Swamp Coolers

[bee-vac]

Just bought these on eBay

Found these on eBay. These will be great for reference.

 

[bee-vac]

This from 1954

Never heard of this brand before...

 

[tolivac]

Sno-Breeze cooler-remember the large one at the daycare center at Holloman AFB!Some of the kids liked trying to throw stuff into the fan!So they put a grate over the fan opening.

 

[paulg]

Palm-Aire obsolete references and imagery

Notice the "Hotter than a Hottentot" reference on the Palm-Aire instruction book.
When I looked up Hottentot I found out that the reference is considered offensive nowadays. It is a good thing that such cavalier references are largely obsolete nowadays.
Regardless, the instruction manual is charming from a historical perspective as it is very period and now stands as a relic of a time long gone.

 

[bee-vac]

Saw this old one

Saw this at a thrift store. Too bad it want for sale!

 

[countryford]

The swamp cooler was mounted on the side of the house. It was one that was hooked up to duct work throughout the house. When they went to ac they just closed off the end. I'll see if I can't get a picture taken of it.

 

[eurekastar]

In West Texas they are alternately called Swamp Coolers or Evaporative Coolers. I've never heard the term Desert Cooler, but it makes sense. I always assumed they were nick named Swamp Cooler because of the "swamp" (water pan) used to hold the water.

They are very effective in low humidity areas. When I lived in El Paso, virtually everyone had them. They are so much cheaper to run than refrigerated air conditioners.

They can be very loud sometimes. When the belt gets old, it can squeel. Sometimes the bearings on the squirl cage will go bad and create a racket. Plus, on larger units, the large volume of air that is moved can sometimes be distracting for some.

Most people don't use them where I currently live, which surprises me because our humidity is usually quite low.

 

[bee-vac]

Photo

I'm looking forward to the picture countryford. I bet it was two toned, having lighter colored panels.

Eurekastar, yes they are MUCH cheaper to run than refrigeration type air conditioners. I love the scent they have, especially with newly changed aspine pads.

 

[bee-vac]

Waiting for motor...

So I found a motor for $20.00 on eBay, just gotta wait for it to come in the mail. I figured to get a head start and put new cooler pads.

 

[bee-vac]

New pads

Almost ready to go.

 

[suckolux]

We had one in the early 60s, through the ducts of the house, every room, it was big. About drove ocd me nuts, draining and washing out the pan all the time, very sensitive nose. Corroded the contacts on the tv tuner often too. When we went central a/c the ductwork came in very handy

 

[super-sweeper]

While not Swamp Conditioning units,

I have a biscuit load of old magazines I need to get scanning, with ads for Fedders and Chrysler air-temp ads, plus Chrysler,Ford, Lincoln,GE, Frigidaire, and DESOTO ads.


 


Would any of you like me to scan in those AC ads?

 

[arh1953]

Dear Super-sweeper

Yes please, we would all love it, when you're able!

 

[bee-vac]

We're back in business

Put the motor on today, and it works like a charm.

 

[bee-vac]

Another early one

This one it two toned

 

[bee-vac]

Motor mounting

Interesting where this manufacture chose to mount the motor. Check out the drip guard.

 

[bee-vac]

Came across this..

I like the color, not sure if it's original. Brown "faux wood" face says late 60's early 70's maybe? Not entirely sure. Would have to see the inside.

 

[bee-vac]

Another view.

Seems to be missing the knob on the left. Wonder if this is a two speed...

 

[bee-vac]

Vintage photo

Taken in 1963

 

[bee-vac]

New project

I ended up getting this one I found on Craig's list. It's going to be tricky finding a close match of the bright green this was originally painted.