Collectors' Book

[paul]

Hello,

I am wondering if there is a collectors' book of maintenance machines & more (how's that for alliteration?) including residential and commercial vacuum cleaners, scrubber/polishers, carpet machines and their accessories and supplies that a person could use as a reference for models, styles, colors, et cetera. Many collectible items have such reference books (e.g. autos, Watt pottery), but I have never heard about one for cleaners.

While there are company history books, it seems from what I have read that they are largely written in paragraph form rather than in quick reference form; may not include detailed information about variances of colors, styles, and other trivia; and are not updated frequently to include later models and machines.

If such (a) reference(s) exist(s), please tell me its/their title(s) and where I might obtain it/them. If not, I would think that there are enough experts in Vacuumland to assemble the information and publish one. In fact, I am putting together information on Electroluxes in list form as I gather it.

Oftentimes eBay parts/attachments are listed as functional with a group of machines rather than specifying the original ones for which they were made. Moreover, one may pass on an item while shopping in person only to discover later that it was a rare part to one of his/her machines; then go back and find it had already been purchased by someone else. While it may be true that some groups of machines have/had identical parts/attachments, there are also sometimes minor characteristics such as with the Electrolux Model S and Electrolux Model R that might otherwise be mistaken for the wrong cleaner.

It would be beneficial to have a hard copy reference; in fact, a soft copy guide on the Vacuumland website would also be convenient.

 

[caligula]

Hi Paul.

As far as I know there is no book of this type, though there are a few that deal with history. It's a great idea, and if you are interested in writing one, let me know, it's a project I'd love to work on.


 


Alex Taber.

 

[super-sweeper]

ooo, what fun!

writing a book on maintaining machines? I'm all for it! I've cleaned, fixed and kept going many machines over the years, I can start compiling notes and illustrations, What fun!


 


I'll whip up a sample paper on one of America's finest and commonest, The Hoover Elite! See how you guys like the format I have in mind!

 

[paul]

Hi, Alex and Alex,

Thanks for your responses. I will wait to see others' interests and thoughts before proceeding, but, yes, I would be interested in contributing to a book.

I wouldn't say that I am disinterested in other machines/companies, but I am most interested in Electrolux USA from 1952 to the end of Electrolux USA (before Aerus); although I am confused at all the different names/versions of the machines from the mid-1980s and on...apparently because there were some models that were only sold in stores and some that were only sold door to door. I'm no expert in any of the machines but am good at observing details. There seems to be plenty of detailed information on the vintage era (pre-1980), but less from that time forward.

So far I have put together a form of data (on an MS Word document) including: for vacuum cleaners--body, logo, bumpers, power switch, power cord, hose, dusting brush/upholstery tool, floor/rug tool, etc.; for shampooers/polishers--housing, handle grips, cord, handle adjusters, etc.

Alex (PA), I know you are quite knowledgable about the very first vacuum cleaners, so that might be the focal point of your possible contribution...or whatever you'd like to do. Since you are one of the founding members of the VCCC, you would have all sorts of information from a variety of brands, I'm sure!

Alex (FL), it sounds like you have a wealth of information on the Hoover Elite and all you need to do is organize it--great!

Colored photos would be super, but I'm not sure how much capital that would take--or who would provide them (consistent quality and form would be important). If this project is undertaken, it would be a good idea to first publish a more economical paperback version that would keep initial finances lower and allow readers to edit any erroneous information as well as providing additional information.

 

[super-sweeper]

Thanks,

I'm sure Alex Tabber (Spelt correctly?) is the expert as to Electrolux, early models, etc. I know my fair share of more than just Elites, I was stating that as a prototype example. Color photos would take less effort than full-on illustrations, I'll see to it.

 

[super-sweeper]

Meant to add,

I'll get some pictures ready when I have Sunlight again tomorrow, Yay!

 

[caligula]

Hi super-sweeper

The correct spelling is, Taber, and I'm NOT the expert on early Electrolux's, I simply share the facts I've read through various sourced over the last 55 years.


