Vintage Suction Sweeper advertisement...1908

[rugmaster37]

So,

While cruising the net on fleabay, I ran across this original advertisement from Good Housekeeping from 1908.

As I read this advert, I was wondering how many people actually sent this back after the "free " trial.

Of course, not too many "lasted a lifetime" so to speak as many are gone, and the few that are left either do not work, or are not usable for one reason or another. Except one that I know of personally...that does run as many of us here know.

Anyway here is that "original" ad from 1908.

 

[rugmaster37]

It's a rather bittersweet thought that there isn't a independent future for more Hoover designed and developed "Modern Sweeping By Electricity".

Thankfully after being allowed a visit to Tom Andersons, and staying the weekend there in NCO, I saw the plant...drove it's entire perimeter that I could, and found the HHC, and Hoover Park amongst other things, I really got to see the Hoover Mecca so to speak before it was too late to do so.

Hopefully the future tenants of 101 N. Maple realize the historical significance of the place and do not do many unneeded and unnecessary changes to the property, although they have the right to do so.

I truly hope above all else that they leave that smokestack alone. I saw it from the freeway as I was coming into town although it was getting dark...you could still faintly make out the H O O V E R vertically as I drove to my exit down at Belden Village.

Just thinking about the fact that just shy of 100 years ago technically.....this storied company put out this ad trepidatiously asking people to "try" it's wares. It almost brings tears to the eyes.

Anyway though that we would all enjoy this ad, as it reminds us all that some things that have a bright and shiny future and that we can also see it's heartbreaking end. I like the thought of a bright shiny future tho...don't you?

Chad

 

[vintagehoover]

I'd disagree that the cleaners didn't last a lifetime - even the ones in museums will have outlived their original owners, and I suspect it wouldn't take much to get them running again. I'd think 'safety standards' have a lot to do with them not being 'useable', too, rather than any electrical or mechanical fault. Also, aren't there 2 running examples? Kyle's one, and the one in the Historical Centre?
They're certainly long-lived compared to the cleaners of today, which have an average lifespan of about 3 years!

 

[azman293]

Neat-o

Nice piece of historic advertisment there!

 

[ohio_tuec]

Hoover Model "O"

Bob Kautzman also has a running example. He has a picture posted on his website.

http://www.vachunter.com/upright.htm

 

[myhooverco]

Well actually....

The model "O" is rare but there are many running examples around the globe. Henry Ford museum has one. The Historical Center has about a half dozen. There is one on display at the McKinley Museum in Canton and one in the lobby of the Hoover Company headquarters. Hoover has many of these machines in original and restored condition as it is their most important vintage model. I am sure that there are many others out there. I am almost positive that the Smithsonian has one too.

However, it was a real treat to have Kyle's in my home and what made it even better is when it fired right up and we all took turns pushing it around. Now I am told that it has a new old stock vintage cloth covered cord on it. Seeing one and using one are two very different experiences.

This ad is unique. I have not seen this one. The idea that you could try it in your home for free was H.W. Hoover's idea. (that is Boss Hoover's son) He knew that his mother had one and liked it. She bought it from Murray Spangler. He generalized that anyone else that tried one would certainly like it too and would not want to be without it. The response was overwhelming thus sealing the fate of this new company. (it was to be a good fate of course)

While it is very sad that our beloved Hoover Company is coming to an end as we know it, the Hoover Historical Center is carrying on the legacy. It is a legacy that is much larger than the company itself. Afterall, this IS the town that Hoover built. It will always be a "Hoover" town no matter who occupies the building. I just hope that the name can be carried on in a dignified way not just becoming some awful dd clone. So chin up everyone. The legacy that is the Hoover Company will survive!

--Tom

 

[myvacsrock]

I LOVE THIS!!