady is as interested as I am in Rexair history and the old models. Rexair's website and other publications where old models are illustrated, are full of errors (for example, they illustrate the Model C, built from 1950 to 1955 as the original Series A, built from 1936 until 1940.) Sherry (the Customer Relations rep) has been trying to get them to correct these errors, and has tried to involve me. The powers that be shut her down completely. They do not care about anything except selling new machines, and keeping customers happy. What happened in the past is of absolutely no interest to them whatsoever. My observation is that the other manufacturers feel the exact same way. It is US, the VCCC who are actually the historians, though unoficially, of the vacuum cleaner industry and the various manufacturers.
I noticed one of the suggestion sheets had a member suggesting we tour the manufacturers' factories like we used to. Even if we find a manufacturer who is agreeable, the fact of the matter is that we are now too large a group for them to accommodate.
It should also be mentioned that most vac dealers, whether they are vac shops or door-to-door organizations (Rainbow, Kirby, and the several smaller companies), these people are in the business to make a living and the vast majority of them do not know anything about their companies' histories nor do they care. Most of the vac shop owners who do have this interest are members of VCCC.
Clay B. Floyd
Hudson, NC USA - Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 12:38:18 (MDT)
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Chalres,
Could my emails possibly be going to your junk mail? Everyone else has received them. If not is there another address I could try?
Thanks
Morgan frazermt@hotmail.com
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 12:56:33 (MDT)
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Hi Morgan, I have not gotten any emails from you. You do have my correct address, crl@137.com. I did get an email from R.J. advising me about the Web Site Committee and that my involvement with it was expected, and I sent you an email based on R.J.s, to which I did not get a reply. So, ??! My post below, however, was in response to the list of Board and Committee members that you posted yesterday, and the fact that my name was not listed on the Web Site Committee. Looks like there is just confusion all around.......
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 11:37:14 (MDT)
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Charles,
Could you please check your personal emails. I have sent a couple of messages your way in regard to the home page and have not heard anything back. Wondering if you are receiving the emails. I am using crl@137.com and they are not being returned to me. Thanks
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 20:53:47 (MDT)
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Hello Morgan,
Thanks for posting the new roster of Board and Committee members. I'll update this information on the Members Page when I get your new President's Greeting. I am surprised to see that my name is not listed on the Web Site Committee. Is that an oversight (Freudian perhaps?!) or have I been kicked off??!
"Ever Onward & Upward"
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 15:12:57 (MDT)
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INFORMATION OF CLUB LEADERSHIP:
As promised earlier here is a list of your new board members and committee members effective June 16, 2006
BOARD MEMBERS
President - Morgan T. Frazer
Charlie Watrous - Vice President
Martin Rocha - Sec.
Dave Olsen - Treas.
Terry Lattz - Membership Cord.
RJ Vanik - Past President
Alex Tabor - Historian/Newsletter Editor
Clay Floyd
Jeff Parker
CONVENTION PLANNING COMMITTEE
Morgan Frazer
Charlie Watrous (Chairperson)
Terry Latz
Dave Olsen
Greg Nunn
WEBSITE COMMITTEE
Fred Nelson - Chairperson
Jeff Parker
Charlie Watrous
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
Alex Tabor - Editor
RJ Vanik
Dave Olsen
Ken Wagman
As we move forward these are the people you as members elected. You will notice that some members on committee's are not board members and they will not have a vote on any issues. The committee's recomendations will be brought to the full board and the board will make all final decisions. THANKS in advance for your support and cooperation.
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 10:59:08 (MDT)
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To Mark Goodall:
I was lucky enough to help RJ set up the table displays for this year's convention. I understand it was you who inspired them, as well as being yourself who donated the materials to build our 'outer space' rocket ships. I bid on, and won, the Starks (Royal) tank cleaner/rocket ship. Thank you big time for your creativity and interest in doing something special to make our convention a little nicer. It was appreciated. When will we get to meet you in person?
tom gasko
park hills, mo USA - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 10:21:13 (MDT)
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Well, as my receptionist once quipped, "You can't be first, but you can be next!" Having arrived home several days after the convention, I see there have already been a multitude of postings about the convention and how successful it was. Well, I certainly concur and wish to add my kuddos for a truly wonderful and memorable convention! I so appreciate all the time and effort RJ, the board memebers and others put into making this such a success. RJ has clearly been a dedicated, generous, and selfless President, leaving, as others have noted, big shoes to be filled. (Hmmmm. Big shoes! I had no idea!) I am excited about the club's future, feeling we are wel-positioned to move forward and meet the needs of a growing club. Congratulations and thanks to Morgan and all the board members who work essentially behind the scenes and on their own time to make this all come together!
Being a relative 'newby', this being only my second convention, I can only compare it to L.A. And since you always remember your first, I find they were both wonderful and memorable in their own way. Reconnecting with some truly WONDERFUL people from last year (who instantly became my new best friends!) was a highlight. But equally as special was having the opportunity to meet many additional members, some whose names are virtually synonymous with the club itself, certainly qualify for the same 'status!' I could have hung out another several days visiting with attendees that were fascinating to listen to and learn from. It is clear this club has so many truly outstanding members, including those that helped build it, I am so pleased to have become a part of it.
I want to add special thanks to Stan Kann who had even reached out to me early on. Meeting this wonderful man and legend was a treat, as was meeting and hearing Ruth Hollander's touching story of what led her into the wonderful and unique world of VACUUM CLEANERS! Thank you both so much for sharing.
And truthfully, thank you ALL for sharing a really wonderful, memorable time with me!
My very best,
Rick Benedikt
Rick Benedikt
Westminster, CA USA - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 09:17:22 (MDT)
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I have just completed archiving off the past few months' worth of postings. I'll do June at the end of the month. While I was doing this I "corrected" some of the incomplete log-in information.
May I make a gentle reminder to everyone that you are to please sign in with your FULL NAME, and that ALL the input boxes should be filled in when posting to the Forum.
This helps identify you to other posters (everyone does not know everyone else), and also is a bit of added insurance that "infiltrators" aren't invading our territory.
If typing ALLLLLL that info is SOOOOOO taxing, most email programs and web browers have "form fill-in" or "auto-complete" options. With the push of one button, all the information I enter magically appears.
I know this may be a pain to some folks but it's a necessary and vital part of our Forum's security.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Sunday, June 25, 2006 at 20:14:54 (MDT)
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By "s#!t-stirrers," I am referring to a few certain individuals who have, for quite some time, been running a behind-the-scenes agenda to have our Club merged into a larger club of appliance collectors of all types, and to have our site assimilated into the AutomaticWasher.org or some similar site.
I have been, am, and will forever be against doing so. For MANY reasons, all of which I have stated in these hallowed halls already.
Part of the reason I am so gung-ho in favor of upgrading our site, despite the cost involved and the personal sacrifice that doing so will entail on my part if I am the one who does the work [and I really don't know who else would be capable, unless ywe're talking REALLY big money to hire an outside designer], is to ensure that those couple of folks [it really only is just a small handful of people] who are incessantly griping about this site will, hopefully, finally be happy and we can put to rest any ill-framed ideas of merging with other clubs and web sites.
Just my $1.37's worth (with inflation), "FWIW."
Charles R Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 15:08:02 (MDT)
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As your new President I want to set the record straight. There is no one trying to stir the pot or cause trouble. The survey that was sent out to the general membership was very clear that with over 100 surveys being returned that they would like to see some changes made.
The current website is user friendly, but we need to make changes to allow even better use. The majority of club members including myself, would like to be able to download pictures and other information. With the current software you are not able to cut and paste, spell check or attatch copies of current files to your posting.
This is in no way a reflection of the webmaster or his abilities. When this site was started it was all the club could afford. Again I ask for your patience in this matter until we have time to do more research.
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, Ia USA - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 14:02:00 (MDT)
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Wow, what a whirlwind four days! As first time convention attendees, my friend Phillip and I were on an adrenaline rush! Our hats off to R.J. and all who took part in putting it together. It was great to be around so many wonderful people who share the same interest. Special thanks to Ruth, Tom, Stan, and John who opened their homes to us, something I would've liked to be able to do but my place just doesn't have the room to accomodate everyone, but the thought was there! Thanks also to Charlie and Fred for throwing a cocktail party, that was a nice addition. It was also great to meet some of the people that I'd purchased vacs from in the past. There was so much knowledge and wisdom at the convention, it was a real enlightening experience. I realize that I'm a novice collector, and probably the only member who doesn't work on vacs, just collect and admire. I wish there had been more room to bring more vacs, believe me, I left more at home than I brought, but I thought I was probably bringing too many as it was. It was great to see vacs that I'd never heard of, especially in their condition, what jewels they were! We had a ball, and I know I've used the word great repeatedly, but a great time was had by all, by great people, great vacs to play with, and now something great to look forward to next year in Omaha. Congratulations to Morgan, I know I just met you, but I'm sure from all I've heard about you that you will make a great president! I wish I had more time to be more of an active member, but right now my plate is pretty full, and I was fortunate this year that the convention came to town so I was able to attend.
Thanks again to everyone and hope to see you again next year, maybe sooner if there's a mini-meet here or somewhere close. Take care all!
Rick Asquith
Rick Asquith
Saint Louis, Mo USA - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 12:24:43 (MDT)
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You Gotta Help Me Here
That is, I am not sure what the issues are on this discussion of the website - specifically the claim that it is difficult to use. How is it difficult? I check the site once or twice a day with a few mouse clicks. That's it. When I want to post, I click again and then type a little. Like, what am I missing?
I don't want to just sound like I am carrying Charles' water here but I think he has worked his butt off in providing us with a site -- so, please, help me understand the problem. Thanks.
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 09:05:48 (MDT)
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As Webmaster, may =I= "stick MY neck out" and assure all members that neither I nor the Board nor the President nor anyone else, for that matter -- except certain s#!t-stirrers, that is -- are "discouraging" people from using the VACCC.COM Forum or "don't want it used."
All it would take is to read back through the archived monthly forums to read how time and time again I, for example, have stopped just short of getting on my knees and BEGGING people to avail themselves of the Forum.
Why do they not do so? For a variety of reasons I am sure, and yes in some cases perhaps some people simply find this Forum just too doggoned complicated to use, and find it so incredibly taxing to have to fill in their REAL name each time they post.
I, as much as anyone else, would LOVE to see an improved forum. And indeed I have made specific suggestions and recommendations to the Board as to how to improve it.
One factor that people who are not "behind the scenes" may not realize is that this is a very rudimentary forum. Can you say "Mickey Mouse?" It's really a entry-level forum that we pay exactly nothing for. The software to run it was free, and I incorporated setting it up as part of the whole web site package.
People also need to remember that this is the FIRST version of our site. It's truly Vaccc.Com Version 1.00. We had to start somewhere, and given the budget we had to work with, I feel I provided the best possible site for the money -- if I do say so myself. We did not have thousands and thousands of dollars to pay an outside designer to produce a slick, top-of-the-line site with all sorts of interactive features. And I am not sure we have that kind of budget even now.
For the Club to bump up to the next level and offer something anywhere nearly as elaborate and user-friendly as the AutomaticWasher.org site will require several things:
1. Much more money. Software to create a Forum at that level is going to cost money. I don't recall the exact figure off the top of my head but if I recall correctly, a versatile Forum software package will run around $300.
Then someone will have to spend the hair-pulling time to create, install, and trouble-shoot the new forum. That can't be done in a half-hour. Code writing and debugging at that level will require several days of work. (A forum at that level has to be created pretty much from scratch -- you can't get "Web Site in a Can", push a couple of buttons, and have a Forum. It is very time-consuming, intensive work.
I typically bill my time to my graphic clients at $100 per hour. I estimated approximately 20 hours to deliver the new Forum, and for that amount of work I believe I tendered a bid of $500 - cutting $1500 off my normal fee in deference to my being a member of the Club and thus being willing to do my part to upgrade the Forum. That seems to be a pretty good deal to me, but I leave it up to the Board to find this out for themselves. I wish I could afford to just do it at no cost, but given that I work by the hour, I simply can't afford to make such a sacrifice much as I wish I could. Maybe if I win the Lottery.......
2. Much more help in running it. If we are going to open the Forum to the public, which despite my strong misgivings does seem to be the scent in the wind, SOMEONE is going to have to be willing to moderate the Forum and be prepared to act quickly WHEN -- not IF -- the bulls#!tters start coming in. I have neither the time nor the inclination to be Forum Babysitter. But SOMEONE is going to have to do it. Our Forum had not been open even a week before we started having trouble with troublemakers posting profanity and offensive remarks. We SIMPLY CANNOT open the Forum up and then just leave it wide open and unattended. That is surely going to invite disaster.
3. Making the web server open enough to allow people to upload photos and stories is going to increase security issues exponentially. As it is now, the server is extremely secure. No one can get into the site without a high-level, military-grade encrypted password. Security is so tight that hacking is nearly impossible. Once we open things up to allow users more access to upload materials on their own, we are going to be moving into a whole new realm in terms of security, and this again is going to involve time and money to look after.
I will say, in conclusion, that the best way to improve this Forum is ... guess what ... to USE IT. To post to it. Even though it is so incomprehensibly kludgy and difficult to use, and doesn't have lots of bells and whistles, and people can't come in and post under all sorts of campy pseudonyms. The best way to bring this Forum to life is to get involved in it by contributing posts to it.
Thanks for letting me rant a little. Obviously this is a matter that hits close to home, and I do feel a bit defensive when people (who never seem to post except to kvetch) start airing ill-informed complaints and negative remarks about it.
A final note: May I please once again remind everyone that the Forum Guidelines do require users to post their REAL name and email address. This is not to impose draconian restrictions on users, but is simply a matter of security. We have no way, really, of keeping track of who is posting here if they don't use their real names, and posts that appear without this information will be deleted per my direction from the Board.
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, CA United States of America - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 02:21:20 (MDT)
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So hard to beleive that one week ago tonight we were all sitting around listening to Ruth talk about her days as a Compact and Filter Queen salesperson. It amazes me how quickly time flies.
This years convention brought to this club a lot of new faces and many new vacuums. Thanks to some new members and a varied interest in vacuums we had a great variety.
With this also came the election of a new board along with myself (relatively new to the club)as your new president. This will also bring new ideas and some changes to the club. Due to the forsite of our past board and your input as members we are looking into and researching ways to improve or replace our current web-site to provide you the members with the services you requested in the survey. Like anything, this could take some time and patience on everyone's part. The board has taken the first step and formed a committee to start this research. Our current Web-Master has agreed to serve on that committee along those offering to serve at the convention.
