Eureka Vacuums History
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kirbyklekter
Well-known member
Mr.Wardell
Freddy to friends and family was quite a handsome bloke. I'm sure the girls chased him all over the school playground growing up, just sayin' lol.
Freddy to friends and family was quite a handsome bloke. I'm sure the girls chased him all over the school playground growing up, just sayin' lol.
The Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Co. 1910 incorporation, et cetera
Please, have a seat ...
The following data sheds light on the origin of Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Company.
No wonder Eureka Williams celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1960. It also explains why I was unable to find any reference of The Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Company prior to 1910.
1909, typically identified as the company's incorporation, likely came from a 1930 DETROIT NEWS article which quoted Mr. Wardell. Either he misspoke or the newspaper reporter erred. 1909 would more accurately be referenced as the business transaction between Mr. Wardell and a Mr. Dunkley (presumably Samuel J. Dunkley—1844-1918—of the Dunkley Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan), who, like James Spangler did for Hoover, developed the original design of Alfred J. Stecker's 1910 pneumatic cleaning machine casing patent (attached).
I have found no 1909 vacuum cleaner patents for the Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Company, Fred Wardell or Alfred J. Stecker; and Samuel J. Dunkley only patented inventions for his fruit canning company. The Dunkley Company did sell an auto vacuum cleaner, but did not appear to patent it (attached citing). That association gives me the idea that Sam was involved in what would become the Model 1 Eureka vacuum cleaner.
Interestingly, the original Eureka wordmark found on the early Eureka vacuum cleaners was actually trademarked in 1906 for The Eureka Vibrator Company.
Photos:
1. 1906 Eureka Trademark and Patent - Vibratory Massage Apparatus
2. 1909 COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY OF THE CITY OF DETROIT AND WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN - Title Page
3. 1909 COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY OF THE CITY OF DETROIT AND WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN - p. 700 Fred Wardell
4. 1909 COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY OF THE CITY OF DETROIT AND WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN - p. 701 Fred Wardell
5. Alfred J. Stecker Patent - Vibrator 1909/1909
6. 1909 June - Newly Patented Steam Devices heading
7. 1909 June - Newly Patented Steam Devices - A Stecker/F Wardell Liquid-Level Indicator
8. 1910 COMMERCIAL AMERICA, Vol. 7 - Eureka Vibrator Company ad
9. 1910 Apr 8/1910 Nov - Alfred J. Stecker Patent Assigned to Fred Wardell - Casing for Pneumatic Cleaning Machines
10. 1910 Apr POPULAR ELECTRICITY - Vol. 3 - Eureka Vacuum Cleaner ad
11. 1910 Aug 27 MICHIGAN MANUFACTURER masthead
12. 1910 Aug 27 MICHIGAN MANUFACTURER - Vol. 4 No. 17 - Fred Wardell incorporates business
13. 1930 INDUSTRIAL DETROIT - cover
14. 1930 INDUSTRIAL DETROIT by A. M. Smith - pamphlet compiled from articles in THE DETROIT NEWS - Origin of Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Company - summary
15. 1930 INDUSTRIAL DETROIT by A. M. Smith - pamphlet compiled from articles in THE DETROIT NEWS - Origin of Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Company (mentions "a man named Dunkley")- p. 29
16. 1930 INDUSTRIAL DETROIT by A. M. Smith - pamphlet compiled from articles in THE DETROIT NEWS - Origin of Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Company - p. 30
17. 1918 Jun MOTOR RECORD, Vol. III, No. 6 masthead
18. 1918 Jun MOTOR RECORD, Vol. III, No. 6 Vacuum for Autos, Dunkley Company, Kalamazoo
19. Dunkley International profile and history
20. 1903 May 9 SOUTH HAVEN SENTINEL (last minute find)
Please, have a seat ...
The following data sheds light on the origin of Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Company.
No wonder Eureka Williams celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1960. It also explains why I was unable to find any reference of The Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Company prior to 1910.
