I call it my "recollection "of vacuums after my store stock liquadated 20 years before. I have collected Air Way, Electrolux, Hoover and Kirby by decades. Trying to have a model that I remembered from that era. I do have some Dirt Devils and Eurekas. My oldest being a Straight handle 541 w/o a bag ( any one have one or an idea). The other is a Straight suction Eureka with a great Bag but needs a new cord. It dose run. Rarest is my Premeir from the late 30s. Its complete, has run but slow as armature is about gone. it is complete and I have never seen another like!!!
What are your dream machines yet to be found?
I would like a 1cr Kirby, complete. As it was the first new Kirby I owned. Sold them part time to pay for it. While I was in the Air Force in 1970s Made 5 or 6 in home demos and sold three to pay for mine!! I like my electrolux upright but would like a new one with the tools (hopefully better suction on the hose). Maybe one or two Lewyts from the 50s. I was a sales rep for Eureka in Southern Ohio (79-83) when they intorduced the 2087/2097 ESP and the self propelled ESP. They were great machines and sold a ton in my Vacuum Shop. Best suction/air flow over
Hoover convertables with tools. Lighter then Hoover Concepts of the time.
What are your earliest and favorite vacuum memories?
My earlies memories are much like everybodys. I was affriad of the noise and excited all at the same time. Would sit on the sofa while Mom ran the old Hoover 700. Soon as it was off I would be down pushing and cking it out.
Then a friend of Dads was laid off at his plant and was Demoing Air Way 66. Mom had wanted a new Electrolux but Dad
bought the Air Way 66 for Christmas 1953. It was the best Christmas ever!!
Grandma lived downstairs had a new 512 Kirby. Usually I would have to put Carpet Head back on it after someone would use the hose. Dad and I were the only ones who could. Aunts and Neighbors all had Hoovers and Luxs in the 50s ( At least in North East Ohio )
What is the history of vacuum you have owned?
The very first vac given to me by my favorite Aunt who had a new Hoover 28 w/tools, was a 1940s Royal hand vac. Vacuumed my room, on my hands and knees in the 50s. Then
I had a Deco Singer, chrome with red bag that my dad bought for me at an aution. Then I calmed a 105 Hoover w/tools and a Eureka 11 w/tools from a
great Aunts house after she passed.
I kicked them all to the curb after buying a used Hoover63, rebuit with zipper bag and tools. As Moms Air Way
did not work on the "new"501 Nylon carpeting!!! The rest is history!!!
I wanted my Grandmother Kirby 512 when the Auction happen my Dad bit up to $50.00 for me and would go not more. I was crushed. He did not want me spending "any more money on Sweepers"!
Have you ever worked on, repaired and/or restored any vacuum cleaners?
Yes, having had a vacuum sales and service business in the 80s here in Columbus. I have had rebuilt many a Kirby, Hoover, Electrolux,compact for resale. As well as many other brands.
I worked on Rainbows early on and then
gave it up. You had to rebuilt and resale to make a profit in the business!
