The Glamorous Hoovers - Part II the 1950's

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Interesting to read the perspective of the designers of this specific series of machines.

I know the 634 was a B model to the 63, but I think that color was well ahead of it's time in that era and the beginning of a softer look from the more industrial colors. Possibly the 29's red shade as well.

Chris
 
Jack -

What is the title of that publication/article you posted here? Once upon a time, I found a Dreyfuss-published book in a "Mid-Century Collectible Salon" in San Francisco that was mostly about his design of these series of Hoover vacuums (Model 29 on up). The darn thing cost $150, and I foolishly passed it up. Is that what this publication is??
 
Hi John - those pics are taken from Henry Dreyfuss' very important book, 'Designing for People'. If you don't have a copy of this, it's essential reading - you can find it on eBay very reasonably priced. It's a general overview of the concept of ergonomics and people-centred design, his personal philosophies, and his methods of working. It has some amazing anecdotes in it, and provides a wonderful insight into the mind of the man who 'sculpted' Hoover for so many years!

My own copy is slightly later than the version printed above, and features a different design case-study (a sewing machine, possibly made by Singer - someone's borrowing my copy at the moment!) Look for the earlier edition if you want the Hoover case study.

I photocopied the pics I posted above from the copy owned by the Surrey Institute of Art and Design, where I studied for two years after leaving college. I'd do my assignments at home at night, and spent the days reading through their library's vast catalogue of graphic and industrial design books - they had some amazing stuff! I learnt more that way than I did from any of my tutors!
 
Tool Suction

Indy, again, from the other thread you are our eyes and ears. I love this series of machines as many of us do. Talk to us. Many more of us know the longer lived Convertible series. Do you have any sense of comparison between this series and the Convertibles? You referenced the "slightly" better above floor suction of the 28 on your other thread. Any comment on this series of machines? Chris in Pittsburgh, PA
 
Well Chris......

Of course, some of this is maybe more my opinion or personal experience rather than fact.....but here goes. Although this line (29, 62, 63, 634, and 64) only had a relatively short run (1950 thru 1956), I think they were superior carpet cleaners and superbly made. One disadvantage I think they have to the subsequent Convertible line is that they surely seem heavier and harder to push. The material that their bags were made out of never seemed to hold up as long as the Convertibles, either. I think this is especially true of the rayon bags on the 62 and 63, and the cloth bag on the 29. While it is generally known that the "dusting tools" never had great, or even good, suction, I notice that the tool suction on the previous generation Model 28 is better than these guys. Why that is - I am not sure. Nonetheless, I love all 3 of these guys and sure am glad to have them!
 
Jack

Thanks for the info. The only copy of the book you mention that I have ever seen does not show any of the Hoover stuff in it. I'll look for the older one. Many thanks. J
 
3 More Beauties!

I always loved this series of Hoovers and often refer to them as the "Transitional" models, as they were in between the "dome-tops" and the Convertibles. You have some nice machines there, thanks for sharing the pics.
Jeff
 
Hoovers in the 50's

I always think of Lucille Ball fiddling with a Hoover 62 on "I Love Lucy". I wish I could find a clip of that episode!
 
"The material that their bags were made out of never seemed to hold up as long as the Convertibles, either."

Well, Scott, depends which model Convertible you're talking about. If it's a 65, 66, 67, or 68, (or even a model 64 Citation) I'd say the material holds up just about as well :-) I called my local vac repair guy the other day, and he told me he was holding aside a model 62. He asked if I wanted it. I said "does it have the original bag?" He said "well it has a Type W bag with the clip inside, it looks like the original bag." I got down there as soon as I could and when I saw the machine, my heart sank. It had a grey cloth bojack outer bag with no markings whatsover. Are these rayon bags that flimsy? I don't think any of my 62's or 63's have the original bag. More than anything, I'd love to find an original rayon bag for my 61. Those really are some beautiful machines though, Scott.
 
Those rayon bags....

just didn't wear well, I guess. You are right, it is hard to find the 61, 62, and 63 with original bags, or if you do, they are all ratty looking. The 64 Citation did have a much sturdier type outer bag.
 
You have some beautiful examples of Hoover at their best! I have a 63, 64 Citation, and just recently acquired a 634 which is awaiting a spa treatment by Marty Kaplan. Mine doesn't have the original bag, but there might be a new reproduction bag in the works if duable material is found. I use my Citation frequently, it works wonderfully on my plush carpet, that series is a joy to use! My 63 outer bag is in really good shape, and to keep it that way, I added a couple of paper clips to the bag hanger to release the tension. You could see the direction Hoover was going with colors in this series.
 
I used some Armor All on the outer bag of my model 64, and my early convertibles to prevent further cracking of the early vinyl material. I'd love to have a 634. I understand it was a promotional model, are they that hard to come by? Also, what was the story with the model 29? Was it offered at the same time as the model 62 as a low price model?
 
You are correct....

about the model 29, it was the lower priced model (at the same time as the 62) that didn't feature the "handisac" bag. The 634 was a promo model and they seem to be much rarer than the 63, for example.
 

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