Hello and Happy Resurrection Day! I have two Electrolux combination rug & floor tools and would like to find an approximate age for them by their colors. In addition, I am interested in learning about the color history of the other attachments per sweeper. I don't know about other "Vacuumlanders", but I think it would be great to have a chart listing each Electrolux model and the attachment colors that were associated with their runs--including hoses. The sweeper models I own are the R, bronze G, Olympia One, and Silverado. The two combination rug & floor tools I own do not have gleaner bars (no switches) and are tan. One has a brown bottom--like the Olympia One hue, and the other has a tan bottom. I also wonder if the combination rug & floor tools were similar in appearance from the aqua Gs onward. Eventually, I would like to obtain attachments in the original designs and colors for my machines.
Searching for Electrolux Attachment Color History
- Thread starter paul
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caligula
Well-known member
Hi Paul.
I'm sure there are Electrolux experts can do this, but let me make this real easy. Most of the attatchment trim matches the body of the machine. Why not post pictures of each tool, and we can match them for you.
Here's the color of the early models.
1924. Model V (5) tools were light colored wood with aluminum ends. Hose metal.
1927. Model X1 (11) tools are same as above but black trim, hose black.
1930. Model X11 (12) tools aluminum, trim Milk chocolate brown, hose dark gray.
1937. Prewar Model XXX (30) Dark Gray, Hose dark gray.
1945. Model XX (20) trim and hose Semi-dark Gray.
1947. Postwar Model XXX same as prewar XXX lighter gray, tool holder light gray.
1952. Model LX (60) trim, hose and tool holder all blue/gray.
1954. Model LXI (61) same as above.
1955. Model E trim, and hose dark blue.
1956. Model E auutomatic same as above.
1957. Model T (called the trift model) same as above.
This is as far as I recall off hand. For the models F, S, R, G, L, and 1205 they matched the body of the machine. As for cords, they were all black till I think the model F then they were light gray.
When the model LX was introduced the disposable bags were called wrappers, and were also dark blue/gray. In 1955 they were changed to yellow. As for the combination rug/floor tool, and the combination upholstry tool/dust brush, they were introduced with the model E.
Other club members can pick it up from here.
Alex Taber.
I'm sure there are Electrolux experts can do this, but let me make this real easy. Most of the attatchment trim matches the body of the machine. Why not post pictures of each tool, and we can match them for you.
Here's the color of the early models.
1924. Model V (5) tools were light colored wood with aluminum ends. Hose metal.
1927. Model X1 (11) tools are same as above but black trim, hose black.
1930. Model X11 (12) tools aluminum, trim Milk chocolate brown, hose dark gray.
1937. Prewar Model XXX (30) Dark Gray, Hose dark gray.
1945. Model XX (20) trim and hose Semi-dark Gray.
1947. Postwar Model XXX same as prewar XXX lighter gray, tool holder light gray.
1952. Model LX (60) trim, hose and tool holder all blue/gray.
1954. Model LXI (61) same as above.
1955. Model E trim, and hose dark blue.
1956. Model E auutomatic same as above.
1957. Model T (called the trift model) same as above.
This is as far as I recall off hand. For the models F, S, R, G, L, and 1205 they matched the body of the machine. As for cords, they were all black till I think the model F then they were light gray.
When the model LX was introduced the disposable bags were called wrappers, and were also dark blue/gray. In 1955 they were changed to yellow. As for the combination rug/floor tool, and the combination upholstry tool/dust brush, they were introduced with the model E.
Other club members can pick it up from here.
Alex Taber.
rugsucker
Well-known member
Electrolux attachments
Rug/floor & dusting/upholstery were similar since Model E/AE.The E AE did not have bumpers.The E R/F elbo was friction fit with no wand latch.They were usually color matched by at least bumper or metal plate on bristle side.The crevice tool was considered an option at times from the E to the G.There was also a brief time the aluminum wands were removed as standard on Super Js.The gleaner switch was removed during the tan G period.From Golden J through Olympia body of rug/floor was white,then back to color with the Silverado.Swivel elbo went from metal to plastic about the time of Olympia.--The 3 Elux atts were a great example of "If it ain't broke don't fix it".And then the Renny!
