"What am I? Chopped liver?"

[electrolux137]

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Dear Fellow Aspiration Aficionados,

There appear to be some hard feelings and maybe some resentments about my decision not to send things from my garage clean-out to people who can't be here for it.

Please try to understand ... I really wish I could do so. But I knew even before I finalized my plans for the clean-up that there would probably be many folks who would ask me to send them stuff, and that's why I attempted to "head those off at the pass."

And, sure enough, I've gotten many requests from folks -- both publicly and privately.

I really wish I could accommodate everyone's requests to send them things, but doing so would turn into a full-time job and I just don't have the time or energy for that.

I posted my long list and photos not to torment anyone, but as an enticement to get collectors out here. That's what I really want -- a big back-yard party of sweeper collectors who have come for a fun day of gleaning treasures from my gigantic treasure-chest.

I feel a vague sense of urgency to get this done. As I said before, I do not want to leave a garage full of accumulated stuff for Arlee to have to deal with if I predecease him. He would have a very hard time trying to figure out what to do with it and it would be a huge and unfair burden to put on his shoulders.

I was only joking that whatever is left would be thrown out -- I was just trying to coax as many people as possible to come. Whatever is left, depending on what it is, I'll dispose of in various ways -- keep stuff, take stuff to thrift shops, leave stuff out front for people to go through, etc. I won't just "throw it out."

Again, I'm sorry if my way of needing to handle this chore has disappointed some of you. Try to put yourselves in my shoes...

Thanks for listening.

P.S.: As of this writing I have only received two definite "yes" RSVPs. I have to say, that's pretty disappointing to =me= ............. It kinda makes me feel like the old cliché, "What am I? Chopped liver?"

 

 

[human]

I completely understand

I sure wish I could be there for the big event but I live on the other side of the continent and it's just not feasible. Still, I think it's a really cool thing that you're doing. My dad has collected electric trains and other vintage toys for more than 50 years and my sister and her kids and I are now faced with disposing of it now that Mom and Dad are moving into a retirement community and the old adage 'you can't take it with you' is finally sinking in. I just pray all the stuff I've brought home--along with the bulk of my own crap--is fully liquidated by the time I check out.

I applaud you for turning the need to let go of your treasures into an opportunity to bring our community together and I hope it turns out to be one helluva bash! The bottom line is it's your stuff, so you get to make the rules. If others aren't happy with that, then it's their problem--and loss.

 

[kenkart]

Most of your

Friends live in the east, Many like me can not make a cross country trip for various reasons,Its your stuff and your decision to do this, but , as big a chore as it is, you will do better shipping the stuff.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Well, I have no

resentment at all.  The only things I'd have a remote interest would have been Hoover bags.  I already have all of those pictured.


  I, too,  hope you have asuccessful day.

 

[electrolux137]

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Right, John. I appreciate your attitude. I was not speaking about you....... You wouldn't believe some of the private emails and messages I've gotten -- from friends. I'm actually starting to sour a bit on the whole thing and would just cancel it, but there are a few people who have said they will come. So I won't cancel on account of them.


 


 

 

[rugsucker]

"put yourself in my shoes"

I AM in your shoes on the matter of too many vintage vacs and parts!!And for similar reasons that I will continue later & separately.
And I couldn't agree more that all that is involved with shipping can ruin what is usually a day going from bad to worse.I try to limit it to only a very FEW.
The garage pictures show many RARE and GREAT items.And it is probably as good or better in the hidden corners.I hope all that can will be in CA.
Will that mean that all that can't will want to head to TN?!?!?!
"pretty disappointing"--I hope this changes and goes well.
How this ends up for YOU may be a clear indication for ME if I should continue begging collectors to come here or QUIETLY TAKE MOST OF THEM TO THE NEARBY SCRAP YARD.
Good luck with some great vacs.

 

[electrolux137]

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Jimmy, we're at an odd and somewhat difficult time in history -- collectors "our age" who look for machines mainly from the 1950s and back seem to have all the machines they want, and then some: People who have been collecting them for 40, 50 years or more are finding themselves in the same predicament and may need to -- sometimes suddenly -- downsize. I know of at least a dozen other collectors who are having to do the same thing.


 


Younger collectors who are just starting out, who consider a Kirby Heritage to be a vintage machine, don't seem to have any real interest in older machines. When I first met John Lucia in 1991, we were joking about how the day would probably come when collectors would be running around looking for VINTAGE Eureka Bravos....... and, well, here we are.


 


It's the same phenomenon with all collectors, I guess --- the machines we want to collect are the ones we remember from our childhood.


