I enjoy antique sports cars, vintage firearms and most sports, but never thought much about Vacuums until I was given a couple of Kirby’s about 10 years ago. I never did anything with them because they where in pretty rough condition. I did keep the red cord to one because it was perfect and now wish I didn’t dispose of them. I’m still amazed I’m now into Vacuum cleaners
How Do You Explain You’re Into Vacuums Cleaners ?
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dysonman1
Well-known member
I tell people all the time that I collect vacuum cleaners. After all, The Vacuum Cleaner Museum was built by Tacony Corporation to house not only my vast collection of over 500 vacuums, but also the vast collection of Stan Kann (the Godfather of the vacuum collecting hobby). I'm quite proud of it, and I love my job as Vacuum Museum Curator. We get thousands of visitors every year, and I get to share the vintage cleaners with all of them.
vacuumdevil
Well-known member
vinvac
Well-known member
When I share it people find it fascinating. The conversation generally ends up well my grandma had this vacuum and it looked like.....and they are amazed that I can generally tell them which model it is.
Vacuumland has helped a lot! I just tell people there are 100’s of guys all over the world who have been fascinated - like me - with vacuum cleaners since we were young toddlers! And all the YouTube clips of kids playing with vacuums also helps!
my interest in vacuums
I've liked vacuums ever since I can remember. Not really sure why, the different sounds perhaps? The different designs. I remember when I was young, when it rained a lot our basement would flood. My parents dreaded it, and of course now I understand why, but I used to get a kick out of it because we would pull out the wet dry vac to clean it up, and I enjoyed that. I started collecting them about 4 years ago, when I tell people that I collect vacuums, they find it fascinating, I guess because it's just not very common.
Mike
I've liked vacuums ever since I can remember. Not really sure why, the different sounds perhaps? The different designs. I remember when I was young, when it rained a lot our basement would flood. My parents dreaded it, and of course now I understand why, but I used to get a kick out of it because we would pull out the wet dry vac to clean it up, and I enjoyed that. I started collecting them about 4 years ago, when I tell people that I collect vacuums, they find it fascinating, I guess because it's just not very common.
Mike
I love the really old "Firsts", and the
non-electric sweepers and vacs.
The early inventors were ingenious about
sucking dirt off carpets without a motor.
Of course the electrics do a much better
job.
When people see my collection they "seem"
interested. But I think they'd rather
fit me in a jacket really long sleeves LOL.
non-electric sweepers and vacs.
The early inventors were ingenious about
sucking dirt off carpets without a motor.
Of course the electrics do a much better
job.
When people see my collection they "seem"
interested. But I think they'd rather
fit me in a jacket really long sleeves LOL.
real1shep
Well-known member
I generally don't tell people. I grew tired a long time ago of defending hobbies. Some people are so thick it's like vacuums=dirt=icky=mental. Kids are different though, especially boys. So there's hope....lol.
<a name="start_35893.385075"></a>Stan Kann did a lot for us enthusiasts, but I'm not so sure he did a lot for the general public other than comedic relief.
Kevin
<a name="start_35893.385075"></a>Stan Kann did a lot for us enthusiasts, but I'm not so sure he did a lot for the general public other than comedic relief.
Kevin
More than really being 'into' vacuum, (I am) but....
it's really 'into' The Hoover Company, family, products.......etc.
I remind people that almost 'everyone collects something'. After I explain WHY and HOW, it all seems to make a lot more sense.
If/when they SEE the 'collection', well, I've gotten gasps, etc....rarely giggles.
I've know a few people who didn't/couldn't/wouldn't get it. They're simply gone from my life, as, they didn't really ever care for ME in the first place. The Hoover Historical Center and other museums, etc, help. Yes, Stan Kahn went public, mostly on Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show. But, it is true, it added much more of a 'comedic' sense, as he was very nice and kind, but was also a very 'nervous man', causing much laughter when he was on that show. No museum was ever 'built' for 'his collection'. A lot of his things are now there, as well as a few that made it elsewhere. I had someone do the "you collect sweepers"?