Rug/floor & dusting/upholstery were similar since Model E/AE.The E AE did not have bumpers.The E R/F elbo was friction fit with no wand latch.They were usually color matched by at least bumper or metal plate on bristle side.The crevice tool was considered an option at times from the E to the G.There was also a brief time the aluminum wands were removed as standard on Super Js.The gleaner switch was removed during the tan G period.From Golden J through Olympia body of rug/floor was white,then back to color with the Silverado.Swivel elbo went from metal to plastic about the time of Olympia.--The 3 Elux atts were a great example of "If it ain't broke don't fix it".And then the Renny!
Thanks for your responses, Alex and Jimmy. I appreciate your time and help. Wow, you both have a great deal of useful information! I would send photos of my machines if I had a camera (am working on it). I am wondering if I have OEM dusting/upholstery attachments, because they are just tan with no "highlight" color (for lack of a better term). If I understand you correctly, these would not have been original with the machines. The one crevice tool I have is also tan (I picked it up recently at a thrift store for a quarter) and has the Electrolux logo with the border (presumably created with the 1205's debut). Were the older (models E-G) crevice attachments marked with the same cursive logo found on the sweepers' bodies? I am keeping my eyes open for them, too.
By the way, I recently saw a model R on YouTube that was painted hammertone blue. I am curious to know if this would have been the original color, or if the owner is correct in saying that because it is a factory rebuilt that it was repainted? Wish I knew exactly when the model Rs were first produced--I've seen various online posts that give 1958, 1959, and 1960. Correspondingly, I saw a gold hammertone Model L on Ebay that looked like the original paint, because it was pretty scratched (unless it had been repainted some time ago). There also appears to be some dispute as to when they were first produced. My email response from Aerus was 1966, while other sources indicate 1963. Wouldn't it be great to have old Electrolux catalogs for each year?
Regarding colors of hoses, I have seen two different colors for the aqua Gs--an aqua and a turquoise (I have also seen the latter featured with the 1205s). I wonder if other machines--such as my R--had different color hoses from early to late models?
I did think of another question, too. I was told by a vacuum cleaner technician that Electrolux went from aluminum wands to steel for the attachments. Do you know approximately when this change occurred? I have two sets which are aluminum.
By the way, I recently saw a model R on YouTube that was painted hammertone blue. I am curious to know if this would have been the original color, or if the owner is correct in saying that because it is a factory rebuilt that it was repainted? Wish I knew exactly when the model Rs were first produced--I've seen various online posts that give 1958, 1959, and 1960. Correspondingly, I saw a gold hammertone Model L on Ebay that looked like the original paint, because it was pretty scratched (unless it had been repainted some time ago). There also appears to be some dispute as to when they were first produced. My email response from Aerus was 1966, while other sources indicate 1963. Wouldn't it be great to have old Electrolux catalogs for each year?
Regarding colors of hoses, I have seen two different colors for the aqua Gs--an aqua and a turquoise (I have also seen the latter featured with the 1205s). I wonder if other machines--such as my R--had different color hoses from early to late models?
I did think of another question, too. I was told by a vacuum cleaner technician that Electrolux went from aluminum wands to steel for the attachments. Do you know approximately when this change occurred? I have two sets which are aluminum.
caligula
Well-known member
Hi Paul.
As far as I know Electrolux did not have any catalogs, of if they did, I've never seen one. What they did have were posters of all their machines over the years. But for the true Electrolux historian, as I am. that was far from complete. There's also that which came first the chicken or the egg kind of a question. The first combination rug/floor tool Electrolux had in 1955/6 was a lot like that used by General Electric for the early Swivel-Top. We here at the club seem to agree that Electrolux followed G.E.'s lead. In most cases, the aluminum wands followed the steel ones. What you are talking about were the wands used for the power nozzle. Those were covered with a plastic sheath.
My knowledge of Electrolux ends with the model E automatic. However, as a salesman for Electrolux, I had access to some wonderful books. These were for employees only. They were. "This is Electrolux," and "Electrolux the first forty years, 1924 - 1964." I have both, and will however, they are in storage along with my patent information on Electrolux.
