Vintage Hoover Ads

[louvac]

Hey Guys!

Can anyone tell me where I can find a vintage Hoover ad? I am working on a history project in school with juniors. We are studying the Jim Crow laws and the post civil war. I am looking for the ad that depicts the African American woman who says her folks just bought her the Hoover. I need this for educational purposes so I don't want anyone reading more into this needs be. I am also looking for the Hoover instruction booklet that advises the owner to "insist that your servant empties the bag after each use". I don't recall what model this was.

Can a Hoover guru provide me with the resource?

Thanks

 

[dirtmaster37]

The INFAMOUS Hoover Ad..

I found this ad UN Surprisingly in a very will known racist area of Michigan, a little place called Howell/Cohochtah which used to be the home of a grand Wizard or what the eff ever of a terrible org.called the KKK. Some toothless, single IQ, octogenarian had this ad with a 825 I purchased on Craigslist years ago. He was more tickled by the ad than the cleaner. Said it had been in the family since new. His Mawwmuh bought it and saved the ad that caused her to buy the actual cleaner. Ive kept it, the Ad as a reminder of how far we've come, and how far we've yet to go.. I took this picture with my phone... And look up for yourself...this ain't a story. To this day it's a known fact that this area I mentioned can still be a hotbed in that arena.... Chad

 

[louvac]

Thanks so much.

It's a big help. I would love to find the manual that talks about the Hoover owner insisting that her servant empties the bag after each use.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

I have that ad too!

I almost DIED when I saw it at first. It's amazing and horrible at the same time. But, at the time........................... not agreeing that any of it was right. But... still amazing.

 

[fcs3]

A different context in its day

I totally see the racially insensitive nature of this particular ad.
But, back in the day, Black peoples' lives were VERY limited, unless
they possessed some extraordinary talent. Even then, white societies'
bias lurked just beneath the surface.
For middle to upper class whites, hiring of black cooks, nannies and
maids was a way of providing them income in a usually nice setting.
Black women especially were rarely allowed decent jobs in companies,
therefore, employment prospects were pared down to hard labor or
domestic service.
Hoover's ad actually "tries" to portray a softer side of this matter
by showing how sensitive the employers of the 2 women were. One granted
Sundays off, while the other "lightened the workload" by upgrading
the cleaning equipment.
Hoover had to walk a fine line between the pervasive superior attitude
of the majority, while appearing sensitive to the plight of the minority.

 

[toddk13]

Not just Hoover

There are a lot of "-ism" ads in the early days of vacuum cleaners. Racism? Yes. Sexism? Yes. I have a number of early vacuum ads from the 20's through the 30's. Most portray women in dresses and high heels vacuuming. LOOK MOM, you have a brand new vacuum cleaner under the Christmas tree.

In my household, the vacuum would be for me. I've been married 29 years. My wife does the laundry. I do the vacuuming. Works out fine for us...

 

[portable]

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hey Louis,</span>


 


<span style="font-family: helvetica;">There was more than one publishing of the ad with the two maids. The one I can verify for sure was published in National Geographic in May, 1934. I think it also appeared in Life Magazine, but I have not been able to verify that.</span>


 


<span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you need a copy of the NG ad, let me know.</span>


 


<span style="font-family: helvetica;">John L.</span>

 

[louvac]

Hey John!

Hi John!

I would love a copy of the ad!

 

[portable]

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">Louis - I was going to send you a message in our message system, asking for your address, but you're not listed in there. </span>