1909, typically identified as the company's incorporation, likely came from a 1930 DETROIT NEWS article which quoted Mr. Wardell. Either he misspoke or the newspaper reporter erred. 1909 would more accurately be referenced as the business transaction between Mr. Wardell and a Mr. Dunkley (presumably Samuel J. Dunkley—1844-1918—of the Dunkley Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan), who, like James Spangler did for Hoover, developed the original design of Alfred J. Stecker's 1910 pneumatic cleaning machine casing patent (attached).
I have found no 1909 vacuum cleaner patents for the Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Company, Fred Wardell or Alfred J. Stecker; and Samuel J. Dunkley only patented inventions for his fruit canning company. The Dunkley Company did sell an auto vacuum cleaner, but did not appear to patent it (attached citing). That association gives me the idea that Sam was involved in what would become the Model 1 Eureka vacuum cleaner.
Interestingly, the original Eureka wordmark found on the early Eureka vacuum cleaners was actually trademarked in 1906 for The Eureka Vibrator Company.
Photos:
1. 1906 Eureka Trademark and Patent - Vibratory Massage Apparatus
2. 1909 COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY OF THE CITY OF DETROIT AND WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN - Title Page
3. 1909 COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY OF THE CITY OF DETROIT AND WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN - p. 700 Fred Wardell
4. 1909 COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY OF THE CITY OF DETROIT AND WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN - p. 701 Fred Wardell
5. Alfred J. Stecker Patent - Vibrator 1909/1909
6. 1909 June - Newly Patented Steam Devices heading
7. 1909 June - Newly Patented Steam Devices - A Stecker/F Wardell Liquid-Level Indicator
8. 1910 COMMERCIAL AMERICA, Vol. 7 - Eureka Vibrator Company ad
9. 1910 Apr 8/1910 Nov - Alfred J. Stecker Patent Assigned to Fred Wardell - Casing for Pneumatic Cleaning Machines
10. 1910 Apr POPULAR ELECTRICITY - Vol. 3 - Eureka Vacuum Cleaner ad
11. 1910 Aug 27 MICHIGAN MANUFACTURER masthead
12. 1910 Aug 27 MICHIGAN MANUFACTURER - Vol. 4 No. 17 - Fred Wardell incorporates business
13. 1930 INDUSTRIAL DETROIT - cover
14. 1930 INDUSTRIAL DETROIT by A. M. Smith - pamphlet compiled from articles in THE DETROIT NEWS - Origin of Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Company - summary
15. 1930 INDUSTRIAL DETROIT by A. M. Smith - pamphlet compiled from articles in THE DETROIT NEWS - Origin of Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Company (mentions "a man named Dunkley")- p. 29
16. 1930 INDUSTRIAL DETROIT by A. M. Smith - pamphlet compiled from articles in THE DETROIT NEWS - Origin of Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Company - p. 30
17. 1918 Jun MOTOR RECORD, Vol. III, No. 6 masthead
18. 1918 Jun MOTOR RECORD, Vol. III, No. 6 Vacuum for Autos, Dunkley Company, Kalamazoo
19. Dunkley International profile and history
20. 1903 May 9 SOUTH HAVEN SENTINEL (last minute find)
eurekaprince
Well-known member
Wow! Thank you again Paul for your meticulous research and valuable posts. Could not have done a better job myself!
The 1909 start date mystery has always confounded me because Eureka started advertising their “Golden Anniversary” models in 1957!!! These are the famous green and gold Super Automatic 260 (a nod to 1960?) upright and the companion green and gold Super Rotomatic 960 Golden Crown tub canister. And somewhere along the line, I think you posted a wonderful explanation of how these colours related to Ancient Greece’s use of similar colours for athletic awards - connected to the Greek origins of the word “eureka - I have found it”.
The 1909 start date mystery has always confounded me because Eureka started advertising their “Golden Anniversary” models in 1957!!! These are the famous green and gold Super Automatic 260 (a nod to 1960?) upright and the companion green and gold Super Rotomatic 960 Golden Crown tub canister. And somewhere along the line, I think you posted a wonderful explanation of how these colours related to Ancient Greece’s use of similar colours for athletic awards - connected to the Greek origins of the word “eureka - I have found it”.