I was the man who designed, edited, and published the V.C.C.C. newsletters for the first 12 years, and wrote several articles on the company, as well as the canisters of the 1940's - early 60's. But these prototypes were never marketed. I also have a lot of information on the ejection system that eventuly became the model LX. It was on the drawingboard from 1945 till finally introduced in 1952. (When I was 2 years old!) Electrolux used to be located in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, and I lived in Wallingford, Connecticut about an hour away. There was a museum only open to the top brass, but I was there. I also have pictures of that museum and will share them sometine next month after I get my stuff out of storage in Indiana. That is planned for the last week of this month.
So look for a lot of Electrolux history over the next few weeks, because I'll share from memory till that trip.
By the way, here's something to keep you guessing. See if you know what this thing is.
Glad I could help.
Alex Taber
club founder.
As far as I know Electrolux did not have any catalogs, of if they did, I've never seen one. What they did have were posters of all their machines over the years. But for the true Electrolux historian, as I am. that was far from complete. There's also that which came first the chicken or the egg kind of a question. The first combination rug/floor tool Electrolux had in 1955/6 was a lot like that used by General Electric for the early Swivel-Top. We here at the club seem to agree that Electrolux followed G.E.'s lead. In most cases, the aluminum wands followed the steel ones. What you are talking about were the wands used for the power nozzle. Those were covered with a plastic sheath.
My knowledge of Electrolux ends with the model E automatic. However, as a salesman for Electrolux, I had access to some wonderful books. These were for employees only. They were. "This is Electrolux," and "Electrolux the first forty years, 1924 - 1964." I have both, and will however, they are in storage along with my patent information on Electrolux.
I was the man who designed, edited, and published the V.C.C.C. newsletters for the first 12 years, and wrote several articles on the company, as well as the canisters of the 1940's - early 60's. But these prototypes were never marketed. I also have a lot of information on the ejection system that eventuly became the model LX. It was on the drawingboard from 1945 till finally introduced in 1952. (When I was 2 years old!) Electrolux used to be located in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, and I lived in Wallingford, Connecticut about an hour away. There was a museum only open to the top brass, but I was there. I also have pictures of that museum and will share them sometine next month after I get my stuff out of storage in Indiana. That is planned for the last week of this month.
So look for a lot of Electrolux history over the next few weeks, because I'll share from memory till that trip.
By the way, here's something to keep you guessing. See if you know what this thing is.
Glad I could help.
Alex Taber
club founder.
Hi, Alex,
Thank you once again for a very informative response to my queries. I am a newcomer to the wonderful world of vacuum cleaner history and appreciation having stumbled on it about a year ago as I began searching for information on my machines. Along with that, you are 17 years my senior, and I did not have the privilege of being a Lux salesman! Even so, it's amazing how my interest has grown along with my knowledge. This site has been a major part of my fact finding, so thank you for being the club founder! I am curious if you have scanned your V.C.C.C. newsletters for perusal? I'm sure they would be interesting to read!
Regarding the image you posted, it looks to me like it's a prototype of a manual power nozzle. One of the parts resembles that, and another part appears to be a foot pump. I'm confused, though, by the year of the sketch--1968.
Speaking of the G.E. brand, I happen to also have two Swivel-Tops which are similar in style and color--one is a V11C13, but I do not recall the other's model id. I purchased the former at a thrift store for $5.00, and the other was a freebie from our city's spring drop-off site for unwanted items (held in the fall and spring). Interestingly, the attachments do not have "G.E." stamped or molded on them--just ribs and the attachments usage.
As for the wands, I was actually only speaking of the metal ones used for the attachments--not the ones on the power nozzles. I did wonder if that technician had it backwards, or if they returned to steel at some point.
I would be interested in obtaining the books of which you spoke and will look online for them--you never know if they might surface. What a wealth of information you have built as a former Lux salesman and the fact that you lived only an hour away from the old plant would have been awesome for "treasure hunts" such as the museum. Has Aerus retained that museum? If so, I would enjoy visiting it. I am definitely looking forward to seeing your photos when you retrieve them from storage!
