first central vac??

[caligula]

Hi reactor.

And finally.

 

[caligula]

Hi reactor.

Here are a few vacuum cleaners that were introduced in 1870 to about 73. Tomorrow I'll scan in a few very odd machines, that did sell.  However, the one shown here is the Agan which followed on the heels of the Whirlwind.


 


You have prompted me to start digging research into the central vac. I'll look up the General Electric question tonight, and see what's out there.


 


Alex Taber.

 

[caligula]

Hi reactor.

Willies cylindrical Sweeper.

 

[caligula]

Hi reactor.

The very first vacuum cleaner to be shown in a Sears catalog was the Dust Killer. This one is mine, and dates back to 1909.

 

[caligula]

Hi reactor.

The Cyclone circa 1899, also one of mine.

 

[caligula]

To all those interested in vacuum cleaner history.

Yes, I'm aware that there are several typos in my history of the electric vacuum cleaner, and I caught a few tonight that were overlooked when I wrote it back in 2005. Yes, I know, it was Allen Ludden of Password fame, not Bill! But this was not meant to be a final printing, that's one of the reasons it never made it into the newsletter, so please, cut me a little slack. 


 


On that note, I'm taking my aching shoulder off to bed. And for those of you who didn't follow an early post in this thread, my dog Felecia got under foot last night and tripped me! Went and got an x-ray this afternoon. Nothing broken, just a bad sprain.


 


I wish each of you a Happy New Year, and remember, January 2nd, the V.C.C.C. turns 31. Here's a look at the machine that became our first logo. Thanks to all who made it happen, and those who have kept it alive all these years. And finally a huge bear hug to John Lucia, without him, there wouldn't be a club.


 


Bob Alex Taber.

 

[reactor]

wow

Wow, what fascinating information Bob! Indeed you have done some remarkable research.

You brought back some names I haven't heard of in a long time, like Regina and Lewyt. I remember the Shetland Lewyt machines from the late sixties, or so, very well.

And just as you say, Rob, central vacs were around before the Wright brothers had one. Actually, it sounds like the were around before the Wright Brothers first powered airplane as well.

Thanks for all the great info!!

Barry

 

[rugsucker]

vac history

Great information and pictures.As you mention there are a few 'typos'that can be corrected before a final version is printed.Among them-Hoover double stretch hose was on Constellation and never Portable.The first Elux CB offered a short lived wet pick up option.This takes nothing away from what is one of the best overall research projects on the vacuum.Now with all formerly stored material available I can see it developing into a wonderful history.
GE central vac-Someone here found a NOS unit within the last year or two and posted pictures.Others should be able to locate.The GE was marketed to contractors to keep a house all GE along with kitchen,laundry,heat and air.It used the same atts as swivel tops.

 

[caligula]

Hi rugsucker.

The first commercial was the C-A, it came out in the early 1960's I'll post info on it later today, the second was the C-B. More on that too.


 


Alex Taber.

 

[caligula]

Hi rugsucker.

I did not intend to state that the double stretch hose went to any particular model, I meant to speak about it as one of the tools, like the telescoping wand. This is where editing comes in, fact is, I found many errors, like not mentioning the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 being the cause of the Chapman/ Skinner company to be lost. However, while I caught that mistake, I assume the readers figured it out.


 


Let me also say that these were merely notes intended to outline a 'history' in far greater detail. And that's why I never published it in the newsletters. However, I did send it to a few collectors earlier this year, and was told to post it. While my intention was to let reactor read it, I felt, why not share this info, which is not polished and perfected? In all honesty, it's rare when I post anything that hasn't been edited and deemed ready to post. Aside from the many typos, I'm rather proud of this 'history,' and will go into more detail on how it came into being, along with a lot more pictures of old machines later today.


 


For now, let me simply say, have a Happy New Year.


 


Alex Taber.

 

[caligula]

Hi rugsucker.

Here's the Electrolux C-A, as taken from the book 'Electrolux the first 40 years-1924 - 1964.'

 

[caligula]

Hi rugsucker.

Here are 3 pages of the patent to the C-A.

 

[caligula]

Hi rugsucker.

Page 2, showing the container for wet pick-up. Also the rear filter and blower port. The two clips in back held the power nozzle, which did not have the long wand, and could actually fit on the hose handle.

 

[caligula]

Hi rugsucker.

Page 3, the control panel.

 

[caligula]

Hi reactor.

Here's one of the strange ideas used. Yes, this was marketed, but I don't think it lasted very long.


 


More info to follow.

 

[caligula]

Thank you Stacy Krammes.

For those of you who don't know who Stacy was, she served as the director of the Hoover Historical Center for many years. The device posted above, was just one of the dozens of black and white glossies she gave me in August 1980. Without knowing it, she was laying the groundwork for the V.C.C.C. . A year or so later, Stacy forwarded a letter from John Lucia to me, but I'll save that till Thursday when our club turns 31!


 


Alex Taber,


 


 

 

[RoyalLover60]

Siemans....

The German company, Siemans, had a central vac system in the very early 1900's,called The Vortex, popular with well-heeled Europeans....

 

[caligula]

Hi RoyalLover60

Happy New Year!


 


I didn't have much interest in the industrial vacuum cleaning systems when I compiled my notes for that history. Frankly, it was just a good segue from non electric to early electric. Now, all these years later, I've developed an interest in the history of the central vac. So please, share what you know about the Vortex, and other European vacuum cleaners.


 


Thanks,


 


Alex Taber.   

 

[rugsucker]

Caligula

You can and should be proud of your history in any form. And I know a final version would have more proofreading and polishing. There is a recent vac history that went to press with some errors that might not be noticed by the average reader but could cause confusion among collectors.(Sometimes the printed word is thought to be 'carved in stone' as with a Nashville TN newspapers April 1st stories that were believed until revealed as jokes.)
CA-Great info above and the first time I have seen Elux literature mentioning White. I was told by an older Elux manager that the White buyout was discussed at a Waldorf convention. Also was the CA started as a White project or Elux?? CA literature mentions 'special products division' of Electrolux. What became of the White factory? Most Elux lit only mentions Old Greenwhich, Bristol VA,Seymor CT (rebuilds) and Lawrence hose in NC.I believe the bag assy above is the standard cloth bag that helps lift out the paper bag as the wet assy would have extra compartment for filter. The CA used 2 straight wands with spring clip on top on each that would store in tool bucket with PN hanging on clips as mentioned.--Bottom line here--I feel the CA was the GREATEST commercial vac ever!!!(Different from household or industrial.)It was perfect for the jobs it was built for-churches,hotels,stores,etc!

 

[vacuumfreak]

NuTone..

According to thinkvacuums.com, "NuTone introduced their first vacuum system in 1973 and since then they have been one of the most popular brands in the market."

Daniel