You're most welcome, Brian—and I appreciate your kind words!
Indeed, I posted the story of the "Eureka!" Golden Crown story on thread 31755. While I think it would have been a great anniversary theme, however, my research concluded that Eureka Williams designated only its green and iridescent cream, (sans the metallic gold lid) Super Roto-Matic 910-B with fan exhaust and braided nylon hose (manufactured from Dec. 1959 to Dec. 1961) and Super Roto-Matic 960-A with twin exhaust and vinyl ribbed (produced from July 1959 to Sept. 1961) as its 1960 Golden Anniversary models. Btw, the 960 ad actually stated "960-B", but the 1964 shipping record only shows "960-A"; I think "910-B" led to the error.
Thinking it over, I submit that one of Eureka's goals with the Golden Crown model name and color theme for its Super Roto-Matic model 960 and same color theme and metallic gold-trimmed 260 upright (and 1959's 1010 Vibra-Beat) was to rev up the competition with Hoover's 1957 Convertible launch and its popular Constellation canister. Otherwise, it may likely have used the color theme for its anniversary models. Cost trimming likely prevented continued use of the metallic gold parts.
When all is said and done, which models were designated as anniversary models doesn't amount to a hill of beans. I just prefer to go by company ephemera rather than conjecture. You and others are just as entitled to use your own conclusions.
Photos -
1. Photo of the 1010 Vibra-Beat with replacement hose, 960 Golden Crown, and 260 upright - posted by citation
2-3. I initially searched for a Super Roto-Matic 960-A online photo to see if it had a chrome lid—or top like previous models. In the process I located photos of Super Roto-Matic 910s and discovered that their labels are decals sporting scripted "Roto-Matic" text an encircled E/W logo, and in ad drawings that the model 960 and its model-types bear a plastic badge with capital "Roto-Matic" letters and a circled E/W. Incidentally, the 910-B's lid, I believe, is enameled completely in green with no chrome; unless that was one of the differences between it and the later model-type 910-B-A. Posters withheld the model designations. It would be cool if Eureka used chromed lids and/or anniversary decals on its Golden Anniversary models to make them more unique—the search for the 910-B and 960-A photos continues!
Indeed, I posted the story of the "Eureka!" Golden Crown story on thread 31755. While I think it would have been a great anniversary theme, however, my research concluded that Eureka Williams designated only its green and iridescent cream, (sans the metallic gold lid) Super Roto-Matic 910-B with fan exhaust and braided nylon hose (manufactured from Dec. 1959 to Dec. 1961) and Super Roto-Matic 960-A with twin exhaust and vinyl ribbed (produced from July 1959 to Sept. 1961) as its 1960 Golden Anniversary models. Btw, the 960 ad actually stated "960-B", but the 1964 shipping record only shows "960-A"; I think "910-B" led to the error.
Thinking it over, I submit that one of Eureka's goals with the Golden Crown model name and color theme for its Super Roto-Matic model 960 and same color theme and metallic gold-trimmed 260 upright (and 1959's 1010 Vibra-Beat) was to rev up the competition with Hoover's 1957 Convertible launch and its popular Constellation canister. Otherwise, it may likely have used the color theme for its anniversary models. Cost trimming likely prevented continued use of the metallic gold parts.
When all is said and done, which models were designated as anniversary models doesn't amount to a hill of beans. I just prefer to go by company ephemera rather than conjecture. You and others are just as entitled to use your own conclusions.
Photos -
1. Photo of the 1010 Vibra-Beat with replacement hose, 960 Golden Crown, and 260 upright - posted by citation
2-3. I initially searched for a Super Roto-Matic 960-A online photo to see if it had a chrome lid—or top like previous models. In the process I located photos of Super Roto-Matic 910s and discovered that their labels are decals sporting scripted "Roto-Matic" text an encircled E/W logo, and in ad drawings that the model 960 and its model-types bear a plastic badge with capital "Roto-Matic" letters and a circled E/W. Incidentally, the 910-B's lid, I believe, is enameled completely in green with no chrome; unless that was one of the differences between it and the later model-type 910-B-A. Posters withheld the model designations. It would be cool if Eureka used chromed lids and/or anniversary decals on its Golden Anniversary models to make them more unique—the search for the 910-B and 960-A photos continues!