Being that you were once on the sales force, I am hoping that you can tell me the meaning behind the serial ids (# doesn't seem accurate since they also include letters)? I just purchased a water heater and learned that the first symbols are coded for the year of production, so I would think there was/is some rhyme and reason for the ids besides just a random way of counting and identifying. I phoned Aerus, but they could not help me.
As far as the attachment colors are concerned, I just saw a photo of an upholstery/dusting attachment on Ebay that was all turquoise, so that is yet another variety of which I was unaware (I thought that they were either all tan or tan with "highlight" colors).
Take care,
Paul
Thank you once again for a very informative response to my queries. I am a newcomer to the wonderful world of vacuum cleaner history and appreciation having stumbled on it about a year ago as I began searching for information on my machines. Along with that, you are 17 years my senior, and I did not have the privilege of being a Lux salesman! Even so, it's amazing how my interest has grown along with my knowledge. This site has been a major part of my fact finding, so thank you for being the club founder! I am curious if you have scanned your V.C.C.C. newsletters for perusal? I'm sure they would be interesting to read!
Regarding the image you posted, it looks to me like it's a prototype of a manual power nozzle. One of the parts resembles that, and another part appears to be a foot pump. I'm confused, though, by the year of the sketch--1968.
Speaking of the G.E. brand, I happen to also have two Swivel-Tops which are similar in style and color--one is a V11C13, but I do not recall the other's model id. I purchased the former at a thrift store for $5.00, and the other was a freebie from our city's spring drop-off site for unwanted items (held in the fall and spring). Interestingly, the attachments do not have "G.E." stamped or molded on them--just ribs and the attachments usage.
As for the wands, I was actually only speaking of the metal ones used for the attachments--not the ones on the power nozzles. I did wonder if that technician had it backwards, or if they returned to steel at some point.
I would be interested in obtaining the books of which you spoke and will look online for them--you never know if they might surface. What a wealth of information you have built as a former Lux salesman and the fact that you lived only an hour away from the old plant would have been awesome for "treasure hunts" such as the museum. Has Aerus retained that museum? If so, I would enjoy visiting it. I am definitely looking forward to seeing your photos when you retrieve them from storage!
Being that you were once on the sales force, I am hoping that you can tell me the meaning behind the serial ids (# doesn't seem accurate since they also include letters)? I just purchased a water heater and learned that the first symbols are coded for the year of production, so I would think there was/is some rhyme and reason for the ids besides just a random way of counting and identifying. I phoned Aerus, but they could not help me.
As far as the attachment colors are concerned, I just saw a photo of an upholstery/dusting attachment on Ebay that was all turquoise, so that is yet another variety of which I was unaware (I thought that they were either all tan or tan with "highlight" colors).
Take care,
Paul
caligula
Well-known member
Thank you Paul.
The sketch is actually a patent for a product designed by Electrolux. The contraption will make sense once I tell you what it is.
Gustaf E, Lofgren came up with the idea of a vacuum cleaner placed on a maids cart for use in hotel rooms. Note the cart with laundry hamper, folded sheets, towels etc. and the Electrolux complete with power nozzle. The thing on the floor is a cord winder, outfitted with a holder for a bare floor tool, and as you can see, there are wands on the cart. This is just one of the patents that I'll be posting in a few weeks.
The newsletters are in storage, but yes, I do plan to scan them once I get them back here. As for founding the club, thank's for the kind words. What actually happened was this.
As a kid who started his interest in the Electrolux LX in 1952, I spent years learning tha various machines. In 1972 I acquired my first non electric two person pumper, and was hooked on the really old stuff. Then a friend and local vacuum cleaner shop owner asked if I'd ever been to the Hoover Historical Center in North Canton, Ohio. I had not, didn't even knew it existed. A month later in September of 1980 I not only saw the Historical center, but was treated like a full V.I.P.! Stacy Krammes, the director, arranged for a factory tour, I met with the head of engineering, and was treated to lunch! I left with dozens of original black and white glossie pictures of old Hoover's and non electric's made by several companies.