Please feel at anytime to email me with any questions you may have. Also don't forget that this project does not come to us with out some cost. Dave Olson will be more than willing to accept donations for this project. If you feel so moved just make sure you drop him a note along with your gift marked Web-Site Fund.
As soon as I can be in contact with all board members (some of whom are still traveling) we will post and have included in your next newsletter a complete list of board members and committee members. Keep watching this forum as it is the best way for me to communicate information and keep everyone informed. Also, if you know of someone who does not have internet access please buddy up with them and share that information.
I am looking forward to this next year as your President. Please help by doing your part - Get together with your Vacuum Friends - Share your stories - Lets make this CLUB a Fun and Exciting place to share our passion - THE VACUUM CLEANER
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Friday, June 23, 2006 at 21:17:55 (MDT)
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im gonna stick my neck out here... after using AW.org for so long, i have to say this message boards is a real B!TC# to use. its almost as if the powers that be dont want it used! is it too shocking to suggest a format more like AW.org's? hope this doesnt ruffle any feathers.
David Cibrian
USA - Friday, June 23, 2006 at 18:37:46 (MDT)
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i had never heard of Match Game till we got GSN here in san antonio. i LOVED Fannie Flagg. and of course Betty White was also on... "Get ready to MATCH the STARS..."
David Cibrian (brettsomers)
USA - Friday, June 23, 2006 at 18:33:00 (MDT)
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Hey Everybody!
It's hard to believe that it's already been a week since the festivities were up and running! I had a fantastic time as always... it was so nice seeing everyone again, and it was great meeting so many new members! I'm so glad that this year's convention was such a success! And I'm already looking forward to next year!
A big thanks to RJ and the Board for making this year our best convention yet!
Here are links to my pictures from the convention--enjoy!
http://homepage.mac.com/fredstachnik/PhotoAlbum4.html
http://homepage.mac.com/fredstachnik/PhotoAlbum7.html
http://homepage.mac.com/fredstachnik/PhotoAlbum8.html
~Fred
Fred Stachnik
Milwaukee, WI USA - Thursday, June 22, 2006 at 07:58:22 (MDT)
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Marty,
I had Charles Nelson Reilly on a flight not too long ago in First Class and after several cocktails he was entertaining the entire cabin! (Much like he had done in years gone by on another flight.)
We talked about the Match Game and also when he was on The Ghost And Mrs. Muir. I inquired about Hope Lange and his reply was, "That old lady?", kidding of course. Hope is now of blessed memory.
And of course, Brett Summers was mentioned and how much fun they would have during the tapings.
When I first saw the Brett Summers name being used at AW, I knew it had to belong to someone interesting and it does!!
Charlie Watrous
Charlotte, USA - Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 07:09:21 (MDT)
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David! You used to watch Match Game on the Game Show Network? I used to watch it first run on TV!!! Boy, do I feel old!!! Who else was a regular on that show? Charles Nelson Rielly, Patty Deutch, Joyce Boulefant? It was a pleasure meeting you at the convention!
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 02:51:27 (MDT)
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Here's another one of my favorites. Find out how Harriet Nelson saved herself a hour of disagreeable work every day!
http://68.89.57.239/VID/COMM/Hotpoint-Dishwasher.wmv
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, Il USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 21:42:30 (MDT)
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Yikes!! I guess my misinformation has caused some problems here. I consider myself fairly well informed on internet and computer issues, but I guess you can always teach an "old dog" some new tricks. Just go to "www.automaticwasher.org" and find the "Super Forum" on the "Discuss-O-Mat." Have fun while your finding your way since there are so many neat things to see along the way. If you can, find the 1950s TV commercial for the GE Swivel Top Vacuum and find out how to avoid a "drag around tragedy."
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, Il USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 21:25:21 (MDT)
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David, you won't hurt a thing in the laundry rooms - I had 80 people here last year washing non-stop using 28,000 of water ;-) and not one machine suffered any damage or trouble!
Gather up some washing and "bring it on!"
Greg Nunn
Omaha, NE USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 21:17:22 (MDT)
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Greg, we'll see how glad you were you met me when i (hopefully) poke and prod at your washers next year, lol!
David Cibrian
USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 21:06:59 (MDT)
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"address bag"
LOL! That is too cute!
It was fun meeting you last weekend, David!
Greg Nunn
Omaha, NE USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 20:49:49 (MDT)
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can you tell i have vacuums on the brain? i meant *address BAR* LOL!
David Cibrian
USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 20:47:23 (MDT)
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i post at AW.org all the time, perhaps too much. ive never met Robert S. (the webmaster of AW.org) and have only chatted with him a little. he is very, very kind and welcoming, and his site is witty and user-friendly. there are NO flame wars or drama on AW.org. i chose the username *brettsomers* because i used to watch Match Game a lot on GSN. everyones contact info and name are public record on AW.org so identities are no secret. Mr Seger does a flawless job policing the site and will block or erase any unkind or evil posts. Mr Seger is very fair. Ive learned a lot from his site. It's because of his site that i got off my a$$ and joined VCCC. PS. when you need to link to AW.org is often doesnt work since the links are quickly outdated. you must type "automaticwasher.org" into the address bag and go from there.
David Cibrian
USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 20:44:32 (MDT)
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My HTML link didn't work so just copy and paste this address into your browser, then bookmark it for future reference.
http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-DISCUSS-O-MAT.cgi
Greg Nunn
Omaha, NE USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 20:34:58 (MDT)
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Hi all, I hope everyone has recovered from the convention festivities and travel. I would echo all the sentiments previously posted thanking everyone who made the gathering possible, the creativity and spectacular events were certainly memorable for my "first time!" Being able to put faces with names and the honor of meeting Stan, Ruth and others was a highlight of summer for me and I'm very much looking forward to the convention in Omaha, my home city, next year! Omaha is a beautiful city, and there are so many things to see an do, there is no way we could fit it all in!
It is curious that some are experiencing troubles with the www.automaticwasher.org website. This should help everyone understand how the system works there. Copying a link to an active thread from your browser will not be a good link for long as the URL changes that last three digits of the URL each time a reply to that thread is posted.
Here is a permanent link to the Discuss-O-Mat entry page, if you bookmark it from this page, you should have no trouble finding threads by their numbers when needed. Just remember to refer to which forum and thread number you are wishing us to view each time you post about them here.
Discuss-o-Mat
Greg Nunn
Omaha, NE USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 20:33:37 (MDT)
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Hi, Everybody--I have some pictures that I have posted from the convention, in the "Discuss-O-Mat" Super Forum, simply click on the link "Tommy's Link" and it will open the Yahoo Albums. Click on the "VCCC 2006" album, and it will pull up all the photos. Click on "Slide Show" to see all the pictures. Anyway--Once again--I really enjoyed the great convention this year, and hope to see you next year!
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 14:59:05 (MDT)
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Hello Everyone:
Wow, what can I say. This was our greatest, most well-attended convention in our club's history. So very many cleaners, I still don't think I got a chance to see them all.
Some of the highlights were Duane Taylor (Tania's friend) and his amazing, fully restored Sturtevant that won a double blue ribbon. Congratulations Duane on a fantastic restoration job. We definately want to see you and your cleaners at next year's convention in Omaha.
As always, Tania's cleaners were pristine. She gifted me with a beautiful, immaculate Rainbow model D from 1962 with all the tools in the original box. Tania is the sweetest, most kind woman I know (other than my mother).
I got to meet many new people, as well as some 'old friends'. I especially enjoyed the cleaning competition this year. It's too bad that we didn't have time for the restoration clinic. But we just had way too much to do on Thursday.
My house is still a mess. I haven't had a chance to put away all the sweepers I displayed for the people who came out to my home on Saturday, after Ruth Hollander's tour of her home and shop. The roasted chicken turned out very well, and a great time was had by all.
As always, it ends WAY, WAY too soon. There's the inevitable 'let down' this week, all the excitement and comraderie of last week is sorely missed this week. A very special thanks to Mike Banta for making this meeting memorable for me. What a good friend he is.
Oh well, I think I'll go visit Stan Kann and help him put away his marvelous collection. He's all out-of-sorts when his machines aren't standing 'just so'. But that's one of the things I love most about Stan. All his beautiful machines, standing like 'dirt soldiers' in staight lines, ready for their breezy run around his home.
Thanks again to RJ for a truly memorable convention. I'm delighted to see that the club is in VERY capable hands, with the election of Morgan Frazier. Can't wait for the party Morgan throws next June in Omaha. He's got big shoes to fill indeed.
tom gasko
park hills, mo USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 14:28:21 (MDT)
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I have to completely agree with Charlie on his posting. I have been a member of Applianceville ever since in began and never once have had a problem with it and believe me I am no computer wizard by any means. Everyone I have ever talked with before has always found it so easy to navigate. That site has about 500 plus members and gets hundreds of hits daily. RJ and Charles if you continue to have problems I am sure if you were to contact Robert he would be more than happy to check into these. I enjoy the washer, dryer, dishwasher discussion and hobby so I visit all three sections however if vacuums are your main interest than a quick visit to the "super" forum will take care of it. I hope that the problems you are having are cleared up as it is a very fun site. Terry
Terry Lattz
Danville, Il USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 12:43:19 (MDT)
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R. J.,
Most of the VCCC members that "float" back and forth from our site to automaticwasher.com have always commented on the ease of use of the site since it is patterned like most interactive websites and Robert Seager, the site's designer polled that group to see what they wanted.
The use of movie star names is not to hide or confuse in anyway, shape or manner. Those that post reguarly know who the names belong to. Those that visit don't even care. Most enjoy the FUN banter that goes on even when it goes off in 1000 different directions.
The "nome de plumes" used, sometimes refer, in FUN to alter egos or characters from films that the poster identifies with for a myriad of reasons. You will note, however, that most posts still talk about washer or vacuum related topics.
When the threads do go off on rants for whatever reason, all posters are still respected and foul language, name calling and threats have never happened. Some of the digressions have resulted in more posts than the mundane ones. Please note as well, that this ONLY happens on the Super forum AND not the others as there are clearly understood boundaries.
For most, this is a hobby and typically, hobbies represent fun and a chance to let one's hair down. I look forward to reading the posts on the Super forum and seeing all the ideas, creativity, opinions and the like. I am sorry you have problems linking/reading the posts there as I have never heard this from any other member of either group.
Charlie Watrous
Charlotte, USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 09:24:37 (MDT)
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I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank R. J. Vanik for the superlative job -- indeed, above reproach -- that he has done as the VCCC's former president.
He has shown excellent leadership and organizational skills on every level; has always been exceedingly diplomatic and discreet when dealing with the many "issues" (large and small) that have come up; and, perhaps most of all, has always remained MEMBER-FOCUSED ---- setting aside his own issues and agendas in favor of the membership-at-large.
This is no easy job to fill, as EVERY past president will attest to.
I know that Morgan Frazer will also do an excellent job, but he certainly has some big shoes to fill!
Again, R. J., thanks so much for all you've done for the Club.
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 00:15:45 (MDT)
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To Charles Richard-
I have the same problem when I go to the URL listed below for the automatic washer site. I get a message that says, "This page does not exist or has just been updated. If you are trying to view a Discuss-o-Mat thread someone has just posted an update to it, please click here and reselect your index page with the latest updates." Then when I try to go back to the Discuss-o-Mat, the computer either crashes or freezes.
On the few occasions I have been able to find a discussion thread there, the use of screen names as opposed to real names and the cast of vintage movie characters makes it a challenge to figure out who's saying what. I guess the idea is to keep the reader confused......
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Monday, June 19, 2006 at 22:38:52 (MDT)
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Whassup y'all? I had a fine time at this, my first convention in 10 years. I am thankful to have met many fine new friends, and reconnecting with old ones. It's a pity I wasn't able to be at Tom's on Saturday. It was fun the time I was able to hang out wit all y'all. Very sad thing happen Saturday night. my pa went out to use my Electrolux shop vac to clean the rental van, and came to the house telling me it blew up. Funny that happening right after I get back, yes? Anyway, I hope I can see all y'all again next year. Maybe we have even more new members next year. I am glad all y'all liked my fans. Too bad I only had 1 hour on my video tape. I haven't watched it yet, but I'll letcha know if it turned out good. We talk more later, yes?
Jason Davis
Dewey, OK USA - Monday, June 19, 2006 at 01:32:52 (MDT)
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There are no words that can describe this years convention! My head is still spinning.....
I want to Thank so many people for so many different things that I don't know where to start.
So I will start by Thanking everyone for entrusting me for the next two years as President of this wonderful group of people. I will do my best to keep the standard of leadership this club has experienced over the
years. Within the very near future we will be providing you with an up to date list of officers and new committee members that were appointed at this years convention.
Special Thanks to RJ Vanik for a wonderful 2006 convention, many new vacuums we have never seen before, many new faces (and I might add new friends)along with the chance to see old friends and some of their collections.
A group like this can only stay as strong as it's members, so don't be surprised if you see my name on your caller ID or any one from the board, we may be calling on you for your assistance in planning and moving into the next two years.
Thanks again Everyone for making this Club what it is today!!!
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, USA - Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 22:03:15 (MDT)
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Greetings to all!! I have just returned from the vacuum convention and had a wonderful time!! Thanks Fred and Charlie for the great pictures, it is like being there all over again. I want to thank RJ and everyone who had a hand at planning the convention. We had a great time. A special Thank-you goes out to Ruth Hollander and her husban Keith for openning there home and shop to all of us. They served us a wonderful lunch on Saturday. To Stan Kann for making it possible for us to see the beautiful Fox Theater. Believe me that is the most impressive theater I have ever seen. Then to be able to go to his home and see his awesome collection was a dream come true. Special thanks and hugs to Tom and David for openning their shop and home to us as well. They served a wonderful dinner to the group on Saturday night and I am really sorry that I had to leave early. Last but not least to Fred and Charlie for hosting the fun cocktail party for all of us on Thursday night at the hotel. I heard so many postive complements about this. We all had such a great time and it is my hope that all of you will be able to join us in Omaha next year!! I am so excited to be part of the planning committee for this and I can promise you all it will be fantastic!! If I have forgotten to send special thanks to anyone please know it wasn't on purpose it is just that we worked so much fun into those three short days that my mind is still in a "whirl" Terry
Terry Lattz
Danville, Il USA - Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 20:51:50 (MDT)
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BTW - Just to keep things "straight." I am "Ida" for Ida Corwin - Mildred Pierce's sidekick in "Mildred Pierce" and Charlie Watrous is Helen Lawson from "Valley of the Dolls."
Fred (Ida)
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, IL USA - Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 20:31:13 (MDT)
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Oops - I meant Charles Richard. Give me some time to get used to that.
