Grandma Helen's Hoover....another North Canton Find

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myhooverco

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 25, 2006
Messages
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Well folks out there in Vacuumland, another Hoover has found its way to my doorstep this evening. Patty, an employee of the Hoover Historical Center stopped by tonight with her husband carrying a Hoover Convertible model 1020 serial number 269,000+ (1969-1971). They had been to the auction of Patty's grandma, Grandma Helen. She gifted the vacuum to me. Now this may not sound like much, the vacuum is in mint condition with pictures to show it, but there is more to the story. You see Grandma Helen, who is 94 years young now living with her daughter, was born in the Hoover house that is now the Hoover Historical Center. Her family rented the Hoover farm in the early 1900s. Grandma Helen is at all of the HHC functions and has spoken to me many times. She is one of the kindest, funniest people I know. Here is the best part. She knew Boss Hoover himself. She still today has items that he had given her as a young girl. She called him grandpa and really loved him. She has told me many stories of his visits at the house. She is a wonderful lady. I was so pleased to get her vacuum for my collection. The tag will read "From Grandma Helen". She is one in a million.

Now for the vacuum stuff...this is the "Brady Bunch" Convertible. It was the first one with the four position rug adjuster. This one is original down to the cord. The bag is not frayed and shows signs of very minimal use. Makes me wonder how Patty could be related to her! Patty is well known throughout North Canton as the vacuum cleaner killer of northeast Ohio! Once she vacuumed up water from a wet carpet. I opened the bag compartment of her Windtunnel and water actually poured out of it. She blames her son, but I know the real story. If any vacuum cleaner company wants to put their product to the ultimate test, put their cleaner in the hands of Patty for a month. LOL! Patty if you are reading this, thanks for the great gift of this cleaner. I will always enjoy it. You are the greatest!!!!

The photos were taken just as I got the cleaner tonight. It runs perfect.

Colors: Spring Green, Seal Griege Medium and Light.

--Tom

7-25-2007-22-12-42--myhooverco.jpg
 
Great convertible!

Wow great convertible in awesome condition one of my favorite kind of convertibles!
 
What a story, Tom!! That is TOO cool!! Awesome vacuum, and surely an awesome history! Thanks for sharing!

~~K~~
 
Tom that is a wonderful story, I know that you will always treasure this vacuum.
 
Nice Convertible, Tom!

And the history, and the fact that a very special lady with connections to the Hoover family and home wanted you to have it, make it even more special! Congrats!
Jeff
 
Grandma Helen...

Tom, as others have written above, that is an awesome story.

Do you know if Grandma Helen has been interviewed by anyone about her Hoover connection and experiences with Boss Hoover? Even if she has been interviewed in the past, I urge you to consider interviewing her yourself while she's still around. She will have stories, anecdotes and a unique perspective that cannot be replicated. I think it would be a terrible shame to lose that. And, it would be a wonderful bit of history for the club to have and share with future generations of vacuum collectors.

As a relatively new member, I'm also curious, does the club historian proactively seek out, document and track these types of stories?

I interview people quite often as part of my work and would be happy to give you some helpful pointers if you like. IMHO, this is an opportunity that should not be missed.

Mike
 
Stories....

Hi Tom, these "Gifts" are even more precious when you hear the stories of "How they came to be", have to agree with Mike about capturing her story now, I`ve started to do that here, am visiting the Aunt of a friend of ours who was a "Hoover Demonstrator" in a large department store to film her thoughts and memories over the years....

Remember Instore Demonstrators....Killer Heels, American Tan legs, Big Hair, Strawberry Blush Lippy...and Attitude as big as....to get that sale!!!....FAB
 
Cool!

That sure is in better shape than that other 1020 you have...

:)

Congrats! I love getting the story behind the cleaner! Makes it so much more special!

~Fred
 
Congratulations Tom, I have heard your speak fondly of this dear ole gal. How wonderful to have an orginal cleaner with all the Hoover history to go with it!!
Norm
 

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