Thankfully, at this stage in my life, I can say that I'm far past the laughing, bullying, etc. Some people get me, some don't. Some like me, some don't. Some hate the very ground I walk on, some without even knowing me. Others join in a gabfest, bashfest. ................... I say, if you don't like me OR my 'collecting', who cares? I'll sleep just fine tonight.
The very same things can be said to others who collect other things, right?
I'm not ashamed of who I am, what I do, Who my friends are, etc....
So, yes, I'm John, and I collect Hoovers. What's your name? Wouldn't that go over well at a support group?
it's really 'into' The Hoover Company, family, products.......etc.
I remind people that almost 'everyone collects something'. After I explain WHY and HOW, it all seems to make a lot more sense.
If/when they SEE the 'collection', well, I've gotten gasps, etc....rarely giggles.
I've know a few people who didn't/couldn't/wouldn't get it. They're simply gone from my life, as, they didn't really ever care for ME in the first place. The Hoover Historical Center and other museums, etc, help. Yes, Stan Kahn went public, mostly on Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show. But, it is true, it added much more of a 'comedic' sense, as he was very nice and kind, but was also a very 'nervous man', causing much laughter when he was on that show. No museum was ever 'built' for 'his collection'. A lot of his things are now there, as well as a few that made it elsewhere. I had someone do the "you collect sweepers"?
Thankfully, at this stage in my life, I can say that I'm far past the laughing, bullying, etc. Some people get me, some don't. Some like me, some don't. Some hate the very ground I walk on, some without even knowing me. Others join in a gabfest, bashfest. ................... I say, if you don't like me OR my 'collecting', who cares? I'll sleep just fine tonight.
The very same things can be said to others who collect other things, right?
I'm not ashamed of who I am, what I do, Who my friends are, etc....
So, yes, I'm John, and I collect Hoovers. What's your name? Wouldn't that go over well at a support group?
Deleted member 2721
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2016
- Messages
- 69
I don’t really talk about it much. Not because I don’t want to but because there’s never really a time to talk about it with others, unless we are already talking about collections or something gets brought up somewhat related. When I have, I remind people that anything can and will be collected by people. I had a coworker who collected old gas pumps, early Americana stuff from ConocoPhillips, etc he’d restore them and make them look really nice and display them. Had had many restored and in various states of disarray. People just don’t look at vacuums the same way they look at sports memorabilia or etc.
real1shep
Well-known member
Well, there's folks who collect stuff just to brag about it...mine-is-better-than-yours type collecting. I consider them the worst types. I collect stuff because of the way it's made or designed and how it had an impact on the world/me.
I don't always make the best choices. In fact, don't ever ask my opinion on the best video medias. I chose RCA CEDS over VHS and then when I did go to VCR's I chose Beta. And I stayed with high-end 35mm cameras....how could I go wrong there ?...digital cameras. Then when camcorders went big I got a high-end Sony Hi-8....only to see digital wipe those outa of existence a few yrs later. Stayed with vinyl LP's while digital nearly killed them off. But...vinyl has had a decent resurgence so that wasn't the worst of my decisions....lol.
Like John, I do what I wish and what makes me happy......don't like it, go run somebody else down.
I laughed at Stan fumbling on the Tonight Show.....but I also thought some of the stuff got a bad rap....that it was really interesting stuff in spite of what happened on the show. And there was probably a spark there that was like; Wow, a grown man collects vacuums?
Kevin
I don't always make the best choices. In fact, don't ever ask my opinion on the best video medias. I chose RCA CEDS over VHS and then when I did go to VCR's I chose Beta. And I stayed with high-end 35mm cameras....how could I go wrong there ?...digital cameras. Then when camcorders went big I got a high-end Sony Hi-8....only to see digital wipe those outa of existence a few yrs later. Stayed with vinyl LP's while digital nearly killed them off. But...vinyl has had a decent resurgence so that wasn't the worst of my decisions....lol.
Like John, I do what I wish and what makes me happy......don't like it, go run somebody else down.
I laughed at Stan fumbling on the Tonight Show.....but I also thought some of the stuff got a bad rap....that it was really interesting stuff in spite of what happened on the show. And there was probably a spark there that was like; Wow, a grown man collects vacuums?