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, Il USA - Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 20:28:21 (MDT)
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Charlie - If the link doesn't work try www.automaticwasher.org then click on "Discuss O Mat" then the "Super Forum" then thread 6776 "VCCC Convention" Hope that works.
Fred Nelson
Fashionable St. Charles, IL USA - Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 20:25:08 (MDT)
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Glad to hear the convention was a success. I have tried clicking on the links that Messrs. Watrous and Nelson posted but they both are taking me to "error/invalid" pages. So I don't know "wassap wid dat."
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 16:36:38 (MDT)
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WOW--All I Can Say is WOW!!! What a convention! I enjoyed every bit of it!! It was more than great--It was fantastic!! It was a pleasure to meet some of my fellow collectors, and I had a great time. I am now back in Texas, and my van ran well but had to have a little service done to it on the way, a tune-up, etc. Anyway--I hope to be able to make it next year! I really enjoyed it. I hope the rest of you that may still be traveling home will have a safe trip. Thanks also, to Alex--For being so kind, and Thanks to everybody--For a great Convention! Is there a different website for convention photos--as I typed in the above website and it's for washing machines.
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 15:37:46 (MDT)
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Greetings Folks,
More photos from the convention are available at the following link. Enjoy!http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/THREADS/SANDBOX/6776x41.htm
Charlie Watrous
Charlotte, USA - Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 10:58:38 (MDT)
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Fred
Thanks so much for taking pictures and connecting them to those of us who could not be at the convention. I know everyone had a wonderful time.
Thanks again.
Norm
Norm Brown
columbus, oh USA - Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 20:31:10 (MDT)
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Check out this thread at Automatic Washer.Org for some pictures and comments on the St. Louis convention.
http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/THREADS/SANDBOX/6776x37.htm
Fred
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, Il USA - Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 18:10:20 (MDT)
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The Sentria Does not have the tools on board-It is not much lighter than the older "G" models-It does have a diffrent handle design-makes it easier to hold and push.The Sentria still has the tool caddy similar to the older Kirby "G" machines.I think the performance is slightly better.I don't like "friction" fit toolseither they lock together to the point you can't get them apart-or they fall off constantly when in use.I would like Kirby to get away from that.All in all-I do like the new machine.You have to see and try one when its available to your area.Would think it should be soon.I am one who prefers the paper or Filtrete bags over the dump bins or dump bags.
rex oliver
greenville, nc USA - Friday, June 16, 2006 at 04:18:51 (MDT)
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Interesting,
I had a Kirby Salesperson in my office on Sunday. Her take on the new Kirby is that they are trying to get rid of the Diamond Series in their stores before selling the new model.
She however told me it had on-board tools, is 8 lbs lighter, and now has 245 Air Watts...
I asked her for the post card or a picture of the new machine, hoping to be able to take it to the convention with me, but she said the new brouchures were not out yet and that the web-site had not been changed.
Will be curious to see the new upholstery tool and see if they have improved the tools. Personally I liked the older tools (prior to the G Series) better than the newer ones. I personally don't like telescoping wands or locking wands. Would love to see the bare floor tool redesigned and use a better brush.
I have the Ultimate G and love it. It is quieter and the Micron Bags leak no dust. You can pick up any type of dirt and there will not be any dust even on the fill tube. Bagless and my allergies are not a good combination. No matter how carefull you are empting the dirt cup there is still a certain amount of dust that escapes.
Just my take.
Have the car ready to go and planning on leaving Dubuque about 6 AM in the morning hope to see you all in St Louis
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 12:14:02 (MDT)
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skip,Tom:Thats interesting that Kirby won't comment on their new machine!Maybe the area I am in is some sort of test market-got mine thru the distributor in Raleigh-Durham.She had to go from Raleigh to my place-Greenville which is about two hrs East of her.I love it when you were able to try various experimental machines while touring kirby's factory.Was that the plant in Ohio or was it the one in Andrews Texas?I would love to send pictures of my machine but I don't have a camera.I am trying to figure which one to get and then how to transmit the pics.I can't find any pictures of it on the internet to link-folks on the Applianceville website want to see it as well.The saleslady that sold me mine said that me and one other prospect were the only ones that had them in the area.She is trying to unload her stock of Diamond G's so she can get some more Sentrias.The machine still uses bags(Filtrete ones come with it)and the hose and attachments aren't on board.Just as well-I think hoses and tools on board machines can be clumsy.--and the tools fall off as you go.I have two Dyson machines--A DC 15"Ball" and a DC07.In fact the DC07 came from a Kirby distributor-it was traded in on a Kirby--traded in for a Diamond G.When I got the DC07 its roller brush was loaded with people and pet hair.Wish the roller burshes on those were feild removable so you could clean it.The one on the DC15 ball is.I got the Ball new from Best Buy.I like the Kirby machines better-I would rather deal with bags than dust cups.I also had to replace the filter in the DC07-was rather smelly.Washing didn't help.Was better to get a new one.It would be interesting if Kirby offered a bagless dirt system OR the bag.Than prospects have a choice-remember with the Heritage model-you could choose between the dump bag or the bag system used paper bags.I haven't had odor problems with Filtrete bags-maybe others have.I use Filtrete bags in my Air-Way,Miele Red Velvet,and Kirbys.they are a big improvement over paper bags.The Sntria is a rehab of the "G" series machines-it seems Kirby loves the "G" sereies design platform.The upolstry tool is diffrent on the Sentria.Serrated front lips and gapped rear lips on the nozzle.I would love to see Kirby go to rectrable metal wands with locking tools.The friction fit ones just have no place in an expensive vacuum such as that.also--please go back to the METAL fans.The plastic ones break all too easily.With the fan design they use-metal ones would be no problem-the fan has high leading blade edges-but short trailing ones-the trailing ones is where it gets the most stress from a hard object-the fan is traveling faster there!Also metal is best here because of our sandy dirt that gets tracked in.But the Sentria is a great machine-esp like its LED headlight.The blue tint it has helps dust laying on the floor being cleaned show up better.And the air intake guard is different-its designed so you can attach Kirby's new "Handi-Butler" tool to it.the new Handi Butler is air powered.Kirby still has the "Turbo-Tool" the air powered vibrator sander-polisher-messager.
rex oliver
Greenville, NC USA - Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 02:21:45 (MDT)
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HI To All:
Rex and Tom
I emailed thje kirby plant yesterday asking them to send me some information on the brand new Kirby Sentria and they emailed me back today saying that the only current model of Kirby available today is the Kirby G7 Diamond edition ultimate G and that there was no information available at this time.
This really puzzles me because they won't admit that there is a New Kirby Sentria out there, Maybe they are trying the East coast to see how well they sell before expanding sales to the other areas of the states. I would love to see pictures of the NEw sentria as Kirby is one of my favorites.
Rex If You don't mijnd please send me some pictures of it. Thanks
Happy Vacuuming Skip...
Skip Aultman
Lafayette, LA USA - Monday, June 12, 2006 at 16:50:09 (MDT)
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Rex:
When the VCCC went through the Kirby factory a few years ago, we got to use the experimental models of Kirby. Mike Pletcher and I pushed the model with the Dirt Alert (dirt finder) as well as the model with the UP and DOWN arrows on the handle which controlled the motor speed.
John Lackner was the head of engineering at that time. He told us about a model Kirby they were currently working on that used Bagless technology (no more expensive, smelly bags), an on-board hose and combination tool, as well as a method of connecting the hose without taking the nozzle (head) off, just like the 1933 Apex "Majestic" upright. I hope the new model Sentria is bagless and has an on-board hose. Since this is the first I've heard of a new model, I'll have to call John at the factory and ask him if this is an all-new model or just a rehash of the old Generation series.
Congratulations on your purchase. Will you be bringing it to the meeting so we can all see this brand new model?
tom gasko
park hills, mo USA - Monday, June 12, 2006 at 11:16:19 (MDT)
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Hey here is my wish list. Need wands & floor tool for Pink G.E canister. Tools and correct hose for Golden Lewyt. Outer vynal bag for G.E Upright U-7 Owners Maunuals for said Vacuums. Thanks Mikey
Mikey Banta
Santa Clara, Ca USA - Sunday, June 11, 2006 at 09:27:08 (MDT)
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The Kirby saleslady visited me-and I got a new Kirby "Sentria" vacuum-Its quite a machine-Its has a very effective Blue-white LED headlight.The bletlifter is diffrent-little easier to use.the handlebar has a chromed front panel-the Kirby "bank" on the back is no more.The speed switch on top of the motor is gone as well-its said the switch confused users.the furniture tool is diffrent.The machine is slightly lighter in weight.Also it has a wider front bumper around the floor nozzle.The "Handi-butler" tool is back-its turbine powered-and uses standard Dremel "Moto-Tool" bits.The machines just came out this week.Anyone else in the VACCC gotten one?
rex oliver
greenville, NC USA - Sunday, June 11, 2006 at 02:13:26 (MDT)
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HI To All:
Just a short note that I won't be attending the convention either because of the shortage at work, but was so looking forward to it, I have been a member of the club since 2002 and haven't attended one convention yet but I still have hope of one day attending one.
I also wanted to say that I finally got my RCA Whirlpool Imperial Mark XII and it is drop dead gorious and it really truly does a fanastic job of cleaning, it was totally rebuild with brand new parts and boy that does make a differance. it has just a few scratches on it but other then that it's mint.
Well hoping all of You who are attending have the time of your life.
Happy vacuuming Skip...
Skip Aultman
Lafayette, LA USA - Friday, June 09, 2006 at 18:06:36 (MDT)
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Hello Everyone:
Just wanted to say I will not be seeing all of you in St Louis as Planned. Everything changes,
so I will not be there to share in all the fun.
Enjoy, until the next time.
Norm
Norm Brown
Columbus, OHio USA - Thursday, June 08, 2006 at 21:03:33 (MDT)
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Hi all!
Clay, that is a great idea! I could use many Lux pieces. For example, (though I am not expecting miracles here,)I am lookin for an AE original hose, complete attachement set for a model XXX, the filter (in the back) for the model XXX, hoses that work; straight suction and electrified, and whatever else you are able to bring for us to pick over. I am also looking for a Rainbow model D3C (the brown model with what I call "hat rings" around the top) machine only, since mine was trashed by FedEx when I sent it home from my first convention in 2002, Kirby 500 series good used cords, and whatever other good stuff you want to unload! Lookin forward to seeing you next week!
Louis R
Madison, CT USA - Thursday, June 08, 2006 at 18:36:58 (MDT)
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At long last!!!!
I finally found a Hoover model 33!!! I decided to brave the 105 degree heat and go shopping and i am so glad i did! It has a gray bag on it though so that is what my shout out is for. At first i thought is was the tan colored bag of the 1070 but upon taking it outside into the sunlight it looked gray to me. I'm sort of color blind anyway so who knows what color it is? LOL!! So if anyone has an extra purple bag i will buy it!!! Thanks! Marty
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Wednesday, June 07, 2006 at 21:16:16 (MDT)
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Clay,
What a great Idea, I would love to have in my collection any one of the Eureka tear drop canisiters. I will be bringing some vacuums for the free pile as well. Some newer and older vacuums.
Charlie, I can totally understand how hard it is to find an organist. I am lucky as there are two women that play the piano in my Church and they are good about covering while I am gone. I find though that they really appreciate the organ when I return.
Looking forward to seeing everyone!!!
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Monday, June 05, 2006 at 05:59:23 (MDT)
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Hi All,
Yes, definitely feeling the excitement in the air about the upcoming convention. I wish I could make it but it's just too great an economic burden for me.
Not only are there the expenses of attending the convention, but also the loss of income as I would have to take time off from two church jobs without pay.
Not to mention that church organists are as scarce as Model O Hoovers -- try finding ONE when you need one, let alone TWO of 'em....
Hope you all have lots of fun and PLEASE ... EVERYONE ... give my dear friend STAN KANN a BIG HUG and KISS and tell him it is from MRS. MacNURTLE and her MODEL 700 HOOVER!!!
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Monday, June 05, 2006 at 01:12:32 (MDT)
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Okay Here's my wish list, I'm looking for a Singer carpet nozzle, duster and upholstery nozzle, in the beige/creme color for the model C9. Also looking for GE copper wands for my roll easy. Basically anything Singer. That's my big thing right now. Marty
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs , Ca USA - Monday, June 05, 2006 at 01:00:31 (MDT)
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Well, I don't generally like to rush into things, but after being a member for over two years, I suppose its not be too early to post! The convention is nearly upon us, and after loosing my virginity as a newby last year in Los Angeles and having a WONDERFUL time, I can truly say I am very excited about attending in St Louis. Although there are many reasons I am greatly anticipating this meeting, reconnecting with several really great friends are among the first. Seeing new collections, including Stan's and The Fox Theater, and the commraderie in general, plus meeting new friends completes the list. Sadly, some great members from our L.A./Desert area including Charlie, Kyle, and Victor will not be joing us, and I know their input will be missed.
Well, 'until the games begin' I will look forward to seeing and/or meeting so many of you of whom I've heard GREAT things! And remember, "Nothing sucks like an ELECTROLUX!"
My Best,
Rick :)
Rick Benedikt
Westminster, CA USA - Sunday, June 04, 2006 at 10:57:41 (MDT)
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Hey guys! Looking forward to St. Louis! I just had an idea that would be very helpful to me and, I imagine, a lot of other meeting participants who are trying to decide what to bring. Everybody quick-like post on this website the things they're looking for, and I'll bet others will have those items and bring them with them. For example, I have a number of Electrolux items which don't mean a lot to me, but some of you guys would go nuts over them. Unless I know what you want, I don't know what to bring. Conversely, maybe some of you have some Hoover, Air-Way, or Rexair (my 3 favorites) items I've been looking for.
Clay Floyd
Lenoir, NC USA - Saturday, June 03, 2006 at 12:41:57 (MDT)
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Was reading a current issue of "Hemmings Classic Car" today and ran across the following item in a column about dumb things guy's do with their cars ("Stupidology").
"......an activity I once saw at a local Corvair club meet tops that by quite a margin in the senseless-stunts-done-by-grown-men category. While their wives served lunch from the rear of a vintage Greenbrier and rolled their eyes, the guys took old vacuum cleaners, placed their hoses in a pan of gasoline, plugged them in and ran away. I have to admit, seeing an old Electrolux explode was pretty entertaining. However, please don't try this at home because such behavior is not only truly stupid, but very dangerous."