Model 910-B
It occurred to me that the 910-B-A, produced from Jan. 1962 - Mar. 1963, would have been enameled in Lagoon Blue & White, so the attached photo, originally posted by massagemiracle but unidentified by model-type, is actually a Model 910-B as the 910 was in yellow & gray. The only other one of that series was the 912-A, made from May 1962 to March 1963.
Now I just need to locate a 960-A.
It occurred to me that the 910-B-A, produced from Jan. 1962 - Mar. 1963, would have been enameled in Lagoon Blue & White, so the attached photo, originally posted by massagemiracle but unidentified by model-type, is actually a Model 910-B as the 910 was in yellow & gray. The only other one of that series was the 912-A, made from May 1962 to March 1963.
Now I just need to locate a 960-A.
eurekaprince
Well-known member
I don’t think that Super Rotomatic is Lagoon Blue….it’s definitely that green colour that was used on the anniversary editions.
I actually have a powerful memory of the difference between the green and blue that Eureka used at this time: By the late 1960’s, our blue 260 upright had a worn-out handle bail that no longer kept the handle locked in the “storage/upright” position. We had our Eureka picked up for repairs by Vacuum Rebuilders of Montreal (on Saint Laurence Boulevard) so that they could see if this problem could be fixed. To my horror, our Eureka came back with an avocado green handle bail which they must have harvested from some trade-in!!! So to this day, I have a strong visual memory of the contrast between the green and blue colours used by Eureka at the time: the green was a kind of avocado green and the Lagoon Blue was kind of a turquoise. I can spot the difference very easily.
I actually have a powerful memory of the difference between the green and blue that Eureka used at this time: By the late 1960’s, our blue 260 upright had a worn-out handle bail that no longer kept the handle locked in the “storage/upright” position. We had our Eureka picked up for repairs by Vacuum Rebuilders of Montreal (on Saint Laurence Boulevard) so that they could see if this problem could be fixed. To my horror, our Eureka came back with an avocado green handle bail which they must have harvested from some trade-in!!! So to this day, I have a strong visual memory of the contrast between the green and blue colours used by Eureka at the time: the green was a kind of avocado green and the Lagoon Blue was kind of a turquoise. I can spot the difference very easily.
I thought both the 910 & 960 were Super Rot-Matics according to their ads. Since Eureka Williams phased out the model name after 1961 maybe that's what you meant.
According to the shipping record, the Lagoon Blue & White 260-A was first shipped in December 1960, so I used that as the approximate time of the color change from green to blue.
Photos:
1. 1956 Super-Roto-Matic 910 ad
2. 1957 Golden Crown Super Roto-Matic 960 ad
3. Doug Smith's 50th anniversary Model-Type 910-CB (with what appears to be an anniversary decal)
4. Doug Smith's Model-Type 980-C
5. Crazykirbylady's Model-Type 980-A first shipped in January 1961
According to the shipping record, the Lagoon Blue & White 260-A was first shipped in December 1960, so I used that as the approximate time of the color change from green to blue.
Photos:
1. 1956 Super-Roto-Matic 910 ad
2. 1957 Golden Crown Super Roto-Matic 960 ad
3. Doug Smith's 50th anniversary Model-Type 910-CB (with what appears to be an anniversary decal)
4. Doug Smith's Model-Type 980-C
5. Crazykirbylady's Model-Type 980-A first shipped in January 1961
Brian,
I just realized that you thought I'd said that the 910-B in reply #65 was Lagoon Blue. I was just explaining why initially I wasn't sure if it was a 910-B or the later 910-B-A—
then I figured that the 910-B-A would have been enameled in Lagoon Blue & White due to it's later production.