A year later a fellow collector in Palo Alto, California named John Lucia, wrote to Hoover for information on models 150, and 700. Stacy Krammes forwarded his letter to me, and a friendship was born. In September John did a driving tour of the United States, and a trip to see me, and a tour of Hoover was on his list. We did Hoover together. Again it was full V.I.P. for both of us! Stacy gave us a list of five names of people interested in antique vacuum cleaners. As John and I were driving to New York together I asked, "think we should form a club?" His answer was "I doubt if it'll get off the ground, but it's worth a letter to all these people.
The responce was "yes, form the club, we're in!" I deafted the first newsletter in December of 1982, and officially opened the club on January 2, 1983. In March I contacted Stacy Krammes at Hoover to inquire of an artist to design our logo. Her daughter Liz was a graphic artist and came up with the Baby Daisy, a Brittish non electric of 1890. Back then the newsletter was by monthly with John writing a Hoover article every other month, and I covered the rest, plus design and publishing.
In the Fall of 1984, a member named Mike Pupek, suggested a meeting of the membership. I told him "nobody wants to travel cross counter to see some old vacuum cleaners!" "Put the question in the newsletter" he said. Result, the first meeting of the V.C.C.C. on the weekend of May 5, 1985. Then in August I bought a house in Naperville, Illinois, and that became club headquarters till May of 1995.
One of our members was a Tom Gasko, and he had designes on running the club. Both John and I were adament that there be no officers in the club, but Tom worked behind our backs and got himself elected as the first president. As I was in the process of moving to San Diego, California, I let Tom run the club, and more or less walked away. I wasn't involved with it till 2005 Now I'm just another member, and prefer not to share in the running of the club.
What both John and I wanted was for this to be a teaching club. A resource center, and place for people of all ages to learn about the machines they were interested in. Today, there are several people who help run the club. Neither John nor I could do it without them.
The sketch is actually a patent for a product designed by Electrolux. The contraption will make sense once I tell you what it is.
Gustaf E, Lofgren came up with the idea of a vacuum cleaner placed on a maids cart for use in hotel rooms. Note the cart with laundry hamper, folded sheets, towels etc. and the Electrolux complete with power nozzle. The thing on the floor is a cord winder, outfitted with a holder for a bare floor tool, and as you can see, there are wands on the cart. This is just one of the patents that I'll be posting in a few weeks.
The newsletters are in storage, but yes, I do plan to scan them once I get them back here. As for founding the club, thank's for the kind words. What actually happened was this.
As a kid who started his interest in the Electrolux LX in 1952, I spent years learning tha various machines. In 1972 I acquired my first non electric two person pumper, and was hooked on the really old stuff. Then a friend and local vacuum cleaner shop owner asked if I'd ever been to the Hoover Historical Center in North Canton, Ohio. I had not, didn't even knew it existed. A month later in September of 1980 I not only saw the Historical center, but was treated like a full V.I.P.! Stacy Krammes, the director, arranged for a factory tour, I met with the head of engineering, and was treated to lunch! I left with dozens of original black and white glossie pictures of old Hoover's and non electric's made by several companies.
A year later a fellow collector in Palo Alto, California named John Lucia, wrote to Hoover for information on models 150, and 700. Stacy Krammes forwarded his letter to me, and a friendship was born. In September John did a driving tour of the United States, and a trip to see me, and a tour of Hoover was on his list. We did Hoover together. Again it was full V.I.P. for both of us! Stacy gave us a list of five names of people interested in antique vacuum cleaners. As John and I were driving to New York together I asked, "think we should form a club?" His answer was "I doubt if it'll get off the ground, but it's worth a letter to all these people.
The responce was "yes, form the club, we're in!" I deafted the first newsletter in December of 1982, and officially opened the club on January 2, 1983. In March I contacted Stacy Krammes at Hoover to inquire of an artist to design our logo. Her daughter Liz was a graphic artist and came up with the Baby Daisy, a Brittish non electric of 1890. Back then the newsletter was by monthly with John writing a Hoover article every other month, and I covered the rest, plus design and publishing.