Kevin
sensotronic
Well-known member
I find it easier to come out as gay than to admit I collect vacuum cleaners. As a child I would talk about nothing else, not realising or even caring that people may find it odd.
I've put a few videos on Youtube and often make fun of myself for liking vacuum cleaners, I find that's the best way of stopping other people from doing it. I still think it's a very strange thing to be interested in and sometimes I wish I wasn't so obsessed with the bloody things. "There's nowt so queer as folk" as the saying goes and there's nowt as queer as liking vacuum cleaners, but if it feels good, do it, that's what I say.
I've put a few videos on Youtube and often make fun of myself for liking vacuum cleaners, I find that's the best way of stopping other people from doing it. I still think it's a very strange thing to be interested in and sometimes I wish I wasn't so obsessed with the bloody things. "There's nowt so queer as folk" as the saying goes and there's nowt as queer as liking vacuum cleaners, but if it feels good, do it, that's what I say.
luxflairguy
Well-known member
When I talk about my collections and interest in vacuums there are moments. But then my motto for many years has been: "It's a clean hobby and it sucks!" Always gets a laugh! Greg
human
Well-known member
I don't even try to explain it, nor do I let it define me. There are far more important things that serve to define who I am. Let me be known for my actions rather than the stuff I accumulate.
fan-of-fans
Well-known member
I've been interested in vacuums since I was a kid, just one of many appliances that I like including fans, mixers, light fixtures, etc.
I don't usually tell anyone I collect vacuums or any of those other things unless I know them well. There's really no need to tell anyone about it unless someone came into my house and saw my collections.
There's not much to say about it, in my opinion. To most people these things are just objects, they know little to nothing about them, have no interest in them, so you can't really have a good conversation about it anyway.
It's like if someone collected baseball cards and wanted to talk to me about it, I know nothing about them, so it wouldn't go far.
I don't usually tell anyone I collect vacuums or any of those other things unless I know them well. There's really no need to tell anyone about it unless someone came into my house and saw my collections.
There's not much to say about it, in my opinion. To most people these things are just objects, they know little to nothing about them, have no interest in them, so you can't really have a good conversation about it anyway.
It's like if someone collected baseball cards and wanted to talk to me about it, I know nothing about them, so it wouldn't go far.
@luxflairguy
I love it "It's a clean hobby and it sucks. I have to remember that one.
One of my favorites is If something doesn't work I say "It sucks worse than a Hoover with a broken fan."
BTW no offence intended to those who like the Hoover vacuum. I have used some good ones over the years.
I love it "It's a clean hobby and it sucks. I have to remember that one.
One of my favorites is If something doesn't work I say "It sucks worse than a Hoover with a broken fan."
BTW no offence intended to those who like the Hoover vacuum. I have used some good ones over the years.
seijun
Well-known member
I would rather spend $20 on a metal Kirby that has been chugging along for 40+ years, than spend $50 on a piece of modern plastic from Walmart that is going to die on me in 3.
That is how I explain/justify it.
Plus some of them are just so cool! I like to tell people that I own an anti-gravity vacuum that was invented in the 50's (my Hoover Constellation).
That is how I explain/justify it.
Plus some of them are just so cool! I like to tell people that I own an anti-gravity vacuum that was invented in the 50's (my Hoover Constellation).
real1shep
Well-known member
Yeah telling people you have a 'floating vacuum' usually piques their interest. However, when you actually show them the vac in use, they are almost always disappointed......they expect it to be hovering way off the floor like a spaceship, for some reason.
My ex thought my original Connie was a joke. Then she had occasion to use the retro Connie in our new house. Tables turned, especially when it followed her around and she's a diehard Electrolux fan.
Kevin
My ex thought my original Connie was a joke. Then she had occasion to use the retro Connie in our new house. Tables turned, especially when it followed her around and she's a diehard Electrolux fan.