I wonder how those guys would feel if we torched one of their old cars?????????
dave olsen
dave olsen
Portland, or USA - Friday, June 02, 2006 at 17:33:52 (MDT)
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We're already at 50 advanced registrations and the list continues to grow.....this will definitely be the best-attended convention we've had to date! I'm sure everyone will have a GREAT time!
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at 23:11:57 (MDT)
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Hello, Everybody--Are You Ready for the convention? It's getting closer by the day! A little over 2 weeks away! I'm getting excited, as this will be my first convention and from what Alex has told me--The conventions in the past have been great! Alex and I will be selling some items from the vacuum warehouse, I will be loading up some machines in my van as well as some parts. Here is a sample of a few parts that we have: Roller Brushes, Wands, Attachments, and Paper Bags Galore! There should be "something for everyone"! Anyway--I hope to see you all at the convention. It's going to be a great time!
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Sunday, May 28, 2006 at 20:47:35 (MDT)
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I've added some interesting things to two pages of my "History of American Electrolux" site.
First, I added a photo of an extremely rare late (1936) version of the Model XII-A that I just found. A lady in St. Louis found my web site and offered to send it to me for the cost of postage. (And her sister, who lives here in Los Angeles, gave me an old Royal Standard upright branded as "The Lincoln Deluxe!")
This XII-A is really interesting mostly because of the logo treatment: Rather than the circular medallion on top of the motor housing, which had been the mainstay ever since the Model V, on this version of the XII-A there are long, narrow strips running along the sides of the motor, spelling out "ELECTROLUX" in long red block letters. This is of course a sort of "premonition" of the all-new Model XXX that would come out in 1937.
SEE http://www.137.com/lux/luxvxii.html
Then, I have finally gotten around to adding photos of the beautiful Model AF power nozzle that came my way last summer as the result of a trade. You can imagine what a happy day it was at Casa Electrolux when this long-awaited treasure finally materialized!
SEE: http://www.137.com/af/page5.html
Or, if you want to build up the suspense, you can start at the main page of the AF section at:
http://www.137.com/af
Enjoy!
~
CRL
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States - Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at 02:15:22 (MDT)
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An eBay Electrolux XXX Story
SEE
http://137.com/anotherlux
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States - Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 00:34:06 (MDT)
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Read thru the doco that came with the Miracle Mate vacuum-the powernozzle is called an "Edgelift"has special air ducts on the sides to give more air movement to pick up dust and dirt better along baseboards and furniture.Its more than just the simple notch or vent on other nozzles.It is supplied thru "ESSCO"
Rex Oliver
Greenville, NC USA - Sunday, May 21, 2006 at 04:33:28 (MDT)
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Got a new Miracle Mate Vacuum today-its a "Platinum" model.It has a different powernozzle than the one pictured on their website.Very effective.Its a very strong machine-gives a reading of "8" on a Baird meter.Gives 98" on a vac suction guage.How long has MM been around-anyone have any history of these machines and the company-they make a fantastic product.Beautiful, all metal body.Has the coolest blue tools I have seen-even have the "sparklies" in them like the older Compact tools.Has two wands-one electric for the powernozzle,other plain for the bare floor nozzle.They are extendable.
Rex Oliver
Greenville, NC USA - Sunday, May 21, 2006 at 00:37:31 (MDT)
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Hi To All:
Just wanted to let You'll know I now have a bumper for my Eureka upright, I found it at Cajun Vacs and Gerald gave it to me.
Skip...
Skip Aultman
Lafayette, La USA - Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at 18:16:17 (MDT)
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TELEVISION FEATURE
If anyone has friends or family in the UK, you might want to pass along the following information. There's a program on BBC One called, "Have I Got News For You" which features publications from different groups and organizations. The VCCC newsletter is scheduled to be featured as their "guest publication" on BBC One this Friday night and be repeated on Monday. They're also going to send me a copy of the video, so hopefully I'll have it in time to share with attendees at the convention for our video evening.
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at 05:13:31 (MDT)
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Guys hate i cant make it to the convention this yr, but my travel budget is shot from visiting the new better half in michagan, love to see some pix from the meeting if anyone would email them to me
ron
ron
USA - Tuesday, May 16, 2006 at 10:04:30 (MDT)
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TOASTER CARRIAGE
You have been here, but I have added (just scroll down the page when you get there) a Carriage made from a vintage toaster. Check it out.
http://www.goodfirm.com/marksart/mark10
mark goodall
omaha, ne USA - Monday, May 15, 2006 at 15:48:35 (MDT)
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HI To All:
Just wanted to tell You'll also about my latest find. To me it is rare and others have said so. I just Acquired a 1960 RCA Whirlpool canister Vacuum cleaner with the look alike ABC power nozzle.
This is truly one of my most prized possessions in my collection. It is all original but only has one attachment besides the power nozzle and I will be on the look out for the attachments for it and have been told maybe i can find some Kenmore attachments that will work.
The vacuum is in near mint condition as You can get and does come with the original bags with it but will try to find some Kenmore bags so I can preserve the original bags.
So this Whirlpool more or less is going to wrap up my collection as I have maxed out on room. but there are afew down the road I would like to acquire but in no hurry at the moment.
Charlie Lester has the ad for my Whirlpool in the yahoo group Vintage Dust Collectors in his photos if anyone wants to see what it looks like.
I also probably won't be able to make this years convention as there is still a major shortage at work and all of Our vacations are on hold until futher notice.
I have asked my boss to please try like Hell to gave me that week off, so If i'm able to make it ,it will be last minute and know that I will be losing out on the early registration and discount room rates but I will be going with my Brother-in-law and my Son as We will drive down there.
So Hopefully I will make it if not again I wish You All the greatest of time and I know
one day before I'm dead and gone to have at least make one convention.
Happy Vacuuming Skip...
Skip Aultman
Lafayette, LA USA - Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 12:10:30 (MDT)
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Hi gang,
Just a note to tell you about my latest additions to my collection. A neighbor of mine was cleaning out his garage a couple weeks ago and gave me (yes, gave!) a model 90 Lewyt (also known as the Golden Lewyt) and a model 701 Electro-Hygiene Special. Both vacs run great but are a little short on attachments. The Lewyt has the hose, both wands, and rug nozzle, and the Hygiene has hose, 1 wand, and rug nozzle, but the Hygiene's hose is shot. It's my first Lewyt, and 4th Electro-Hygiene. The 701 Electro-Hygiene is almost identical to the 701 Royal that wss pictured in our Newsletter 3 or 4 issues back.
Sorry, but I won't make it to the Convention this year. Another club that I'm in, the American Amateur Press Association, is having their convention here in Ohio this year, and I'm on the committee, so between that and other obligations I have quite a few irons in the fire.
Wishing a speedy recovery to Kyle and all the best to all,
Jeff
Jeff Schroff (Sr.)
Galion, OH USA - Friday, May 12, 2006 at 23:03:12 (MDT)
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CONVENTION REMINDER
Convention registrations are continuing to come in at a good pace. Just as a reminder to those who want to $ave, the deadline for early registration discount is May 20 (a week from tomorrow). Deadline for special guest room rate is May 14 (this coming Monday). Looking forward to seeing all of you there!
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Friday, May 12, 2006 at 17:19:41 (MDT)
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Looking for some advice. Just received a Dual 50 Kirby that is in great shape. I have hand buffed it with Mothers Mag. I have heard people on this forum mention machine buffing. Is there an attachment for a drill that you use or a stationary buffer. The vacuum is in great condition, no major scratches and the hand buffing did a nice job but still not as good as a factory rebuild. I will post pictures on the Automatic washer site.
To those of you that live in CA. You have a lot to see and do. For the short time I was there it seemed like I took in a lot of sites. The Crystal Cathedral was the high light of my trip. The organ is truly remarkable. I did not hear it played but the pipe work is truly awesome. The best part is knowing that the lady that paid to have the organ installed also made sure that there was money in trust to keep it maintained.
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Friday, May 12, 2006 at 14:36:38 (MDT)
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To Alex-
The board has decided that a nominating committee is not practical for our club at this time. Any candidates are weclome to announce their candidacy and nominations will be accepted from the floor at the general meeting.
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at 06:26:12 (MDT)
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With the Convention only a month away I have a question for R.J. and the board. Do any of you know who the candidates are for the election? I'm sure there are others like me who want to know.
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at 00:52:15 (MDT)
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Well arrived safe in Sunny San Diego CA. What a change of scenery from the mid-west. Such bright colors. We drove around sight seeing today. Balboa Park was the hit for me as we went to the outdoor organ concert. The organ has been in the park since 1915 and playing Sunday and Monday night concerts ever since. It is an Austin Organ builtin CT. Austin Pipe organs are very popular in the midwest and considered to be top of the line. The first church I played for that had a real pipe organ was an Austin.
Now that I have my first plane flight under my bed, traveling will be much easier. Charlie, look out, being a flight attendant is looking very attractive!
Kyle, I wish you a speedy recovery and you will be in my prayer as well.
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque`, IA USA - Sunday, May 07, 2006 at 21:35:28 (MDT)
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Kyle--You are In my thoughts and prayers--I will lift you up to the Lord in Prayer every day. I hope you will recover quickly!
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Saturday, May 06, 2006 at 15:16:44 (MDT)
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Please keep club member Kyle Mathews in your thoughts and prayers. Last night he slipped and fell at his house. He shattered his arm so badly that he is going to have surgery. He will probably be out of commission for as long as six weeks.
Typical of the sweet guy he is, he is more concerned about his bird MJ than he is about himself. MJ had gotten out and Kyle had to go chasing after him before he went to the hospital.
When he called me today he sounded groggy and disoriented. I suspect he's on pain medicine. So I wouldn't flood him with a lot of phone calls just yet but I am sure he'd appreciate cards and emails. Address below.
I'll keep you posted as I hear more from him.
Kyle Mathews
P.O. Box 6907
Burbank, CA 91510
kjmathews_2000@yahoo.com
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Saturday, May 06, 2006 at 12:45:31 (MDT)
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Dear Members:
Morgan, I think it is okay to say that today is Michael LaBue's 60th birthday! I don't think he will mind that I have revealed his age.
60 is quite a landmark and things are finally going fairly well for him and John in Ft. Lauderdale.
So, please join me in wishing the very best on this wonderful occasion and many happy returns of the day!
Charlie W.
charlotte, USA - Friday, May 05, 2006 at 08:12:09 (MDT)
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Morgan, my first flight was in 1957 at the tender age of 6. My mom and I had a night flight from Miami to New York. What a fantastic trip, and seeing the lights of the airport below us was even better. I can't count the number of times I've flown from city to city. In all those years never a bad flight.
For quick travel there is nothing better. If however, I have the time, then I go Amtrak. This lets me get up, walk around, meet people and relax the trip.
One tip, bring a c/d player, or a good book. Personally I love the feeling of take off and I love to watch us circle the airport. Flying into San Diego is also wild. The airport is about five miles from the city and all planes fly over Balboa park, it gives a breathtaking view of the city.
Have a great trip.
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Thursday, May 04, 2006 at 14:08:59 (MDT)
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Morgan!!!!
My first plane trip was in 1993. Went to Leavenworth Kansas to see my sister who was stationed in the Army there. My savior: .25 mg of Xanax upon driving into the airport and another in the plane while waiting to taxi down the runway. So far I've been to Altanta GA, Seattle WA, Portland OR, Milwaukee WI, Chicago IL and Louisville KY. My last trip was to Chicago and i did it medication free. Thats not to say i didn't have it in my carry on LOL!!!
I wish you were going to be in Cali longer. You have to come visit Palm Springs sometime! Have a great trip!
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, CA USA - Wednesday, May 03, 2006 at 20:40:35 (MDT)
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Mark,
My next door neighbor travels for the winter in their motor home. She stopped in yesterday to say they are back for the summer. I was showing her my vacuum collection and she mentioned that while they were in Mexico they visited a contempory art museum. She recognized an old vacuum cleaner made into an airplane. After she finished her story I asked if she remembered the artists name... she could not, but when I mentioned your name she thought it sounded very familar. Is there a possibility it was your art work?
Trying to get loose ends tied up, the house cleaned and preparing myself for my first plane flight. Heading to CA to visit with Mark's parents and celebrate his birthday. For sure will be going to the Crystal Cathederal. Can not wait to see and hopefully hear the organ. It is going to be a short trip, but if I like flying will be going back at Christmas to see the Glory of Christmas performed at the Crystal Cathederal.
Morgan
Morgan T Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Wednesday, May 03, 2006 at 19:40:52 (MDT)
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Quiz - and the winner is!
Recall my earlier post asking to identify the parts of this Open Wheel Racer:
http://www.goodfirm.com/marksart/mark10
I was overwhelmed by the response (smile). Well, Charles Richard Lester, of course, knew that the body is an Electrolux Model E (not an Automatic E) (and by the way, I think Charles is better than Charlie for a theremin virtuoso anyway). The grill is the grill from a computer speaker, the wheels are from a stroller, the exhaust manifold is a cabinet hinge, and (you can't see it from this angle) I have put a Sears Kenmore Commander back flap on the back. The seat is from a V-8 can. FYI
mark goodall
omaha, ne USA - Wednesday, May 03, 2006 at 07:46:26 (MDT)
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Thank you Morgan for making us aware of Michael LaBue's birthday, I will add it to my data base.
Again I have to stress to ALL members that I need your birthday info. For those of you who will attend this years convention, please see me in person so I can put together a list.
Happy Birthday Michael.
Alex Taber
USA - Wednesday, May 03, 2006 at 02:43:10 (MDT)
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We have a very special Birthday coming up on Friday. Michael LaBue will be celebrating his **
Birthday.
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Tuesday, May 02, 2006 at 06:22:55 (MDT)
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Sears Kenmore - Rocket Style
Okay, so I was robbing the back flap from a Kenmore rocket-type and found that the back section of the tank was made of bakelite instead of aluminum. I have, and have had, many of these canisters but the back covers of the others are/were all aluminum. Hmmmm.
mark goodall
omaha, ne USA - Monday, May 01, 2006 at 12:49:12 (MDT)
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Well, the racer is made from a 1954-55 Electrolux Model E (not E-Automatic), I don't know where the wheels came from and I don't SEE any radiator grill!
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Sunday, April 30, 2006 at 22:49:15 (MDT)
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Just to let everyone know, the Hoover Junior has been claimed.
Reggie Ridlen
Parker, Co USA - Sunday, April 30, 2006 at 19:08:52 (MDT)
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Hi To All:
Again something I need again so here it goes:
I have a Singer golden glide canister the triangle one, I need to replace the top lid because the left top trim is broken off of it and would love to get that replaced as to me it is an eyesore with the missing trim.