I just realized that you thought I'd said that the 910-B in reply #65 was Lagoon Blue. I was just explaining why initially I wasn't sure if it was a 910-B or the later 910-B-A—
then I figured that the 910-B-A would have been enameled in Lagoon Blue & White due to it's later production.
eurekaprince
Well-known member
Aha…gotcha! Much appreciate all your enlightening posts about Eureka, Paul - as always! Guess I got a little confused…
I guess the anniversary green was taken over completely by Lagoon Blue with the arrival of the little turtle Princess in 1962.
It’s interesting that Eureka made a round green canister cleaner for Singer at the time - first time I had ever seen a green Singer canister. Doug Smith shows it as part of his great collection on his Altervista website….
I guess the anniversary green was taken over completely by Lagoon Blue with the arrival of the little turtle Princess in 1962.
It’s interesting that Eureka made a round green canister cleaner for Singer at the time - first time I had ever seen a green Singer canister. Doug Smith shows it as part of his great collection on his Altervista website….
Hey Brian,
Not 'Gotcha!" ... but "Eureka!"
I always appreciate your great wealth of Eureka knowledge and experience as well as our banter. We help each other clear out the cobwebs using our Eureka thinking along with furthering the completion of the Eureka puzzle with new pieces of data!
I'll have to check out the Singer on Doug's site. That is bewildering that the same color was used on it as the Roto-Matic 800.
(P. S. Doug, if you happen to read this thanks for your awesome website! It's helped provide or verify information time and again for me.)
Not 'Gotcha!" ... but "Eureka!"
I always appreciate your great wealth of Eureka knowledge and experience as well as our banter. We help each other clear out the cobwebs using our Eureka thinking along with furthering the completion of the Eureka puzzle with new pieces of data!
I'll have to check out the Singer on Doug's site. That is bewildering that the same color was used on it as the Roto-Matic 800.
(P. S. Doug, if you happen to read this thanks for your awesome website! It's helped provide or verify information time and again for me.)
Hold on to your hat, Brian ... EUREKA! I just added a puzzle piece!
The attached online photo shows another model that was a 50th Anniversary model (805-B or 805-BA)! Photo 2 is a corresponding preview that verifies it. So there were actually three golden anniversary models!
Keep a lookout for photos of the model-types 805-B (shipped Apr 1958-Jul 1959) and 805-BA (shipped Aug 1959-Mar 1960), which are both likely pastel green and iridescent cream. Would both have been tagged with anniversary decals, or was the attached preview missing the 'A'?
Another thought I had ... the 960-A might also have a Golden Crown! So be alert! Maybe the 'A' (missing in the preview) simply indicated that it came with a Vibra-Beat nozzle?
Btw, I searched and searched but found no mention of a Eureka 25th anniversary model vacuum cleaner (I checked both 1934 and 1935).
So which of us is going to locate photos of the models mentioned in this message first? Or will it be someone else?
The pièce de résistance is that they likely are all enameled in St. Patrick's Day colors!
The attached online photo shows another model that was a 50th Anniversary model (805-B or 805-BA)! Photo 2 is a corresponding preview that verifies it. So there were actually three golden anniversary models!
Keep a lookout for photos of the model-types 805-B (shipped Apr 1958-Jul 1959) and 805-BA (shipped Aug 1959-Mar 1960), which are both likely pastel green and iridescent cream. Would both have been tagged with anniversary decals, or was the attached preview missing the 'A'?
Another thought I had ... the 960-A might also have a Golden Crown! So be alert! Maybe the 'A' (missing in the preview) simply indicated that it came with a Vibra-Beat nozzle?
Btw, I searched and searched but found no mention of a Eureka 25th anniversary model vacuum cleaner (I checked both 1934 and 1935).
So which of us is going to locate photos of the models mentioned in this message first?
Or will it be someone else?The pièce de résistance is that they likely are all enameled in St. Patrick's Day colors!
eurekaprince
Well-known member
Wow! My childhood 260 Automatic! But it’s got the wrong tool port cover…that one has the gold lettering instead of the blue frame and silver lettering. That one belongs on the green and gold version….