In the Fall of 1984, a member named Mike Pupek, suggested a meeting of the membership. I told him "nobody wants to travel cross counter to see some old vacuum cleaners!" "Put the question in the newsletter" he said. Result, the first meeting of the V.C.C.C. on the weekend of May 5, 1985. Then in August I bought a house in Naperville, Illinois, and that became club headquarters till May of 1995.
One of our members was a Tom Gasko, and he had designes on running the club. Both John and I were adament that there be no officers in the club, but Tom worked behind our backs and got himself elected as the first president. As I was in the process of moving to San Diego, California, I let Tom run the club, and more or less walked away. I wasn't involved with it till 2005 Now I'm just another member, and prefer not to share in the running of the club.
What both John and I wanted was for this to be a teaching club. A resource center, and place for people of all ages to learn about the machines they were interested in. Today, there are several people who help run the club. Neither John nor I could do it without them.
rugsucker
Well-known member
Electrolux
More general info-Dust/upholstery(above floor tool)was 2 tone until 1205 and was then all 1 color blue.There was a close copy of a generic avialable(mostly white).50s crevice was same as Mo XXX(fibre).First Mo G was flatter(plastic),both with old Mo XXX style logo.First 'new; was tan G crevice that was continued until shorter crevice of diamond Jubilee,etc.--(A crevice tool is a simple thing that you might think all are same but this newer(tan G-Silv)gets my vote of best ever!!)--The 2 wands went from steel to aluminum about 1960 or so.-(If alum wands have loose fit roll the length of 1 wand across the slots of the other to tighten.)-The R was first non auto with PN outlet.Probably closer to 59-60.Many were repainted by vac shops.Factory rebuilds would be repainted in current colors.The Mo L was about 64-79.First white,then tan,blue,gold.Happy vacuuming(with a 4 ply self sealing bag!)
More general info-Dust/upholstery(above floor tool)was 2 tone until 1205 and was then all 1 color blue.There was a close copy of a generic avialable(mostly white).50s crevice was same as Mo XXX(fibre).First Mo G was flatter(plastic),both with old Mo XXX style logo.First 'new; was tan G crevice that was continued until shorter crevice of diamond Jubilee,etc.--(A crevice tool is a simple thing that you might think all are same but this newer(tan G-Silv)gets my vote of best ever!!)--The 2 wands went from steel to aluminum about 1960 or so.-(If alum wands have loose fit roll the length of 1 wand across the slots of the other to tighten.)-The R was first non auto with PN outlet.Probably closer to 59-60.Many were repainted by vac shops.Factory rebuilds would be repainted in current colors.The Mo L was about 64-79.First white,then tan,blue,gold.Happy vacuuming(with a 4 ply self sealing bag!)
Hello, Alex and Jimmy,
I thank you both once again for your time in providing thoughtful responses to my questions.
Alex, yours is such a remarkable story of both the maturation of your interest in vacuum cleaners and the ongoing development of the V.C.C.C from its simple origins. I would say that you have succeeded in your goal to educate interested persons in the vacuum cleaner industry's history. I really appreciate this resource and enjoy visiting often to discover new knowledge and interests! Congratulations on a job well done in hard work, discipline, perseverance, and delegation of responsibility.
Jimmy, I value your resourcefulness regarding the Electrolux attachments and the factory rebuilts. Sometime, I would like to see a chart with all the information you have--adding to Alex's information from the first era. I may just put something together and have you two edit it as necessary. Don't know how I would post it, though, so I'll need help with that.
Thanks again and take care.
Paul
I thank you both once again for your time in providing thoughtful responses to my questions.
Alex, yours is such a remarkable story of both the maturation of your interest in vacuum cleaners and the ongoing development of the V.C.C.C from its simple origins. I would say that you have succeeded in your goal to educate interested persons in the vacuum cleaner industry's history. I really appreciate this resource and enjoy visiting often to discover new knowledge and interests! Congratulations on a job well done in hard work, discipline, perseverance, and delegation of responsibility.
Jimmy, I value your resourcefulness regarding the Electrolux attachments and the factory rebuilts. Sometime, I would like to see a chart with all the information you have--adding to Alex's information from the first era. I may just put something together and have you two edit it as necessary. Don't know how I would post it, though, so I'll need help with that.