Thanks Skip...
skip Aultman
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, April 30, 2006 at 16:27:12 (MDT)
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Hey, Mark--I love it! I saw your racer, and I must say you've created quite a piece! I think I can guess what kind of vac that is--It looks to me like an Electrolux Model Automatic E. I'm not too sure about the wheels, they kinda look like they might be off a baby stroller? That's just a wild guess, but I can definitely tell the vac looks to be an Electrolux model Automatic E. I must say--That is really a unique piece!
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Sunday, April 30, 2006 at 11:42:10 (MDT)
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Vintage Vac Quiz Question:
I am near completion of a vintage open wheel racer. Can you guess the make and model of the vac I have used? Take a look at:
http://www.goodfirm.com/marksart/mark10/
mark goodall
omaha, ne USA - Sunday, April 30, 2006 at 10:08:33 (MDT)
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It is that time, time to move a few vacuums on to their next owners. Here are the vacuums I have:
-Hoover twin chamber bagless.
-Hoover Windtunnel with powerdrive, bagged.
-Hoover Windtunnel canister.
-Hoover Tempo stick vac thing.
-Some Sanyo that looks like a Panasonic.
-Hoover Junior 1348, in great shape but I have 2 of them.
-Plastic base Hoover Convertible, butterscotch. Bag is in rough shape and it needs some bearing work.
-Rainbow D4C, vacuum has been rebuilt, has the powernozzle and one extra hose, no tools or caddy, powernozzle needs a new brushroll, hoses not in the besh shape.
Thats all for now, I will be listing more later. I can get pictures. Some of these are in storage, so they might take a whike to get picture, or for me to get them shipped out.
Reggie Ridlen
Parker, Co USA - Saturday, April 29, 2006 at 20:07:36 (MDT)
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Hi To All:
You'll are going to get tired of me always asking for something.
But here it goes I won a Euerka Cordaway Upright exactly like the one Charlie Waltrus won a ribbon for a couple of years ago.
What i need is the bumper for it as mindoesn't have any and i check around here for one and none to be found. If any of You have an extra bumper for it that You'll can sell me please let me know
Thanks Skip
Skip Aultman
Lafayette, La. USA - Saturday, April 29, 2006 at 13:29:18 (MDT)
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Telling y'all the story about the dad and his little boy with the toy sweeper I saw the other day has elicited some very amusing replies, some of y'all telling about your favorite toy sweepers or sweepers that you made yourself out of other things. I'd like to collect these and write an article for the VCCC newsletter, so please submit your favorite stories about your toy or home-made sweepers to me! Here's one of mine:
One time I made an Electrolux out of an empty plastic clorox bottle and a roller skate, with latches for the front cover made from bent coathanger wire, complete with a disposable "lunch bag" that I decorated with crayons - wands made of Christmas wrapping paper cardboard tubes, and even a "floor polisher" made of coathanger wire bent into a loop and covered with a dish cloth! The only hard part was the hose. I had made that thing and it sat around the longest time without a hose.
Then one day I was playing with the kids up the street (two sisters) and we went into the barn behind their house. (No, not to be naughty, haha, but to look at their dad's ancient tractor.) There, lo and behold, sat an old rusty Model XXX with the cloth hose from a Model E attached to it. Oh happy day! My favorite Lux hose with the blue metal end!
The girls said I could have the hose, and my masterpiece was complete! Seeing the E hose on the XXX also explained why their mom's Model E had a XXX hose on it, although I never figured out how they got switched around. Maybe the E hose had gone bad and the XXX one was still good, who knows.
~
CRL
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Thursday, April 27, 2006 at 11:43:42 (MDT)
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Today as I was pulling out of the driveway of one of my graphics clients, I saw a man and his little boy - probably 3-4 years old - walking up the sidewalk. The boy was pushing what at first looked like a miniature golf cart.
But as he got closer, I saw that it was a toy vacuum cleaner! And as he pushed it along, he was making loud "VROOM VROOM" sounds.
I started laughing out loud when I realized what he was doing! When his dad saw me laughing, his face turned very red and he got a sheepish look on his face. I called out, "Believe it or not, that was ME about 45 years ago!"
The man just looked at me with a puzzled look on his face and he said, "Come along Tommy" and hurried on down the street. I am STILL chuckling about this!
~
CRL
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 20:24:19 (MDT)
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RJ,
I hope there is a mailed correspondence going out to those who do not have email access. Or perhaps a phone tree system set up.
It also could have an affect on those using Map Quest. I beleive when I did my search you could not use St. Louis in the Map Quest search. The hotel is actually located under a different town name.
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 12:06:36 (MDT)
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CONVENTION HOTEL UPDATE - HOTEL NAME CHANGE
I hope this doesn't cause any confusion. There is a change in place with our convention hotel that should have a relatively minor impact on our convention. The hotel will be changing it's name, and the previously listed toll-free number will NOT be valid for reservations. The address, dates, location, and hotel staff will remain the same.
The new name of the hotel will be the HOLIDAY INN AIRPORT WEST. If you have not yet made your reservations, please make them directly with the hotel at (314) 291-6800 and identify yourself as a member of the Vacuum Cleaner Collectors Club to get the special convention rate ($85/night). This rate will be valid for reservations made by May 13. The previously listed toll free number affiliated with Sheraton/Starwood hotels will NOT be taking reservations at our group rate.
If you have any questions about your reservation, you may want to call the hotel and reconfirm. An updated convention flyer with a schedule of events and additional information is scheduled to be mailed out to the membership this weekend.
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue , WA - Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 10:33:43 (MDT)
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Hi To All,
I had a very nice suprised yesterday. My Son Shaun and I were going to myt sister's house and just down the road from our house, The Dronets had at the end of there driveway an old vintage Apex but totally dirty You couldn't see the actual color because it was so dirty.
I turn around and drove by it again to make sure what I saw well because it was so dirty I told Shaun I'm not going to pick it up. but after We got to my sister's I had a change of heart, So We went to the Dronet's and I knock on the Door and Asked Mrs. Dronet If I could have the old vac and she said take what ever You like.
I pick up the Apex and put it in my Car,when I was backing up I noticed 2 wands with a floor tool on them. I asked Shaun to get it and He did and I asked him if he saw the vac He said no, He said Dad let's look in the trash bags to see what's in them, Well boy to my suprise the first bag I opened was an early 60's yellow GE swivel top vacuum with cord rewinder with the original tag still on the handle of it. But boy was it dirty and does have some rust pitting on it but It is all original with all the attachments and hose. In fact the original box was there but they had it fill to the brim with nails so the box is splitting in all directions.
Now the good part, I totally cleaned them up and on my Apex it has the original everything on it. But the problem with the Apex is the bag is dry rotten and has a bunch of holes in it.
What I need id if anyone of You have even a bojack bag that will fit it that I can buy from You'll?
Please let me know if any of You do. Thanks
Happy Vacuuming Skip...
Skip Aultman
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, April 24, 2006 at 15:01:22 (MDT)
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Charlie, ( I'm still going to call you that because i know you) When I turned 30, I went through this thing where i went from being Marty to wanting to be Martin. New co-workers who had met me for the first time called me Martin but of course my friends and family still just called me Marty. So nowadays I answer to both name.
My boss has a fond way of calling me into her office, " MARTIN DANIEL ROCHA RN, GET IN HERE!!!!"
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Friday, April 21, 2006 at 22:17:12 (MDT)
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Charles Richard Lester - Yes, it does have a nice ring to it. You go, Chaz!
mark goodall
omaha, ne USA - Friday, April 21, 2006 at 08:32:17 (MDT)
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I don't know if it's due to mid-life crisis (just hit 50), or general kookiness or just what ... probably a little of both along with some other dynamics I'm not even aware of.
The thing is, I have been thinking about my name recently. It has occurred to me that my full name, Charles Richard Lester, really does have a nice ring to it. So I am, at least on "written" and professional levels, going to start using it, in full. Please update your address books, email lists, contact info., etc., accordingly. I'm working on updating my web site as we speak.
I have gone by "Charlie" ever since 1970 -- when my family moved to Annapolis, Maryland and I entered senior high school. That's the longest I have gone by any name, other than the brief period back in the early 1980s when I ran away to Los Angeles to "become a movie star." I adapted a stage name of Erinn Andrews. Don't ask.
I took on "Charlie" when my family moved to Annapolis because one of my cousins told me "Charles" was too serious and formal. I had been "Chuck" or "Chuckie" from birth until the first grade, when my dear sweet first grader teacher, Mrs. Ruth Martin, told me I would be "Charles" to her. I came home and announced this, and thereafter whenever anyone would call me "Chuck" or "Chuckie," I'd grandly retort, "Charrrrles, please." Thereafter, I came to loathe the name Chuck, and still pretty much do. Only my dear Aunt Dabney, and my dear sister Kathie, get away with calling me Chuck!
Actually, I am quite proud of my name -- I was named after one of my uncles who, all things considered, was a very decent man and was always very kind to me. However, he went by his middle name -- "Richard" to his wife, and "Dick" to everyone else. I'm not quite ready to give up "Charles, please" but I don't mind at all adding "Richard" to it.
Now, I promise that if you still call me Charlie [or Chuck as may be] I won't retort, "Charles Richard, please." But I do want to start getting used to this name, and the easiest way to get used to it will be if everyone would play along and use it too. Thanks! :)
Maybe when I hit 100 I'll go back to "Chuckie" again.
Spread the word!
~
~~~
~~~~~~
Charles
Richard
Lester.
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Friday, April 21, 2006 at 01:58:25 (MDT)
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Just curious how the pre-registration is going. It might be helpful to know who has registered in case there may be someone looking to cut expenses and share a room. I have done both my registration and motel room.
If we don't have a lot of pre-registered members mabey we can makes some calls and build the excitement...
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Thursday, April 20, 2006 at 08:59:27 (MDT)
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Yay for Hans, I am so happy for him. Morgan thanks so much for sharing that information with us!
As far as Mini meets go,Fred is a wonderful host and you can alway count on a great time at his home! Terry
Terry Lattz
Danville, Il USA - Sunday, April 16, 2006 at 22:16:23 (MDT)
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Just had a wonderful chat with Hahns Craig. He has found someone to share his life with and has moved.
His new address is 1701 West First Street
Winston Salem, NC 27104
Phone Number is 336-407-5468
He is starting a new job this week working in the repair dept. at an Oreck Store --- Please be gentle!!!!! He and his new friend are planning to come to the Convention in June.
Fred-
Thanks for that wonderful invitation. Your kindness is much appreciated!!! Your a wonderful host. Sometime I hope to have the opportunity to return the favor and have everyone here in Iowa.
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Sunday, April 16, 2006 at 15:34:35 (MDT)
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Here is a link with the open invitation to the February mini-meet. I realize it wasn't posted early enough, so that will be fixed the next time.
http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/ARCHIVE/SANDBOX/2006/5100x54.htm
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, IL USA - Sunday, April 16, 2006 at 12:46:39 (MDT)
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Re: Mini-Meets
Everyone is always welcome to the mini-meets at my house. I will try to remember to post about them enough in advance to make travel arrangements. We always have a blast. The group that gets together here tends to be from the Illinois area including Milwaukee. Just let me know and we will find some place at Tarantula Arms for you to sleep.
This last gathering was somewhat more structured, since I had bought a table for the Human First gala and the tables only seat 10. If more people want to come next year, let me know and we can put another table together.
Morgan is in Iowa and came to the February gathering at my house since he is only a few hours away. Terry is in Danville, Il and others came from Wisconsin and locally. As I said, no one should feel left out, but I have posted about these before and no one else seems to come. I stopped in to Marty's while in Palm Springs and we had an impromptu gathering with Rick Benedickt (I am never sure if I am spelling that right!) These gatherings are such fun, and everytime we have one, they get better and the folks seem to get closer.
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, Il USA - Sunday, April 16, 2006 at 12:27:43 (MDT)
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Morgan, well said about mini meets!
Mikey, When i first joined the VCCC, I thought i was the only one in my area who collected vacuums. Over the years the Southern California members have grown so that i now have lots of sweeper buddies to visit or to have at my place. Occasionally Charlie Lester and Kyle Mathews will come from the LA area and Rick Benedikt always visits from the OC and i have Victor Lee and Dave Olsen right here in the desert with me so a mini meet here can last a day and everyone goes home usually after a great dinner out as i am a terrible cook! Or it can last only a few hours!And i on occasion leave the 100 degree heat to visit them. Mini meets are really very informal with no real plan. Usually showing off a collection and going on a Thrift Store run and having a meal or two. Just fun vacuum stuff.
One day you're going to have to get on that bike and come down here! That may be a problem though if you find a great vacuum and want to take it back with you.
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs , Ca USA - Saturday, April 15, 2006 at 21:49:57 (MDT)
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Mini-meets are fun and for most of us we don't have the luxury of posting and inviting everyone to a mini meet. My home will only hold so many people so I would have no other option than to invite people. I would not expect people to stay at a hotel and buy meals elsewhere. If I were to ever host a mini-meet, all the cooking and entertaining would be done from my home.
Because we are scattered all over the globe friendships form and most mini-meets are with in driving distance of a few hours from home. In no way is this intended to be snooty or clicky but rather just plain common sense. It gives an opportunity to see collections that would not be seen at the Annual Convention. There is generally no competition, just a chance to get together and have fun with vacuums.
A mini meet could be considered anytime even two or three members of the club get together to celebrate vacuums (such as flea market searches, helping someone with repairs ect.).
There members within our group that are more free to travel due to jobs, ect., making it easy for them to extend their local area of friendships and traveling radious. This in no way should be construed as being clicky, rude, or any other title you may give it. Again it is friends getting together to share a common interest -- THE VACUUM CLEANER
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Saturday, April 15, 2006 at 19:56:07 (MDT)
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Hey whats with all the minni meets being held and no one announcing or listing them?? Am I missing somthing here? Or are these just private events where guests are on a pick and choose by an invitation only basis???? Please advise
Mikey Banta
Santa Clara , Ca USA - Saturday, April 15, 2006 at 17:42:25 (MDT)
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Happy Easter to all. Please keep our state in your prayers. Tornadoes ripped through Iowa City(about an hours drive from me) last night and did major damage. It is a college town and one of the dorms was hit. I don't beleive anyone was seriously hurt. St. Patricks Catholic Church in the downtown area was damaged very badly.
Alex, I too am looking forward to your next issue of the newsletter. Hang in there, you will get used to the computer
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Friday, April 14, 2006 at 06:45:59 (MDT)
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Thank you very much for the Easter wishes Alex and the same to you! I am sure looking forward to you next newsletter. I thought your first one was very interesting. Terry
Terry Lattz
Danville, Il USA - Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 21:52:29 (MDT)
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Hi everybody, I'd like to take a few seconds to wish you all a Happy Easter, or Passover.