Kevin
kirbyvertibles
Well-known member
Hi my name is Phillip and I'm a vacuumaholic
I've never had a problem with sharing my interest, I just don't seem to care if someone thinks I'm weird. I turned my hobby into a service when I was a kid and many people would bring me their vacuums for repair. They were amazed this little kid was doing what they couldn't. I would even camp out in the vacuum isle at Kmart while my Mom was shopping and I would sell Hoovers to people. Most of the time people would walk away with the vacuum in their cart that I recommended. I was about 5 the first time I ever did that and the lady bought it.
I love all makes models types and era's of vacuum cleaners from antique to brand new.
Welcome to the club and never let anyone make you feel weird about liking vacuums. People will find something weird about you either way if they want to bad enough either for vacuums or something else.
I've never had a problem with sharing my interest, I just don't seem to care if someone thinks I'm weird. I turned my hobby into a service when I was a kid and many people would bring me their vacuums for repair. They were amazed this little kid was doing what they couldn't. I would even camp out in the vacuum isle at Kmart while my Mom was shopping and I would sell Hoovers to people. Most of the time people would walk away with the vacuum in their cart that I recommended. I was about 5 the first time I ever did that and the lady bought it.
I love all makes models types and era's of vacuum cleaners from antique to brand new.
Welcome to the club and never let anyone make you feel weird about liking vacuums. People will find something weird about you either way if they want to bad enough either for vacuums or something else.
madman
Well-known member
Eh, it can always be difficult to admit to having a passion that most people would find 'weird.' On the rare occasion that something or other comes up in conversation, I find it's best to just come right out there with as much confidence as you can muster, and speak of it as if it's the most normal thing in the world. Even if you're sweating bullets on the inside, wear a confident smile on the outside, and once it's out in the open, the embarrassment either quickly subsides altogether, or the person you're talking to is the embarrassed one for thinking you're weird.
real1shep
Well-known member
I hadn't realized it but that is the best strategy....just come right out with confidence and start talking about it like it's any other 'normal' hobby. And it's true....they wind up being the embarrassed party due to their own ignorance. Tell them there is a forum dedicated to vacuums and thousands of people collect them. Works well, but yeah, you do expend a lot of energy doing that. Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it.....
Kevin
Kevin
real1shep
Well-known member
I hadn't realized it but that is the best strategy....just come right out with confidence and start talking about it like it's any other 'normal' hobby. And it's true....they wind up being the embarrassed party due to their own ignorance. Tell them there is a forum dedicated to vacuums and thousands of people collect them. Works well, but yeah, you do expend a lot of energy doing that. Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it.....
Kevin
Kevin
lux14
Well-known member
Question, Does anyone know if the Stan Kahn Johnny Carson discusion is on Utube? Would love to watch it. Looked and it did not come up. Thanks!
There are a few clips on there...These come off a Plethora of Television Shows...
midcenturyfan
Well-known member
It is a great shame that admitting to having a collection of vacuum cleaners usually causes a reaction of shock and horror. Women are generally worse than men, and they normally dislike the idea of any type of collecting, other than shoes or handbags.
I think that collecting in general is often portrayed in a negative way by the media. It is viewed in the same light as hoarding, and seen as some type of illness.
Another problem is that the trend at the moment is for minimalism, so the idea of having lots of objects in a room goes against the idea of how a home should be.
We have just got to carry on enjoying what we do, and trying not to let negative people get us down. Our collections are there to give pleasure to us, and if some other people do not get any pleasure from them, that is a shame, but not our problem.
Robin.
I think that collecting in general is often portrayed in a negative way by the media. It is viewed in the same light as hoarding, and seen as some type of illness.
Another problem is that the trend at the moment is for minimalism, so the idea of having lots of objects in a room goes against the idea of how a home should be.
We have just got to carry on enjoying what we do, and trying not to let negative people get us down. Our collections are there to give pleasure to us, and if some other people do not get any pleasure from them, that is a shame, but not our problem.
Robin.
crazykirbylady
Member
I made a drunk facebook post awhile back on why I just loved collecting Kirby's. People generally think it's weird but then again they know I'm just a strange individual so they're not surprised lol. Mostly everybody just thinks it's sorta cute and unique.
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