 


Most of my 'facts' come from a publication 'Electrolux the past 40 years, 1924 - 1964,'which was not available to people outside Electrolux personnel.  I've also done extensive patent research and acquired various articles such as 'The Electrolux News.' What is true is that I wrote several biographies on the company for my own use, the first in 1979, and an update in 1982. A few years later I published these in the early issues of the V.C.C.C. newsletter.


 


In the fall of 1994 I turned this information over to Charles Richard Lester, who I'd appointed to replace me as the club editor. Charles took those basic facts, researched them in far greater detail and embellished it into a fantastic Electrolux site. Another expert, if you want to use the term, is my friend, Tom Gasko. Through his museum, he's able to provide a wealth of information.


 


I can only talk about the models I've owned, the facts in the instruction books, and other data I've acquired. However, if the facts are incorrect, I pass on wrong information. However, what I will admit to is becoming aware of the model LX at the tender age of 2, and I've loved that model ever since.


 


 

 

[super-sweeper]

Electrolux Experts,

We'll leave that to another individual, then. But even then, with all your years of research and experience, you're still a VERY vital member of this "project"!

 

 

[caligula]

Hi super-sweeper

The idea of a book on the history of the vacuum cleaner is not new, the origin goes back to the first meeting of the Vacuum Cleaner Collector's Club in May of 1985. (See picture.) It was first proposed by Mike Pupek as a club project. The problem facing us back then was that while we had  information on Electrolux, Hoover, Kirby, the early years of Rexair (pre-Rainbow) and extensive data on the non electric pumpers of the late 1800's, it was not enough for a book. But our biggest stumbling block was that the V.C.C.C, while recognized by the Hoover company, was brand new, and we had no pull with the vacuum cleaner industry. Fact is, Air-Way, Electrolux, Kirby, and all the other's wanted nothing to do with us, so we hit that proverbial brick wall, and the idea died on the vine!


 


Over the years, I used the newsletter to share information to our limited membership, but without internet, which didn't exist back then that was all we had. In addition, antique guides, and other 'collectable' magazines didn't give a damn about the vacuum cleaner, neither did insurance companies, so our alternate idea of a vacuum cleaner blue-book also died on the vine!


 


Today, the club John and I started is international, the meetings have become conventions, and the internet is teaming with information. What six people could not do, those in Vacuumland can! I'd love to help a project like this get started, and share whatever information I have, be that patent books, or back issues of the newsletters I published.


 


Please feel free to contact me so we can pursue this.


 


Alex Taber

 

[caligula]

Hi Paul, hi super-sweeper.

One of the things I'd like to see covered in this book is a step by step repair of the Electrolux model LX ejection system so I don't have to keep re-writing it each time somebody gets a machine that won't eject, and asks for help. I'd also love to have a section on patents to give a visual idea of what a device looked like. As patents tend to be long, wordy things, I'd do just the drawings, and let the reader look up the text to the patent on his own.


 


As I mentioned before, in the early days, our collections were not insurable. Why? because the vacuum cleaner was not a recognized collectable like lets say depression glass. My insurance agent told me it had to be a rider on  the basic home insurance, but not my non electrics. True, this was in 1985, and I never followed up on it. I'm sure with eBay, Craigslist and others this is no longer true, or is it?


 


While we could have repair data, there could also be a section on the history of the company, and perhaps something like blue book value. There's a lot to think about, but I agree, this should be available to those of us here at Vacuumland.


 


Alex Taber.   


 


 


 

 

[super-sweeper]

If I can find an LX,

I'll be sure to look into the ejection system.

 

[caligula]

Hi super-sweeper

I've walked so many collectors through the basic repair of the model LX/LXI, that I think I could write in my sleep! Now, however, I simply refer them to the thread Lux XXX/30 tools, posted by powermate1970. To access this, go to archives 1/3/2013, and simply scroll down. That is an awesome thread, with a lot of great information, and wonderful pictures.