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 14:39:36 (MDT)
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We not only had a party line, but a fire phone as well. When a fire call came in you took the message and stayed on the line. On top of the phone was a little toggle switch that you then held for 15 seconds and released until you heard the whistle wind up and down. You did this for a total of 3 minutes unless you were close to the fire house and could see that there were enough men to man the trucks. For a tornado sighting you held the switch for a solid three minutes. When the storm had passed and it was clear you did three short blasts...Our party line did not disappeared until 1985. We started out as a 4 partly line and at the end it was a 2 party.
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, Ia USA - Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 19:55:27 (MDT)
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Well, I don't remember crank phones but I do remember party lines! When we lived on a little island in rural Virginia (near Williamsburg, on the Chesapeake Bay) in the early to mid 1960s, we had a party line. Imagine the pastor of a church being on a party line --- all the nosey old ladies regularly listened in for choice bits of juicy gossip!
I =LOVE= the pleasant sound of the old-fashioned bell rings! In fact on my other line I have just the guts of an old desk phone encased in a nice wooden box that sits along the floor in the hallway, and that's the only ringing you hear when the phone rings. All the annoying electronic beeps, chirps and blidderey-doos on the new phones are silent!!
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, CA United States of America - Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 13:14:18 (MDT)
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CHARLIE'S PHONE:
I accept the challenge to add a phone story. When I was a kid, our phone number was "three shorts and a long". To place a call to a neighbor, you turned the crank in accordande with the appropriate ring/number. Receiving a call, you would hear the phone ring and if it was three shorts and a long, you picked it up (or you picked it up a little later if you wanted to listen in on the neighbors). I was home alone once and unsuccessfully attempted a long distance call. The operator called my mother later and told her about it. I was in trouble. (My mom didn't mention whether the operator criticized her for leaving me alone in the first place!) Years later I drove a car (I did not have a license yet) into the ditch but I got it out and home okay. Listening in on the party line is how my mother found out about it.
And in those earlier days, we had telephone batteries - two per phone as I recall, about 10 inches high and 2.5 inches in diameter, cardboard sleeve and brass nuts on the terminals. Telephone batteries were used to start the engines on gas engine model cars and airplanes.
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 07:08:22 (MDT)
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When I was a little kid in Hampton, Virginia we had a yellow wall dial phone in the kitchen. And my Aunt Dabney, who lived just up the street from us, also had one just like it.
(How many of y'all oldtimers remember the day when most people only had ONE phone in a house?!)
We moved to that house in 1957 [I think - or 1958??] and moved away in 1960. At the next place we lived, in Rocky Mount, Virginia, we had a black desk phone in the main hallway. I don't know what happened to the yellow phone when we moved. I think back in those days, the phones were the property of the phone companies weren't they? My parents probably either turned it in or left it in the old house.
Well, I happend to find a vintage yellow phone in a thrift shop several years ago, in beautiful condition. However, it has been sitting on a shelf in the closet waiting for me to install it. It's so old that it's pre-modular so it had to be hard-wired in! I finally got around to hooking it up -- see photos at www.137.com/yellowphone!
-------
I am also, at the same time, announcing a new home phone number for me. It's 323-938-6942, and, yes, it's the yellow phone! (I also have a cordless phone in my office on the same line.)
I've actually had that phone number a long time, but have primarily been using it as a fax line, and that's the line our DSL service is on. But I decided to put it to more efficient use and will start using it as my main home number.
You CAN still reach me at the other number, 323-931-8326, and you can also reach Arlee on this line -- but we'd prefer you to start using this number primarily for me and the 931 number primarily for him.
If you want to fax us, you'll have to call or email us first so we can put our fax machine on line. We get so many junk faxes that we don't leave it on line unless we are expecting a fax. (We are getting bombarded on all sides with junk mail, junk faxes, and spam, aren't we -- but the junk faxes are the WORST, because they waste OUR paper and toner! Yes, our lines are on the DO NOT CALL list, but you know what good THAT does. GRRRRR!)
Fun, fun!
~
C
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, CA United States of America - Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 04:28:02 (MDT)
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Hi Everyone, Just back from a fantastic weekend at Fred Nelson's. He had a mini gathering this past weekend and it was non stop fun. We all got dressed up in tux's and went to the Human First Gala in downtown Chicago. Fred is a board member and is so generous to make this possible for us. He had a limo take us into the city and pick us up. I truly felt like "Cinderella" going to the ball. The rest of the weekend was spent catching up and playing with his wonderful vacuum collection as well as his other neat machines, Maytag washers, dryers, and several Kitchen Aid dishwasher. So much fun was had by all. Not sure if any of you saw the rebuilt Electrolux G's that were on Ebay recently. They had been in storage in a warehouse in California for over 30 years. Fred got three of the machines and used one as a door price for those attending this weekend. It was my good luck to win this wonderful machine. It is just like brand new. The G is my all time favorite Electrolux so I was thrilled. A big hug and Thanks to Fred for such a awesome weekend. There are pictures on automaticwasher.org if you would like to check them out. Terry
Terry Lattz
Danville, Il USA - Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at 22:15:56 (MDT)
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The Electrolux Cryogenics Capsule?!
SEE:
http://www.137.com/forever
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Monday, April 10, 2006 at 01:22:52 (MDT)
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To Rick A.-
Blue & off-white and two-tone blue were the "standard" Eureka colors from about '60-'61 to about '66 or so. There were several variations of the 260; I think it first came out in '59 in green, then the 260-B followed in blue. Other letters following the "260" would indicate a minor variation in production or color. Yours is most likely from around '65 or '66. Is the handle round or square? Is the hood the earlier (rounded) design or the later (squared) design?
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Sunday, April 09, 2006 at 15:28:17 (MDT)
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The Electrolux Death Ray!
SEE:
http://www.brotron.com/Movies/DeathRay.mov
(Also check out other fun stuff at http://www.brotron.com)
~
C
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Sunday, April 09, 2006 at 00:02:32 (MDT)
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Hello again everybody! I just lucked into another nice machine and need help with the production years. It's a blue/white Eureka Twin-Power Automatic 2-speed upright with the blue cloth bag, metal headlight bracket, and the Eureka cap in the front instead of the later dial-a-nap knob. The only thing that I see that's not original is a VGII roller. It's a model 260 D. I'm guessing 60's, but if someone could give me a more precise guess, I'd appreciate it! I have much older and also newer Eureka's, but I didn't have any of the blue models, so I'm pretty jazzed about it! Thanks alot!
Rick Asquith
Saint Louis, Mo USA - Saturday, April 08, 2006 at 19:08:41 (MDT)
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I was in a junk store last week and out in the garbage pile I found a Green General Electric upright moodel U-7 in good shape but its missing the green outer bag. Any one have one they can part with? also need dusting brush and wands for a pink G.E canister please contact Mikey 408-821-0657
Mikey Banta
Santa Clara , ca 95050 - Saturday, April 08, 2006 at 12:15:35 (MDT)
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My Apologies for not specifying what kind of Sears Vacuums: Most of them are the canister types, there may be some uprights as well, the warehouse is in a lot of what shall I say "Chaos" right now, with machines stacked on top of each other. From what I saw, most of the Sears are the canister types. Hope this helps--I hope to see you all at the convention--It's really getting close now, only 2 months away! Wow! Hope to see you there!
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Thursday, April 06, 2006 at 06:46:52 (MDT)
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What kind of Sears vacuums are we talking...
Also has anyone heard from Hahns Craig. I tried calling him and even his new phone number has been disconnected.
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
dubuque, IA USA - Wednesday, April 05, 2006 at 21:23:46 (MDT)
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Attention: Sears Vacuums For Sale: Your Choice $10.00 each plus shipping. Contact Alex or Myself for details or more information.
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Wednesday, April 05, 2006 at 20:19:33 (MDT)
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Jeff, Hope you had a great day! Happy Birthday!!!30 something year old!
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Saturday, April 01, 2006 at 09:24:26 (MST)
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Members,
Please help me wish our Vice-President, Jeff Parker, a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY, today, March 31st, 2006.
Rumor has it that he is somewhere in his 40's, but I think he can easily pass for someone in his hot 30's!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFF!!!
Hugs and Kisses.
Charlie W.
Charlotte, NC USA - Friday, March 31, 2006 at 15:25:35 (MST)
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Oh i love stories like this!! Ebay has made it kind of lazy in the search for vacuums. There's nothing better than the thrill of the hunt or better yet, the thrill of the find! I found a very nice Kirby Dual 50 that way. I was at the swap meet seeing all the usual plastic Dirt Devil/Eureka/Hoover crap and as i was almost leaving the last row, there stands a Kirby D50. I look it over and ask how much. The guy tells me a price which i thought was kind of high and he points to a box near his truck and says it comes with the vacuum. Its the big Kirby box with the attachments, rur renovator, and handi butler all in their own boxes! And the owner's manual! So i buy it! I had to have it! I had to make a couple of trips to my truck and on my last trip back to get the last box the guy goes " wait this goes with it too" and he dumps a bunch of stuffed animals out of this box and it turns out to be the top of the big Kirby box that reads: Dual Sanitronic System For Homes Of Distinction. Rick, I'm tempted to get into my truck and drive to T.F.A. right now!! LOL! Any more great stories out there?
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 10:24:29 (MST)
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Hello everyone! Just wanted to share a find of mine from a really great retro store here in St. Louis, one that everyone would enjoy visiting during the convention if there is time to do so. This store has vintage everything and it's called T.F.A.,stands for The Future Antiques. There's a main level and a basement full of goodies from the 20's thru the 70's. Anyway I go in once in awhile of course looking for vacuums and oddly enough they say they don't have a big demand for them. I got a Sunbeam Courier there once but on my last visit I walked in and asked my usual question, "any vacuums"? He said, gee I don't think so but look around, there's so much stuff here I sometimes lose track of what's here. There were no vacs on the main level, and proceeded to the basement where I fell in love with a pair of retro lamps, and looked over in the corner and I said to the guy with me, "there's a storage hassock, people used to store their vacuums in them back before you were born"! It was red marbelized vinyl tufted with buttons, and the neatest round handles on each end. I said too bad it's probably just an empty hassock and I thought I would buy it anyway for one of my Lux's. Low and behold I opened the lid and inside there was an almost pristine violet-bluish Kingston tank. I had never seen one of these before, and all the tools and even the owner's manual was there. I took it out and ran to the nearest outlet and plugged it in, and it just purrrred! It has a little tape on the original woven hose, however the hose is still functional. All the tools are metal painted in the same color with the exception of the dusting brush which I think is rubber. The plate on the bottom says it's a model 4D, and it lists amps instead of watts which I thought was odd for a machine of that era. It's the Kingston Deluxe from the Douglas Manufacturing Division, Bronson, Mi. This machine looks very similar the a Coronado that Tom Gasko used to own. This machine must've given Electrolux a run for the money because I'm sure it has more power than the Lux XXX and it's a far more attractive machine in my opinion. It has the original Belden cord/plug and an awesome rug tool with a adjustable brush that's like new! What a find, I was ready to pay the asking price just for the hassock, so the vac was a great bonus! They also gave me a "family" discount! I'm looking forward to meeting many of you at the convention, and hope we can visit this store when we venture into the city. It's truly a retro-world! Take care all!
Rick Asquith
Saint Louis, mo USA - Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 21:39:03 (MST)
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I rec'd the following inquiry from someone (whose computer apparently lacks a "Shift" key for uppercase letters!) who seems anxious to identify a certain kind of vacuum cleaner she remembers from her childhood. If anyone knows what she is describing would you please let me know. Her description is very clear and describes what sounds to me like a shop vac, but I've never seen anything like she is describing.
Thanks,
~
C
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i was born in 1972, and my aunt had this vacuum cleaner when i was very young. and it has stayed on my mind all of these years. it was a canister vacuum cleaner. but it wasn't shaped like the "electrolux" vacuum cleaners. it was more like the "lewyt" vacuum cleaners, but i think it was taller than the "lewyt" vacuum cleaner.
i would guess that it was like 2 feet tall. and it was more flat on top than a "lewyt" or a "filter queen". i would say that it looked like a drum basically. but not like the "roll easy" vacuum cleaner that i have seen here on the computer. i would say that it had wheels on the bottom of it.
the best way that i can describe it is if you were to take a "roll easy" vacuum cleaner and lay it on one of it's wheels, on it's side. that is the way the vacuum stood. and it was painted with 3 colors, brown on the top and bottom, white in the middle, and there was a single row of red diamonds in the white area.
i would guess that it was made either in the late 1960's or early 1970's. and it was kind of big, like a shop vac. it was made of metal. it basically looked like a metal drum on wheels.
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 07:37:14 (MST)
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MARK'S ART
A few posts down, our own "mad scientist" Mark "rocket man" Goodall included a URL for his Universal Rocket. To check more of his art, go to www.goodfirm.com/marksart/ He's been working since last fall to provide us with some wonderfully unique and exciting centerpieces for our banquet at the St. Louis convention!
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Saturday, March 25, 2006 at 07:33:56 (MST)
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Yes,My machine is blue and has a blue cloth hose-It also has the logo "Universal" on the sled skis.I don't have any attachments.The "universal" brand is now clearer to me.From the other appliance website-Applianceville-have gotten some answers on the machine from there as well.They used to build a complete line of appliances from small ones to large-ranges,etc.I really like the "Retro-Atomic" style of the machine-It looks like it could take off at any moment.And it reminds me of the space vehicles you would see in the 1950's Sci-Fi-Horror movies.Could an alien be hiding in there?Its cloth bag is in pretty good shape-no odors or holes.Was dumpted before I got it.Thnx for the info guys.
Rex Oliver
Greenville, NC USA - Friday, March 24, 2006 at 23:43:40 (MST)
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Rex, Re: the blue bomb. It looks sort of like a rocket ship doesn't it? Does yours have the Universal logo imprinted on the chrome runners? I have one like that and the hose is a blue woven cloth hose but somewhere along the way masking tape was wrapped around 2 feet of the hose at the curved wand end. I have never even tried to take it off as it is now like second skin after being on for so many years. The wands on this vacuum were painted blue also, although the lower wand that i have has alot of paint scraped off. I have a few attachments that came with it among them the floor brush that is made of wood and metal and has a blue bumper on it. I'm thinking it came from the late 40's just for the way it looks.