Thanks again and take care.
Paul
caligula
Well-known member
Hi Paul.
Thank you for the kind words. I love to dig history, John Lucia once called me a research junkie, and I think that's true. I have three main interests in the vacuum cleaner world. Electrolux, Kirby and the non electric pumpers of the late 1800's. When I was at the Hoover Historical Center I saw the oldest known vacuum cleaner, The Whirlwind, invented in Chicago in 1869 by Ives W. Mc'Gaffy. It was invented in Chicago, but marketed in Boston by the American Carpet Cleaning company. The price of this machine was $25.00, a lot of money back then. there were only a three or four known to exist. In 1986, fate was very good to me, because I acquired one of the rare Whirlwind's.
As for the Electrolux books I mentioned, I own them, and will share a number of stories with the club, as well as patents like the one of the maids cart. My history of both Electrolux, and Kirby are available for anybody tho wants to read them, both are about 8 pages long. Again, I thank you for the kind words. Being able to teach others is a remarkable experience. Basically I did it to save younger people from having to search for facts. I'm glad you found your way to our club. Pictured below are a series of pictures of the club, and the Whirlwind.
Alex Taber.
Thank you for the kind words. I love to dig history, John Lucia once called me a research junkie, and I think that's true. I have three main interests in the vacuum cleaner world. Electrolux, Kirby and the non electric pumpers of the late 1800's. When I was at the Hoover Historical Center I saw the oldest known vacuum cleaner, The Whirlwind, invented in Chicago in 1869 by Ives W. Mc'Gaffy. It was invented in Chicago, but marketed in Boston by the American Carpet Cleaning company. The price of this machine was $25.00, a lot of money back then. there were only a three or four known to exist. In 1986, fate was very good to me, because I acquired one of the rare Whirlwind's.
As for the Electrolux books I mentioned, I own them, and will share a number of stories with the club, as well as patents like the one of the maids cart. My history of both Electrolux, and Kirby are available for anybody tho wants to read them, both are about 8 pages long. Again, I thank you for the kind words. Being able to teach others is a remarkable experience. Basically I did it to save younger people from having to search for facts. I'm glad you found your way to our club. Pictured below are a series of pictures of the club, and the Whirlwind.
Alex Taber.
caligula
Well-known member
Hi Paul.
Here is the Baby Daisy, which was used in our ogiginal logo which goes back to May of 1983.
Alex Taber.
Here is the Baby Daisy, which was used in our ogiginal logo which goes back to May of 1983.
Alex Taber.
caligula
Well-known member
Hi Paul.
Our logo at the entrance of the club museum, circa 1994.
Our logo at the entrance of the club museum, circa 1994.
caligula
Well-known member
Hi Paul.
Here's a picture of the third meeting of the Vacuum Cleaner Collector's Club, in what was then our museum, located in a spare bedroom of my home in Naperville, Illinois. This is May 1988. These people were the backbone of the club. Back row left to right are. Norbert Miller assistant editor, Don O'Connor collector, and John Lucia co-founder. Front row me, my mom Anne Taber who was our club secretary, and Mike Pupek.
Here's a picture of the third meeting of the Vacuum Cleaner Collector's Club, in what was then our museum, located in a spare bedroom of my home in Naperville, Illinois. This is May 1988. These people were the backbone of the club. Back row left to right are. Norbert Miller assistant editor, Don O'Connor collector, and John Lucia co-founder. Front row me, my mom Anne Taber who was our club secretary, and Mike Pupek.
