Vacuum Museum in Rolla, Missouri

[dysonman1]

The time has come to give the new museum of Vacuums it clean. But what to use? Every single museum piece runs. And I am definitely feeling vintage today. Which one would you use?

The new museum of Vacuums is open to the public for everyone to enjoy. Come see us at 410 South Bishop, Rolla, Missouri, 65401. 500 feet from the entrance to Walmart.

Maybe I should use my 1989 Kenmore ultra vac, a present from my good friend Alex Braun. It runs beautifully. And I don’t know anyone else who has one. Should this be the one I use today?

 

[dysonman1]

Perhaps I should use the Haleys comet? From the collection of the late Mike Hays, former VCCC member. He joined when I was president of the club.

 

[dysonman1]

Maybe the prototype from TriStar? Designed by Harold Schoettler.

 

[dysonman1]

Maybe one of the bagless models? The red Dyson DC 07 was the first Dyson built for American sales. It’s serial number is one.

 

[dysonman1]

I just love that Eureka with the power touch handle, cord winder, and the chrome hood. The military box top bag really sets it off in Florentine gold.

 

[dysonman1]

The Bison is kind of calling my name.

 

[dysonman1]

It might be a pink Lady Kenmore day. The pink one was the only Kenmore with a lower curved wand that they ever made. One year only. 1956

 

[dysonman1]

Maybe a Lewyt? They clean like a dream

 

[dysonman1]

It might be a modern hygiene kind of day.

 

[dysonman1]

Of course, I could always use one of Stan Kann’s Hoovers. Maybe the Silver Jubilee model 425?

 

[dysonman1]

Anything from the 1920s or the 1930s would also be great.

 

[dysonman1]

Perhaps even a model from the 1910s? My 1915 Hoover old style special will still clean the rugs beautifully today.

 

[dysonman1]

In the end, I decided to use the 2001, Air-Way Signature Series. In my opinion, the best canister vacuum cleaner ever made.

 

[electro]

Beautiful Display!

Thanks for sharing Tom. I think the nice light color really helps to set the machines off.
I remember so well the day spent at Stan Kann's and how proud he was of his collection of the early Hoover's. Such fine workmanship.
Also fun to see your Air-Way and realize they kept the high quality right up to the end.

 

[kenkart]

Tom

It looks really good! You have done a great job!

 

[air-waycharlie]

Nice work Tom!

Beautiful and I can't wait to visit and play with them ALL! My mouth kind of waters looking at those 1920s and 1930s models.....not even to mention the Hoovers.

 

[luxlife]

LOOKS FANTASTIC!

Now I’m really motivated to make a visit.

 

[blackheart]

Fantastic!

It's all coming together, someday I hope to see it in person.

 

[lesinutah]

Question

The museum looks amazing. It's coming along nicely. I will post a picture of c9 and a iec upright vacuum? I'm wondering if that is what it is. If you could give a history of the vacuum as I've never heard of it.
Maybe use an airway sanitizer tommorow. What a problem to have.
Thanks in advance.
Les

 

[tolivac]

If its a really BIG cleaning job-don't forget your NSS M1 100Th anniversary "Pig" Remember they LOVE dirt!!!The AirWay is a great choice-have one of those purple ones.Where do you get bags for those now?

 

[westinghouseman]

Your hard work has paid off!

Hi Tom,

The new museum in Rolla, looks great; very inviting. I will look forward again, when I can make the trip, and see the new vacuum shop and museum. Do you still have your Eureka Empress? That was always one of my favorites to operate at your old location.

The best to you, as you begin this new business chapter in your life.

Ken Wagman

 

[dysonman1]

Thank you all so much for the kind words. All vacuum collectors are welcome and invited to visit at any time.


Les: that is the matching Compact carpet shampooer. Made by Bissell.

 

[lesinutah]

Tom

Thanks for info. It's really neat to see them. It's even cooler seeing you get your groove back.
You do have quite the museum in next few years I should drop buy that is if you are in the same building and not upgraded for more space because of the success of the business.
Hope it keeps running better than expected. I'm glad you are fulfilling your potential. You are an inspiration for all.
Congrats
Les

 

[oreck_xl]

I think it's wonderful you are able to continue the museum in your own dealership, I wish you the best of luck. Aerus Electrolux and Rainbow make some high quality vacuums. A lot of times it's better to have a museum like this privately than under a corporate ownership. You have an impressive collection indeed. One machine in the museum that I took special note of was that G.E. Twin Power upright from about 1959. Do you still have that one on display?

 

[n0oxy]

can't wait to visit

Glad you have the new museum up and running, and now it's on your terms, not another company's. It sounds like Tacony is making some decisions that are going to make them go down in flames, now they will not take you with them. I was going to suggest using the Eureka 900 canister, or how about one of the zappers? Any canister cleaner will do.
Mike

 

[gsheen]

I would have used the Columbus Is yours a MkIII ?

 

[ralph123]

n0oxy,

Tacony was already going down, which is likely why they made the tough decision to quit funding the museum. Consumer Reports selects vacuums to test partially by market share. There's not a single Riccar/Simplicity model tested currently. Miele and Sebo have vacuums tested. No Rainbow, no Aerus/Lux, no Riccar/Simplicity/Maytag models tested.
I'm assuming that Tacony gambled too much on the tandem uprights. Their products are expensive and too heavy. I have to assume that Miele has been eating their lunch with both canisters and uprights (other than the light weights).

 

[KirbyCollector01]

What’s the address?

My good friend and I are planning on visiting this museum on the morning of June 15th and would like to find this place. Could you possibly send me the address please? Thank you! Can’t wait to go!

 

[tolivac]

The tandem air uprights work well-but draw TOO MUCH power-their cords run warm.A Kirby or Royal metal upright,or even Sanitaire upright does just as well with HALF the power consumption.The tandems are still kinda fun to use,though.an unusual vacuum for a collector.