Mark:
you never know what is going to happen with the monster vac catagory. It has always been so unpredictable. Last year i entered a Lux model CA, the first commercial vac for electrolux and paired it with a newer Lux hose and Omni Flo powernozzle thinking that the increased airflow would pick up more test dirt. Alas it did not. Some told me i should have used the smaller Lux PN #1 as the smaller nozzle openings would have concentrated the suction better. A number of years ago , i can't remember when, Charlie W. had this Revo vacuum, a newer compact canister paired with a Eureka Vibra groomer3 PN. It won! Or at least it picked up more than most of the other vacuums in that competition. I can't remember. ( oh boy ) So anything goes with the monster vac. I've seen some of your art on your website so i know you have a very good imagination. I think you'll come up with something cool. But technique has alot to do with it too. I tend to vacuum too fast and i think, i know, that doesn't allow the vacuum to do it's thing. Anyway, i think it's always fun to at least see the monster vac competition because as i said the vacuum you may think will win sometimes doesn't.
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs Ca, USA - Friday, March 24, 2006 at 22:24:42 (MST)
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To Rex Oliver-
Landers, Frary, and Clark was the company that manufactured Universal appliances. In addition to vacuum cleaners, they made other small appliances such as mixers, blenders, toasters, steam irons, etc. with the Universal brand. Universal appliances were usually in the "moderate" price range. Many of their vacuum cleaners were made as private label brands. Their cylander vacuums of the '40s and '50s usually had a look that was more sleek and streamlined than it's competitors. Most used a hose connection that was rather narrow at the machine end. The last Universal canister I remember was the "Jet 99" in the late '50s. A nearly identical machine was made and sold as the "Atlas" with some external cosmetic differences. Maybe another club member can provide more info??????
To Mark Goodall-
re: blue bomb: Yep, that sure looks like some Universals I've seen.
re: competition: The "test dirt" used in the competitions is made up of 3 elements - sand, dry carpet cleaning powder, and talcum powder. The sand replicates the "heavy grit" that will get ground into a carpet and tests the machine's ability to remove heavy, ground-in dirt that cuts away at the base of the fiber. The dry carpet cleaning powder provides some bulk and replicates average household dirt. The talcum powder replicates the fine dust that will clog the pores of the bag and/or filter. This tests the machine's ability to sustain it's flow of air and cleaning power over a period of time. Many machines start off with a burst of power, and then quickly decline in cleaning ability as they start to clog up. Technique variables can include operator speed, operator adjustment (such as height adjustment) as well as how "fine tuned" the machine is (new brushes, new belt, etc.)
Monster-Vac is the newest category, introduced in 2001. Since some collectors like to combine various components from different machines, this gives a member an opportunity to be anything from creative to absurd, and find out how their machine fares in a practical application. It's a chance to break away from the "assembly line" regularity of original factory specification and become the engineer - designer - manufacturer of your mind's ultimate cleaning machine. While most rely on some sort of power nozzle, no pattern has yet been established for a consistently winning design.
P.S. to Mark - Got my Hoover yesterday, and your packaging was excellent!
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Friday, March 24, 2006 at 21:00:07 (MST)
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BLUE BOMB
I am interested in any responses to Rex Oliver's query regarding the Universal. While I can't be sure, I believe I have the Blue Bomb in my collection (smile). Here is a link: http://www.goodfirm.com/marksart/mark8
mark goodall
omaha, ne USA - Friday, March 24, 2006 at 14:49:32 (MST)
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WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO WIN?
Okay, so I am not in the same competence/experience class as you all. But new members and people like me would (I suspect) be interested in a discussion of what works/wins in the competitions. Are there more than three elements: Technique; raw sucking power; and nozzle design?
Rhetorical question to stimulate discussion: If a member decided to build a Monster-Vac, what is most important? What kind of nozzle is recommended? In this class, is a power nozzle virtually a must? Just sittin' here wondering.
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Friday, March 24, 2006 at 14:39:53 (MST)
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This weekend I met with Mr. Cotton here in Greenville-he has all kinds of vacuums-The machine is a "Universal" canister-Has a blue "Bomb" shaped body,cloth blue hose,chrome sled runners.Has a cloth bag inside.It runs well.Anyone know about these?No attachments came with it.
rex oliver
Greenville, NC USA - Friday, March 24, 2006 at 00:19:47 (MST)
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Marty - It is quiet here isn't it? Email me and I will fill you in on how to get that Kirby back to Cleveland for a complete beauty make-over for $32.50. You will get back a brand-new machine. As I said, had a great time visiting. I must get back to Palm Springs more often, and you must come out for a visit soon.
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, Il USA - Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 18:59:03 (MST)
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HELLO!!!!! WHERE IS EVERYBODY????!!! CAN ANYBODY HEAR ME?????HELLO!!!!
The place is silent. It's hot and the wind is kicking up the dust. The only sound really is the scattering of leaves on the ground and the occasional squeak of a hanging metal sign. The cars are here but no one is inside them. They sit parked on the streets and intersections abandoned. There's not even a dog barking! Where is everybody? Not a soul in sight!
....OOOOWWEEEEEE..OOOOOOWWWEEEEEEEEE.....
Oh Well, in vacuum related news: I found a Kirby D50 at the swap meet today! All the boxes and all the attachments! Handi butler, Rug renovater, the ownwer's manual and the sales slip. The cord is original and in great shape! It was $60.00!! I know but i had to have it!! It runs but i know the motor needs to be worked on. It has very little wear and it has all the attachments!!!I would send it Kirby for a refurbish but all warranty pages are filled in. But that's okay, I will take it to the Kirby place in Redlands and have him service it. Everything is in such good condition! Well that was my fun vacuum find today. Now if I can just figure out where everyone went.
HELLO!!!!
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, CA USA - Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 17:42:12 (MST)
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Marty,
The Priscilla bag cage, (evacuator), is shorter than the full size Sanitizors. The diameter of the bag is the same I believe but it is about 2 maybe 3 inches less in length.
Tania can correct me if I am wrong as she has a wealth of knowledge on Air-Way and the Priscilla models.
Charlie W.
Charlotte, NC USA - Thursday, March 16, 2006 at 15:57:10 (MST)
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Charlie W. ,
I thought Sanitizors and Pricilla's took the same bag. I have A Pricilla and since it is packed away i can't remember what is in it! Marty
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, CA USA - Thursday, March 16, 2006 at 10:09:20 (MST)
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ATTENTION AIR-WAY OWNERS!!
In addition to being the Air-Way distributor for Charlotte, I am now carrying AlleRx Supernova bags, with seals, manufactured by Air Tec. These bags fit all Air-Way canister models, (except the Priscilla), and were developed by George Lovely, Jr., for his own line of Black Knight vacuums.
George Lovely was involved with the Air-Way company for years and now has his own line of vacuums.
A special rate of $13 plus shipping is available to club members for a package of 8. If interested, please email me. Several members have seen the bag and are now using them as an alternative to the Air-Way wood pulp cellulose bag. Both provide superb filtration.
Again, let me know if interested. Best wishes.
Charlie Watrous
Charlotte, NC USA - Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 15:05:26 (MST)
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One of my other strange interests is in 1950s "B" horror and sci-fi movies. This has partly to do with my work with the theremin - a staple of '50s sci-fi movies; partly to a long-standing interest in the mystery of UFOs; partly my nostalgia for the '50s; and partly because I just think the movies are fun to watch!
I enjoy everything from the painfully bad Japanese films such Godzilla to the wave of "flying saucer" films such as "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and "Earth vs. the Flying Saucers!"
So it was with all those interests in hand that I sat down last evening with a bowl of popcorn (fat-free air-popped of course)! and watched a DVD that's been sitting on my shelf for quite some time awaiting my attention --
"NOT OF THIS EARTH"
A Roger Corman Film
Released in 1957
Starring Beverly Garland and Paul Johnson
... and ...
Dick Miller as Joe Piper the vacuum cleaner salesman
Yes, you heard me right! Near the beginning of the film, one of the first victims of the blood-draining alien is a high-strung vacuum cleaner salesman who has the bad luck of knocking on the alien's door. And guess what kind of vacuum cleaner he has ... an Airway 77! And even stranger still, he even identifies himself as being from "The Air-Way Vacuum Cleaner Corporation" !!! I wonder if this was an early example of product placement?!
Well, the poor salesman meets his demise in the alien's basement and his body is disposed of in the furnace. I thought it would have been a great comedic twist if the alien had then used the vacuum cleaner to clean the ashes out the furnace!! Corman would not have been above such a sardonic twist; I can only assume he just didn't think of it!
The film was remade in 1992 (also by Corman), and, according to the cast list, also features a vacuum cleaner salesman but I haven't seen it so I can't comment on it. Wouldn't it be funny if it's another Air-way!
A final bit of trivia: Former porn star Traci Lords stars in the 1992 remake as her first legitimate acting role and the last role in which she completely disrobes for the camera.
You should check this film out if you haven't seen it. It's actually a fun movie, not too painfully bad, and in addition to seeing the Air-way there are some great shots of Los Angeles and vicinity and of course lots of period automobiles!
I found my copy on eBay in DVD format; I have also seen it in VHS in video stores, or you might try amazon.com
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at 15:53:25 (MST)
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Just a reminder to everyone that you are to please sign in with your full name, and all the input boxes should be filled in when posting to the Forum.
This helps identify you to other posters, and also is a bit of added insurance that "infiltrators" aren't invading our territory.
If typing allllllll that info is so taxing, most email programs and web browers have "form fill-in" or "auto-complete" options. With the push of one button, all the information I enter magically appears.
I know this may be a pain to some folks but it's a necessary and vital part of our Forum's security.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Monday, March 13, 2006 at 10:14:54 (MST)
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>>[Free Kirby: ...]
>[If red trim and plaid bag... Model number under the motor.]
Thanks, it is a model 519, #242040. Maybe the plaid bag is a replacement.
Or maybe it is an ultra-rare prototype from the ill-fated Area 51 Kirby factory! (Just kidding.)
David
Mountain View, CA USA - Monday, March 13, 2006 at 00:42:34 (MST)
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The two "what is it" photos from the latest newsletter:
1 - This is an organ blower. It provides wind for an old pipe organ. You can see more photos of it at the following link -- and be on the lookout for a "Hoover" vacuum cleaner also!
http://ericmckirdy.com/whitespires/organ.html
2 - The "giant vacuum" is really a ventillator / exhaust apparatus for sewer workers. It was parked for several weeks on a street near my home while the sewer lines were being worked on. I don't know if it blows fresh air in or sucks stale air out, or both -- it has a gas-powered generator to run it. It's huge!!
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Sunday, March 12, 2006 at 22:41:35 (MST)
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If it's a Kitby with red trim nand a red plad bag then it has to be a Classic 111 which came out in late June 1976. A number of Kirby machines used red trim, if it is a Classic 111 then it's a wide head machine with a zipper thingy on the back of the bag and wide track wheels. The model name and number can be found on the underside of the motor housing.
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Sunday, March 12, 2006 at 18:25:25 (MST)
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Free Kirby vacuum, location Mountain View CA (greater San Francisco area).
Not sure what age, don't currently have camera, maybe a 516/517/late 1950's? General model like
http://members.aol.com/kirby517vacuuum
http://www.monitortop.com/Inventory/Catalog/Small_Appliances/vacuums/kirby/kirby.html
Red trim, red plaid bag. Works, but not great shape. No boxes or accessories. Suction control adjuster missing, hole covered over.
Give a yodel in the general direction of "vc-0001@pardo.net" to ask questions or arrange to pick it up.
Who says there's no such thing as a free Kirby?
Dave
Mountain View, CA USA - Sunday, March 12, 2006 at 15:35:06 (MST)
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Hi To All:
I would like to know if everybody has a 4 bush Euerka Floor polisher in there collection that is in preTty good and running shape with all the brushes and pads hopefully in turn for a Brand new in the box never opened Euerka 2 brush model 14a that I won on ebay and found out that it is indeed a 2 brush model not a 4 brush model that is shown on the box that I badly want the seller has a second one on ebay that he opened and is the the pics on the auction page and shows that it is in fact a 2 brush model. It will arrive here to me on Tuesday and if anyone is willing to trade with me I won't open the box at all but please let me know if you are interested in trading. You can either email me or call me up and let me know.
Thanks Skip...
Skip Aultman
Lafayette, La. USA - Sunday, March 12, 2006 at 11:40:14 (MST)
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Well, knowing my penchant for going too far, saying too much, putting my foot in my mouth and then regretting it, I am going to stay out of this latest imbroglio that's boiled over and is starting to provoke resentment, finger-pointing and accusations.
But I do need to make a couple of comments about it and then take my leave until it is settled.
I personally am quite sorry and dismayed to see all this strife and contention being posted to our "Kinder, Gentler" Forum.
If members at large, or Board members, have concerns or issues that involve the President, the Newsletter, the Convention, the Treasury, or any other matters of Club administration, then these issues should FIRST be raised WITH the Board; and, then if their grievances are not alleviated, PERHAPS a more public airing of them would be appropriate.
But to "drag this back-room fist fight out into the street" before EVERYONE knows all sides of the situation (think "contempt prior to investigation"), well, that just seems provocative and more for the purpose of agitating people -- and/or fulfilling agendas that some people are trying to steamroll over the Club's existing structure -- than for coming to a solution of any purported problems.
As for the DVD business, I don't really know anything about that. What DVD are we talking about? I did not even know such a thing existed, was made, or offered for sale. Where or how was it advertised, promoted or offered? How much was it? Have I been totally asleep at the wheel here??
I ==have== heard -- and this is common knowledge -- that the Los Angeles meeting was a money loser for the club due to the light turnout. And I am one of those who was VERY disappointed at the lukewarm response.
Because of my employment situation, I simply can't attend the annual meetings; this would have been my one chance to meet the new people and greet old friends once again. Instead, people stayed away in droves and, as if to throw salt into the wound, a number of private "mini-conventions" were conveniently scheduled over the VERY SAME weekend as the main Club event. Which meant that even more people were enticed to other gatherings who otherwise might have come to Los Angeles.
While we did have a great time in L.A., it was nothing like the exciting buzz and camaraderie that has typified other conventions. At the end of it, the overall reaction seemed to be a big fat yawn.
And I am still very puzzled as to why that was the case. Except, as I noted, that it's apparent that some people are desperately trying to hijack the Club and drag it into other directions (think "self will run riot"), in the process accomplishing NOTHING but splitting and dividing the membership --- and causing much agitation, confusion and resentment.
But I've said enough. Probably too much. I only hope that these issues can be solved diplomatically, politely, respectfully, and gentlemanly; and that these resolutions can be lovingly and gently infused with the common denominator that brought us all together in the first place -- our mutual obsession for vacuum cleaners.
