Hi gotahaveahoove
I have very fond memories of the original Hoover factory in North Canton. That goes back to September of 1980.
A few weeks prior to this I was in the vacuum cleaner store of John Henry in Valiparaso, Indiana. John, like his father before him, knew the value of machines from the 20's through the early 50's, and was where I acquired the bulk of my collection. As I was looking through the vintage machines, John asked me "have you ever been to the Hoover museum?" At that point in my life, Hoover was not high on my list, I was an Electrolux/Kirby collector, and was really interested in the off beat brands. "As a collector, you really should see that museum" John said, handing me a card with the contact info.
Later that day I placed a call to Hoover and was transfered to Stacy Krammes. In a few polite words I told her that I was a vacuum cleaner collector, and expected to get the usual laugh, followed by "you're kidding right?" But not Stacy! She was very nice, and answered all my questions, then invited me to see the 'Historical Center.' I still have the letters from Stacy inviting me to Hoover and will post them tomorrow.
A few weeks later I made the trek to North Canton. I arrived at 7:30 am, and checked into my hotel, which was on Main street and a block away from the red brick factory. After breakfast at the little cafe across the street, I returned to the hotel, and thought I'd call Stacy to let her know I was in town. In the lobby was a guy named Brian, and he told me that he was sent to drive me to the Historical Center.
Since I've often related what followed, I won't go into that now, needless to say, Stacy gave me the full V.I.P. treatment. But a lot more than just seeing a museum happened that morning. Without any of us realizing it, Stacy and I were laying the groundwork for the V.C.C.C.! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be anything but a private collectore with a very strange hobby. But one thing was certain, The Hoover company had gone to the head of the class for me.
As for Stacy Krammes, she was the first person outside my family who accepted me, and I'll be forever grateful.
Alex Taber.