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Hi, Alex, </span>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">You're welcome for the kind words. Thanks for sharing more club and museum history and photos. Both are intriguing. Wow, you are the owner of an 1869 Whirlwind--how awesome is that? Although my interest in sweepers is mainly Electrolux I still appreciate and enjoy reading about and seeing other brands. </span>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">By the way, thanks for the explanation the matronal cart prototype sketch. Having a vacuum cleaner which could be stored on it would have been a convenient resource to have. I'm actually surprised it wasn't at least given a test run. </span>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Looking forward to your future photo, patent, and Electrolux and Kirby history scans! </span>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Enjoy the rest of your day. </span>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Paul</span>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">You're welcome for the kind words. Thanks for sharing more club and museum history and photos. Both are intriguing. Wow, you are the owner of an 1869 Whirlwind--how awesome is that? Although my interest in sweepers is mainly Electrolux I still appreciate and enjoy reading about and seeing other brands. </span>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">By the way, thanks for the explanation the matronal cart prototype sketch. Having a vacuum cleaner which could be stored on it would have been a convenient resource to have. I'm actually surprised it wasn't at least given a test run. </span>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Looking forward to your future photo, patent, and Electrolux and Kirby history scans! </span>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Enjoy the rest of your day. </span>
<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Paul</span>
caligula
Well-known member
Hi Paul.
Wait till I get my Electrolux paperwork. Did you know that the company started in Stockholm, Sweeden? The model's V, XI, and the first XII's were imported. The factory was opened in 1933, and a number of original employees relocated to help run it. I went to work for Electrolux in January of 1968, I was then 17, and my family had to give concent for me to work there. I wa also the youngest employee, as the basic age was 18. The machine I sold was the 1205. My favorite of them all including the non electric's is the Electrolux model LX. For more on that go to the thread XXXtools here in vintage archives 2013 for a lot on Electrolux.
Heres the club museum in 94, after it outgrew the spare bedroom.
Alex Taber
Wait till I get my Electrolux paperwork. Did you know that the company started in Stockholm, Sweeden? The model's V, XI, and the first XII's were imported. The factory was opened in 1933, and a number of original employees relocated to help run it. I went to work for Electrolux in January of 1968, I was then 17, and my family had to give concent for me to work there. I wa also the youngest employee, as the basic age was 18. The machine I sold was the 1205. My favorite of them all including the non electric's is the Electrolux model LX. For more on that go to the thread XXXtools here in vintage archives 2013 for a lot on Electrolux.
Heres the club museum in 94, after it outgrew the spare bedroom.
Alex Taber
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #ff0000;">Hi, Alex,</span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #ff0000;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;">As always, I am fascinated with your information. I did happen to know that Electrolux began in Sweden, but I didn't know exactly when and that the first models were transported to the U. S. before the Connecticut factory opened. I believe the company is still in operation if I'm not mistaken. </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;">Thanks much for the photo of the club's museum! Someday I'd like to go there personally but now finances are pretty tight. </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;">It's awesome that you began working at Electrolux back in '68 when workers were still familiar with the classic models firsthand. </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;">I am curious to know why the LX is your fave--even among the non-electric models. Is it a certain characteristic, sentimental reasons, or both? What are the differences between that and the LXI? I was recently thinking of purchasing an LX on Ebay whose location was in Minnesota, but it went for far more than I can currently afford. Someday I would like to purchase one along with a cream or gold Model L and an aqua G. I would also like to obtain the original-colored attachments for my R and bronze G (I do have its original hose). </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;">Thanks for letting me know about the XXXTools thread--I'll check it out.</span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;">Paul</span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #ff0000;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;">As always, I am fascinated with your information. I did happen to know that Electrolux began in Sweden, but I didn't know exactly when and that the first models were transported to the U. S. before the Connecticut factory opened. I believe the company is still in operation if I'm not mistaken. </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;">Thanks much for the photo of the club's museum! Someday I'd like to go there personally but now finances are pretty tight. </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;">It's awesome that you began working at Electrolux back in '68 when workers were still familiar with the classic models firsthand. </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;">I am curious to know why the LX is your fave--even among the non-electric models. Is it a certain characteristic, sentimental reasons, or both? What are the differences between that and the LXI? I was recently thinking of purchasing an LX on Ebay whose location was in Minnesota, but it went for far more than I can currently afford. Someday I would like to purchase one along with a cream or gold Model L and an aqua G. I would also like to obtain the original-colored attachments for my R and bronze G (I do have its original hose). </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;">Thanks for letting me know about the XXXTools thread--I'll check it out.</span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;">Paul</span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde; color: #000000;"> </span>