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On to a MUCH more pleasant development, I am utterly thrilled to learn that our dear Tania Voigt is now on line. I have been waiting for this day for a very long time!!! It's just too bad that she has to walk in and view this big mess.
"Ever Onward & Upward"
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Sunday, March 12, 2006 at 01:06:47 (MST)
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PPS to my last post - I lived in LA for 21 years and about the only thing that I can say has changed is that the traffic has gotten worse and the real estate values have gone into the stratosphere. I sold my house in 2001 and it is currently on the market for 120% higher than I sold it for only 5 years later. Oh well, hind sight is always 20/20. I just feel sorry for those poor folks who have to buy a house for the first time. I know I couldn't move back and maintain the same lifestyle. Good thing I love being back in Chicago. I will post some pictures of Marty and his collection on the AutomaticWasher.org site in the next few days.
Fred
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, IL USA - Sunday, March 12, 2006 at 00:11:27 (MST)
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Howdy - Just returned from a lovely trip to Southern California. Had a great time visiting with Marty Rocha and seeing just a bit of his collection. Even that was fabulous. Loved meeting Rick Benedict (hope I spelled that right since I don't have a current roster). I used to have a place in the desert but Marty and Rick showed me a whole world that I didn't realize existed - the desert thrift shops. Thanks again guys, had a fabulous time. It was strange when I returned to Chicago - it was warmer here than in SoCal. Oh well, still had a great time.
Fred
P.S. Just a slight correction to the newsletter - the board roster is missing one member - our former President Charlie Watrous.
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, Il USA - Saturday, March 11, 2006 at 23:59:22 (MST)
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As a former board member, I would like to address a few items from the most recent newsletter................Especially the 2005 meeting minutes
Why is the president doing the newsletter? My God!... the editor posts to the forum that materials were prepared, and yet NOTHING Alex prepared was used..... The final line in the minutes from 2005 business meeting..."IT WAS DISCUSSED ONE PERSON SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF OUR NEWSLETTER"
There is NO mention, anywhere, as to the financial details of the club (except one cheap shot, to be addressed later). Why is it that the general membership is given NO details as to the financial aspect of OUR club?
Regarding that bitchey remark about the $100.00 loss from the DVD..... well, after the auction of the eight centerpieces (2003 Convention) I made, transported, and set-up, ALL, I repeat ALL procedes went directly to the club treasure. That total figure, paid by club members was in excess of $350.00. Rest assured, it was something I wanted to do, and never, then or now, did I want to be reimbursed. This having been said, I know others who have made donations also, yet NOBODY has any idea as to the amount of money our club has. WHY ??? I know where I could sell( and help clear up that $100.00 debit) two, YES TWO of those DVD... could someone help me here!
Since people want to talk "loss".... lets address the final figures from last years convention!?!?!
In closing, MAYBE we were all SOOOO spoiled by the former president, that we have come to expect all details in a timely manner..... OR maybe we are just tired of standing in the dark, waiting for information to be granted to us at the ninth hour ....
My best to all, Chuck
(hope the convention is a success)
Chuck Chatham
USA - Saturday, March 11, 2006 at 17:55:27 (MST)
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Just finished reading the minutes of last years meeting. I am confused!! How can we be at a loss on the DVD's. Don't we still have some? If so that can not be considered a loss we just need to let the membership know that there are some left for sale. If I am wrong and there on none left then apply the $100.00 that I donated as a gift last year to make up the loss. Simple bookkeeping. Debit = credits. Those DVD's were one of the finest projects this club has ever done. My hats off to Charlie W. We have had people in the past donate other wonderful items to this club. Why make such a big deal out of nothing. With numbers from last years convention we must have lost money as well. Raffels in the past did not have to go to pay for the convention they simply built our treasury.
Please, if there are DVD's left let us know. I am sure there are people with in the club that would love to have one. Some of us watch it on a regular basis. It could be played at mini-meets. Our new members should be given a chance to purchase one as well.
Morgan T Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Saturday, March 11, 2006 at 06:15:53 (MST)
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What is it.
I to thought it was the blower unit to a pipe organ. However, most generators were belt driven off the main motor that powered the blower. Guessing from the size of the blower and looking at the motor that would not have been a very big organ, probably less then 15 Ranks. So my guess would have to be that it was to some sort of commericial vac system. If it were to an organ there would not need to be three sets of duct work leading in or out of the blower.
The first church I played for had an 1906 Austin pipe organ. The original blower is still working today. The brushes for the motor are getting hard to find so the church purchased several sets and keeps them in the organ chamber just in case. The generator was replace 30 years ago as it needed repair and was cheaper to use a seperate power source.
Morgan T Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Friday, March 10, 2006 at 07:31:40 (MST)
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Hi, Everybody. The What Is It photos in the latest newsletter look to me like they are vacuum blowers used in wood shops. I recall working in a wood shop, that manufactured church pews, and we had a big blower system that had pipes all over the woodshop, that had little doors on them that you could open up and sweep debris into them and they would be sucked out the building into a collection bin at the rear of the shop. Anyhow, I called it "The Big Lux". It was quite the deal. Now, On to the convention: Per Alex Taber, & Charlie Watrous, for those of you interested, I will be doing a service clinic on repairing Electrolux vacuums.
Anyone who wishes to attend are welcome!
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Friday, March 10, 2006 at 06:54:20 (MST)
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Rex, you may be correct, but as Charlie Lester doesn't give me the answer to these mystery pictures when he sends them I am as much in the dark as everybody else.
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Friday, March 10, 2006 at 01:20:04 (MST)
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Would like to respond to the "What is it?" pictures in the March,2006 Newsletter magazine:
The first picture appears to be a Spencer Turbine Co. Pipe Organ blower with what looks like the magnet generator on the back of the motor.Sadly Spencer Turbine co no longer builds organ blowers-they build similar units for industrial purposes-and for some bizarre gases.also similar units are used for industrial central vacuum cleaner systems and dust collectors.At one workplace I worked at they had a portable spencer vacuum cleaner that had a "miniature blower like the one pictured on the vacuum-turned by a Lamb universal motor.That vac could generate some suction!!its motor was 5A but could generate the air movement of a 10A machine made today.
the second picture appears to be an industrial pressure blower-I remember one of these on an old high school woodshop dust collection system.The dust and chips went thu it Before going to the cyclone-would you beleive it us micheavious boys liked to toss wood blocks into unused inlets-listen to them CLANG thru that fan and the block-or peices of it-then go thru the cyclone!!A later system that replaced the first one had the cyclone AHEAD of the blower.No wood blocks or dust and chips going thru the fan.The fan pictured has a screen over the inlet to prevent the wood blocks or whatever from going thru it.I have seen a similar fan used to generate the air blast used to dry your car after going thru the car wash--the blast as it hits your car makes it shake!I have a very small version of the blower pictured-was used to cool the diplexer section of an RCA television transmitter.The dense filterplexer package needed a high pressure blower to force the air thru it.
rex oliver
greenville, nc USA - Friday, March 10, 2006 at 00:21:26 (MST)
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First, I must say what a pleasure it is to sign on this web site by always having to put my name, email and city. Yawn...............
Secondly, now on to the newsletter. In a phone conversation with Alex Taber today, I was told that when he went on vacation to Palm Springs for a week, he was asked by our President to forward all information to him as he would finalize the newsletter.
Interestingly, articles that Alex prepared for the newsletter were never printed. Alex is the editor of the newsletter and was of course quite upset by the fact that he did not assemble, edit and send the newsletter. It was done by our President without Alex's consent. One would have to ask, why do we have a newsletter editor if the President is going to ursurp his position and authority?
Alex expressed his unhappiness very suscintly to me on the phone and I advised him to post here as he has.
In spite of the newsletter, we still do not have a day to day agenda of events for the convention in St. Louis. Tom Gasko, of greater St. Louis, has offered assistance that has fallen on deaf ears. So when do we visit Stan Kahn? Or see his collection? When is the vacuum competition? Or the business meeting?
Printed newsletters are a great way of archieving but the forum provides the greatest, fastest way of really getting the information out to the members.
So here we are about 3 months away from the convention and we still don't know what is going on. Please, let's not repeat the "success" of Los Angeles. Is an agenda in the works or not?
Charlie W.
Charlie W.
Charlotte, USA - Thursday, March 09, 2006 at 21:31:12 (MST)
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The What is it pictures, Congratulations to the winners of the eraser cleaner question and Happy Birthday segment on page 17 ARE mine.
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Thursday, March 09, 2006 at 17:21:42 (MST)
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To the general membership of this club! The Early Spring issue of our newsletter is NOT mine!
As I posted a few weeks ago I took my vacation in Palm Springs. While there I was to meet with Marty Rocha to do a member profile and put the final touches on the History of the Commercial vacuum cleaner. R.J. offered to help by putting the articles I sent him --The history of the non electric, and a host of other items into a supliment issue that we were to do TOGETHER. When I got home, R.J. informed me that HE did the newsletter, and did NOT use any of my material.
Since when does the president of a club do the editors job? This newsletter was done by R.J. and I take no credit for it. The next issue WILL be mine and I will be addressing this and other key parts of my job at the convention in June.
After the convention I want to put things that I started in 1983 back in place. I promise you that this will NOT happen again.
And this I will say to R.J. publically. Nobody edits the editor, so don't ask to "proof read" my material. I know how to do a newsletter and this is NOT it!
The editors office is open and I'm accepting calls and email.
Will the members of the board please call me at 619-749-2333, or email me.
Alex Taber.
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Thursday, March 09, 2006 at 17:07:54 (MST)
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Hello everyone,
Norm's right, a great time was had by all!!! My son Jr. and I first drove to Norm's and he showed us his collection before we followed him to Greenfield and met Mike Hays. I'm still overwhelmed by his collection! We had a great time looking at the vacs, mixers, kitchen appliances, and literature. And, as Norm said, Mike is a gracious host and served us a delicious lunch! For me, it was also a trip down memory lane, having been over 30 years since I had run a Hoover 28 or heard the "prrrrrrreeeeeeeennnnnn" sound of a Kenmore "torpedo tank" starting up. So, to sum it up, thanks again Mike, for having us, and sharing your collection with us, and thanks again Norm, for introducing us to Mike. It was a fun day, and hope we can do it again sometime--as anyone who's been to Mike's can tell you, you can't see it all in one trip!
And, while I'm writing, I still haven't heard from anyone about parts (especially a bag) for my Electro-Hygiene. In case anyone might have misunderstood my last posting, I don't expect anyone to give me the parts I mentioned, just let me know what you have and what you need for it. Hopefully someone will have E/H parts or know where I can get them.
Thank you in advance,
Jeff
Jeff Schroff (Sr.)
Galion, OH USA - Wednesday, March 08, 2006 at 22:05:19 (MST)
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R. J. and concerned parties:
I would like to think that one of the primary privedges of this web site is the exchange of pertinent information. The agenda of the convention to many members is pertinent information of the activities for which we are paying for.
In that vein, is it not feasable to list by day, (as I did during my Presidentcy), the activites planned? The driving force of this web site and forum was communication. It would seem our President would like to without information until the newsletter what our agenda may or may not be.
Is is not possible to post here, what we, as paid members and registrants, can expect? Surely there are not enough events to prevent posting here, unless the events have not yet been planned.
I ask, what can we expect Wednesday night, our first night? A reception? A meet new member mixer? What exactly? And then on Thursday, are we viewing Stan Kahn's collection? Is he going to play the organ for us? If so, how about some notification so we can plan accordingly, if only for our attire!! And, are we going to view Stan's collection?
By withholding information, instead of promoting registration, members may choose to make other plans. How about some definitive agenda items?
As President, I would like to think you would want to share that information with the membership and not guard/hold it until the 11th hour!!
To make this convention a truly FUN and wonderful event, how about some details?
Charlie W.
Charlie W.
Charlotte, USA - Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 21:41:36 (MST)
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Air Way parts search:
I am looking for wheels and the metal pieces that fit into a carpet nozzle for an old AW upright cleaner. I also need the rear wheel assembly. I know these are rare but if anyone know where i can get these parts i would appreciate it. Thanks, Marty
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Tuesday, March 07, 2006 at 20:23:51 (MST)
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Hi To all:
Thanks Charlie and Alex and yes I agree with you Charlie I feel wonder at 50 for sure.
I just wanted to let everybody know that Tania voight is now online her email address is:
AirwayLady@sbcglobal.net
I'm thrilled she is finally on the internet now as She says She can now do her ebay shopping herself and now also read and write in this forum
Happy Vacuuming Skip...
Skip Aultman
Lafayette, La. USA - Monday, March 06, 2006 at 19:53:34 (MST)
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Thanks, R.J. I will be looking forward to the news letter and the convention break down.
I want to thank Mike Hayes for being such a gracious host for our Ohio mini meet (sat. 2/25)
I took new member Jeff Schaff and son Jr. down to meet Mike Hayes, Rex, Kirby as well as all of Mike's wonderful vacuums and litature. What a delightful, sunny Ohio winter day to travel (1.5 hr)
Needless to say it was an overwelming experience for the new guys (my second visit). Lunch was wonderful, Mike, Thanks.
I had to leave early but not before I tried a few of the vacuums I missed before. Then I spent the balance of time catching up on litature that I did not get to read before. When the time came for me to leave. Jr. was reading adv., manuals and Jeff was still running vacuums!
Thanks again,Mike what a tresure you and your collection are to the club.
Norm Brown
Norm Bronw
Columbus, OH USA - Sunday, March 05, 2006 at 19:51:03 (MST)
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Thanks RJ
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubquque, IA USA - Sunday, March 05, 2006 at 12:29:52 (MST)
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CONVENTION/NEWSLETTER UPDATE
The convention flyer contains much more information than what would be practical to post on the forum. It includes complete hotel information (including rates and reservation numbers), a listing of convention activities, sample photos from the collections of Stan Kann and Marty Kaplan, meal service information, the registration form (with regular and early-registration discounted rate) and a full page story on Stan Kann, for the benefit of newer members who may not be familiar with him.
The flyer will be mailed out monday morning as an insert to the newsletter which also contains additional convention information including competition rules, information on the service clinic, and packaging suggestions for members who may be shipping machines to and from convention.
With the help of Ruth Hollander, I'm also compiling a list of thrift and antique stores that will be coming in the future and may be of interest to some members and their guests. Watch your mailbox!
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Saturday, March 04, 2006 at 20:00:30 (MST)
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Hi, again, Everybody--Here's a "P.S" regarding the convention--I would be more than willing to do a Service Clinic on working on Electrolux Vacuums. If anybody has questions please feel free to e-mail me.
Nathan Thomas