Vacuum Collectors Convention

[dysonman1]

at the Vacuum Cleaner Museum in St. James, Missouri. 3 days of fun, visiting the factory, testing prototypes, and running virtually every model vacuum ever made. June 12, 13, and 14, 2014. No admission charge, no 'convention' cost. Green Peace Inns in St. James special room rate of $55 per night. These are always very interactive conventions. Many machines to take home (free). Contact me privately for more information. This is our 6th Convention of the Vacuum Collectors Group, it's very informal (no banquets, no cocktail hour, etc.). Just fun, looking through the EXTENSIVE collection of advertisements and owners manuals, and poring through more than 600 vintage cleaners - all available for you to try out (no 'hands off' signs).

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Sounds

amazing Tom will see if I could make it that's my busy season hope I can make it .

Dan

 

[kenkart]

This sounds

GREAT, just like the old days!fun without frivolity!

 

[filterqueenman]

Holy Cow

I have vacation that week! Just for Kicks and Giggles I checked flights and Delta has a Super Saver from Salt Lake to St. Louis leaving on the 12th of June and arrive St. Louis at 4pm and return on the 15th of June into Salt Lake at 10:10pm....drum roll please.................

...........................

Round Trip - 118.53

Now I have some thinking to do!! Would love to meet you Tom too!

 

[cleaningbuff]

Sounds like a great time,,,, I can't wait.

 

[caligula]

Hi Tom.

How I wish I could be in two places at once. Kirby 100th anniversary is something I can't miss, remember, I was a training manager for Kirby! But, next year, I'll be there to join the fun in St. James, Mo.. Rest assured, I'll be there before that however, as I want to see that museum.


 


It's been too long since we saw each other!


 


As always,


Bob Alex.

 

[thevacuumman]

I might actually be able to go.

 

[electrolux137]

I'm kinda wondering why both the conventions are planned for the same weekend. Not that I'll be able to make either one, but if I was able to go it certainly would be a hard decision as to which one to choose. Both events have a lot to offer.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

An excellent

point.

 

[dysonman1]

The Convention at the Museum has always been the second weekend in June. There were several school teachers who always attend because school is out for the summer by then.

Because the Museum is open all year, and the vacuums are always available to the public, anyone who wants to come by can come at anytime of the year. The Convention gives people a chance to interact with each other, and LEARN from each other. Last year's convention was just the right size. The restaurants had no trouble accommodating our group, and everyone could sit and talk with everyone else while at dinner. I really enjoy getting to know new collectors, and feel the more intimate group size gives me a chance to really interact with EVERYONE (no 'clique' feel).

At the Vacuum Collectors Convention, there's no 'leader'. The entire group decides where we want to go and what we want to see and do each day. Everyone has a say in the festivities.

 

[caligula]

Hi Tom.

As you may recall, the annual meeting of the V.C.C.C. was first suggested by Mike Pupek, when he came to see me in Lombard, Illinois in November of 1984. Club headquarters was then at my mom's home in Chesterton, Indiana. John Lucia, Mike, my mom and I decided on the first weekend in May, so the first meeting was May 4, 5, 6, 1985. Months later, I bought the house in Naperville, and until 94, held them in my home. The meeting in 95, when I passed the torch to you was also in May. I have no idea when it was changed to June as I was living my life in San Diego, far away from the club.


 


Thanks for keeping it going and turning the meetings into conventions.


 


Bob Alex.

 

[alexb1186]

I have off the 13th but it's also my concert weekend, will there be a pit stop at my house?

 

[air-waycharlie]

Sorry.............

to miss both, but, Robert Seger's and Fred Stachnik's wedding throws a wrench into the works. Who would want to miss that event of the year?



Vintage vacuums will always be around and attract a certain group. Some stay with it and some move on. Just like any other club. Carry on collectors!

 

[dysonman1]

Yes Alex:

Coming to visit you and see your collection is always a highlight for the Group. Can't wait to show everyone your Vintage General Electric Mobile-Maid dishwasher with bow tie Impeller. And no one ever goes home empty handed after going through 'the garage'.

 

[richardlxixxx]

Airport

Hi Tom,


 


What is the closest airport to St. James?  Branson, Springfield, or St. Louis?


 


The museum is a wonder.  Visited several years ago and had a grand time.


 


Thank you,


 


Richard

 

[dysonman1]

Hey Richard: Springfield or St. Louis (Lambert Field) are just about the same distance from St. James. It's a far easier ride, though, from Springfield, as you don't have to go through the city (and the different highways) to get here. Thanks for the compliment about the Museum. It has grown and expanded over the years, we now have over 620 machines in the collection. Hope to see you again.

 

[kirbytradition7]

Visiting museum while in St. Louis

Hi Tom!

I plan to be in St. Louis for a craniofacial convention (Children's Craniofacial Association), June 26-29. I'm coming in from Calgary, AB.

I would like to come see your museum (and I love vintage Electrolux and Kirby vacuums--I dream of getting either an Electrolux model G, Hospital G, or 1205 someday). Here are logistical issues I know of:

As you told me in another post, I would need to rent a car to get there--St. James is a long way down I-44 from St. Louis (according to a map). What is the distance and driving time?

If I decided to come visit the museum, I would need to allow a day before the conference starts in St. Louis, due to apparent distance and allow enough time to visit the museum.

Your museum looks like it has an extensive collection; I imagine I could spend hours there, is that right?

kirbytradition7 (real name, Francis)

 

[dysonman1]

Hi Francis:
The airport in St. Louis is about an hour and a half from St. James. It's actually easy to get here, all highway, and only three turns till the St. James exit. There is a wonderful motel in St. James called Green Stay that's very reasonable - and I know the rooms (and carpet) are clean (they use Maytag vacuums).

We have a very extensive collection of vacuums, more than 650 in total. We have one of every model Electrolux, and virtually every Kirby (even the gold plated sales prize Kirbys).

You'll probably want to spend most of the day at the Museum. We have several great diners in town - excellent food and inexpensive prices. If you let me know exactly when you're coming, I'll plan on spending the entire day with you. We'll tour the factory, you can see how the new machines are made and tested. We have three store rooms for the Museum's collection. I'll be happy to share all the Museum's literature as well (owners books, ads, etc.).