 


Alex Taber.

 

[caligula]

Hi super-sweeper

Unfortunately this was only available to Electrolux employees, I got mine in 1968 when I was selling the 1205. That was an interesting year, I was only 17, and just old enough to know that I wanted a career in the vacuum cleaner industry. Back then I was green as grass as far as research was concerned, but this book has been my reference guide over the years.

 

[paul]

Alex and Alex,

Looks like the book idea isn't garnering much interest at this point, so let's let it "cook" for a while. One thing I did think about was that collectors' books I've seen have been paperback, because they are updated frequently. That should be a consideration, so that any errors or oversights are corrected annually or at least bienially; and additions can be made frequently to include the latest models and versions.

I hope at least one person in our midst has had publishing experience. I have no idea of the process of publishing a book.

Alex (FL), Thanks for the clarification about your knowledge base.

Alex (PA), Good idea about the "How To..." section. I, for one, would appreciate that.

 

[caligula]

Hi Paul.

I have considerable experience publishing newsletters, I written several of them, and in different genre's. My first was for the V.C.C.C. from January 1983 to March 1995. I've also published pamphlets on assorted subjects. Another way to go is self publishing, and I can do that too.


 


I could type up a pamphlet, 'Repairing the Electrolux model LX ejection system,' and go from there. As I'm retired and love to write, this could be my next project. If you and others get me the data, I'll transform it into a book.


 


Alex Taber.


 


 

 

[paul]

Sounds good, Alex (PA). I'll keep researching the Electrolux line. In the meantime, maybe you or Alex (FL) could create a complete list of floor machine brands and create a sign-up thread of persons who would like to be responsible for their research--including photos.

Also, before we get too far we'll want to discuss and formalize how to create a budget, how to secure copyrights, how to register for an ISBN and how the profits will be used. That's taking for granted we'd want to go that route. Maybe the consensus will be just a scaled down pamphlet that is printed upon request.

 

[super-sweeper]

I'd go for the pamphlet,

I don't see people rushing to their local bookstore in search of a book on all things vacuums! It would only appeal to collectors, publishes would likely not see fit in publishing. I could care less of earning profits, this is a fun project!


 


A list of floor machines, I'm on it! I'm working on a Hoover Qwik-Broom, I'll use it as the prototype template model for the pamphlet page.


 


And yes, we could use more people to help out on this project, all they'll need to do is when servicing a machine, take some notes, pictures, and send them to us for writing! hooray!

 

[paul]

Your list of floor machines and prototype of the front page ounds great, Alex (FL). Looking forward to seeing them when you get them done!

As for the particulars, I just think that we should look into our options--including researching what other collectors books are like and if they've been registered somehow.

Regarding profits, I think we would do well to decide ahead of time how they should be spent in order to avoid conflicts later on. I wouldn't mind having them go to purchase parts for repairing machines to be donated to those who require financial assistance. Another consideration would be putting funds in reserve for future publications--which would include appointing someone to manage them. Correspondingly, I think anyone contributing should know beforehand what our plans are; so it doesn't appear that it's a half-baked plan.

I wonder if this idea should be brought to the business meeting at the annual convention? That may be a better platform for organizing our idea and getting more persons on board. The other option would be for you, Alex (PA), and me to just assemble a small pamphlet/book of information we have and add to it as we research more information. Copies could be printed as persons purchased them rather than printing, say 50 at one time. The second plan would be very informal as opposed to the first which would attempt to be more complete and available to those that do not use the internet and do not have membership in the VCCC (perhaps available at select antique stores).

I'm still working on my Electrolux machine information. It's challenging to find information from the 1980s to the present, so that information may have to be added as research reveals more data down the road.

Hope things are going well for you!

 

[super-sweeper]

That's an idea,

A pamphlet for each individual machine could work, I've been taking photos to compile into a prototype of a page set-up, hopefully will be done this weekend.