TWO -- count 'em -- TWO Air-Way Green Goddesses!

[electrolux137]

Here's something you've probably never seen before ... TWO Air-Way Green Goddess vacuum cleaners in the same place at the same time!!

One of them is the one I restored a couple of months ago, and the other one is one I assembled from parts. This one does have some issues, which I'll describe in great detail when I list it on eBay; which, yes, was my intention with it. I see no good reason to keep them both.

Here are three photos of the two of them together.

 

[tolivac]

VERY NICE-TWO is more fun than one!Like the handle on the fancase on the one to the right.One cleaner for each hand-floor vacuuming will go twice as fast!

 

[electrolux137]

The handle on the motor unit was for using the machine as a portable machine. The long handle and bag came off and the bag was replaced with a smaller bag. That setup was called the "Auto Valet."

 

[ralph123]

very nice

Those vacuums are very nice. I was very impressed with the Airway designs when I toured the Tacony vacuum museum in Missouri.

 

[electrolux137]

Here's a video of the 2nd Air-Way Green Goddess:

http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=X87K--2saZc

 

[tolivac]

The link isn't working-would like to see it.The Air Way upright system is so sorta kinda like-Kirby.Now I have learned that AirWay had a hand vac conversion on those upright machines-CLEVER!!Too bad AirWay uprights are no longer made-they were pretty clever in design.Did the small bag use paper inner bags like the large one?

 

[electrolux137]

@tolivac, I just saw your note about the link not working. I may have had a typo in it. Here it is again, and I tested it to make sure it works.

 

[tolivac]

Electrolux137-Saw your video-worked this time-what a cool little vacuum-clever design.It was picking up the peices of debris off your test rug.Nice that it has nozzle height adjust-and suppose the machine can sweep bare floors,too.And like how the floor nozzle neck twists to fit under furniture.VERY NICE MACHINE!!Too bad they still aren't made.Would be so useful-good competition to Kirby-esp the version with the motorized floor tool.

 

[dysonman1]

The Air-Way was 50 year ahead of its time. Not only was it the first vacuum ever made that actually had real sanitation in connection with its use, but it was the most versatile vacuum ever. The swivel neck was genius. Electrolux wouldn't have a swivel on their rug tool until 1933, Air-Way had it in 1920. Not only were Air-Way Disposable bags sanitary, they filtered to .05 microns (that's what 14 layers of cellulose can do - Filter Queen only used 2 layers). The Air-Way had patented agitators on the nozzle. Everyone else either put a slide-on brush or had no brush at all. Air-Way had triangle shaped agitators that opened the carpet warp to the suction and removed more sand and grit than any other straight suction upright at the time. There was a floor polisher attachment, as well as one for changing feathers from one pillow case to the next. It sprayed insect killer. And you could see the dirt come up from the carpet, so you knew when it was time to move to another section. The Hollow Handle was almost a gift from God himself, in it's usefulness to mankind. Air-Way was the ultimate vacuum cleaner, for a very long time in America.

 

[caligula]

Thanks Tom.

Air-Way was indeed an awesome vacuum cleaner. You are right about the filtered inner bag, and other features. It's also quite possible that they introduced the cord winder.

 

[tolivac]

In terms of versatility the AirWay had the Kirby beat-Kirby didn't have an attachment to pump feathers into pillows that I know of.Didn't early Hoovers have the pillow stuffing attachment?I just wish someone out there would revive the Air Way uprights.Yes,they look "old fashioned"-but It WORKS!!!!