 


I'm finding it more and more difficult to make good sales on eBay for vintage cleaners. About 10 years ago or so, I listed an Air-Way Green Goddess and it went for an amazingly huge amount. Same for a few others I've listed from time to time. The Green Goddess I listed last week went for $251.00. While that's nothing to sneeze at, I was a bit disappointed at the  bidding.


 


Even more so for the Hoover 541 which closed at $71.00. Can you imagine how crazy people would have been 15 or 20 years ago for such a vintage machine in such excellent condition?!


 


I'm fixing to list a Singer R-1 but wonder if it will be worth the trouble. What collector today is going to want a 1937 vacuum cleaner??


 


And it's even more difficult to interest people in coming out for Garage Giveaways. When I had my first "Great American Garage Clean-out" back in 2000 at my former place, something like a dozen people showed up -- and not all of them were "Locals." Nowadays, there's just not much interest anymore it would seem, even when I beg and entice with tons of photos!


 


Sorry if I seem so negative but I am in a bit of an emotional rut at the moment, what with my mother's passing, the lukewarm response to my "Garage Giveaway," and various other things going on.  I know ... "This Too Shall Pass." But when one is in the thick of an emotional storm it's hard to keep things in perspective.

 

[vacuumlad1650]

Crl

Though I greatly differ most collectors my age, I still find the vacuums from 1930 to 1986 the best out there. I can only hope the garage cleanup works in your favor and I wish I was able to help out
Andy

 

[charleskirby66]

Wish I could make it

I would LOVE to attend this event, but as I told you, I have been scheduled to perform at a parade in promotion of the Addams Family Musical.  If I wasn't the lead, I could probably get out of the parade, but I am the lead so I must be there to promote.


 


I completely understand how you are feeling.  I wish there were something I could say to appease the pain, but I know I cannot.  Just know I am here for you if you ever need an outside ear.


 


Looking at my rehearsal schedule.  Will be in touch.



Charles

 

[myles_v]

If I were not on the complete other side of the country I would love to come-I'd be willing to drive 2 hours or more for it. A 41-hour drive is sadly a bit too far

It's disappointing that so many people have an issue with you being unable to ship the items, since it is a giveaway then there isn't much incentive for you to ship anything really.

 

[doogie56]

Hi Charles,

I think some of us are at an odd and somewhat difficult time in our LIVES, too, so I can relate to how you're feeling right now. My parents are 87 and 88; my mom has advanced dementia and is in a nursing home, and my dad has COPD and is on oxygen but still lives fairly independently. In the past few years, hardly a day has gone by that I don't contemplate what life will be like without them. I retired last year at 55 (hooray!), but had a serious heart attack about a month later. Fortunately, after getting a stent and an implantable defibrillator, I've been doing well and hope to have lots of good years ahead of me. Still, the thought of mortality is now with me as it wasn't before.

I hope I'm not hijacking this thread, but I wonder if a lot of us in our 50's and 60's are going through some of the same things and whether this is even affecting the vacuum cleaner collector hobby and the marketplace somewhat. In any case, I hope you are well and the garage cleanout is a success. Sometimes I wish I lived closer to the West Coast!

Doug E.

 

[real1shep]

On the other hand.....

I think you stated pretty clearly your situation and terms. There are always a select few that try to subvert the original stated terms, no matter how they're communicated. Let them be 'hurt' or whatever, they'll get over it. I have many hobbies other than vacs and I've had opportunities like this in the past. It's just more 'stuff'...you die and it's still 'stuff'....but then it perhaps burdens someone else. Those of us that are are older should be thinking of what happens to our stuff when we pass? Will it burden our loved ones or relatives? Much more important methinks, than how do I get across country to get yet more stuff. And if you've been looking for something for 5-10yrs or more, obviously you've lived fine without it all this time.

I haven't posted on this site for yrs, principally because there was always someone wanting to argue a point. I get that, but it runs old.

Best of luck on your 'happening'!!

Kevin[this post was last edited: 8/16/2016-16:14]

 

[electrolux137]

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Kevin, you made some good points, in particular what collectors should do with their "stuff."


 


I can recall off the top of my head a half-dozen collectors who died leaving no will or final instructions. In one case, relatives backed a dumpster into a collector's driveway and hauled away all his "junk." I found out about it too late when I tried to get in touch with the guy, with whom I hadn't any contact in a couple of years. A snippy in-law replied to my email callously informing me of my friend's demise and the sad fate of his collection.


 


In another case, opportunistic relatives thought they saw a goldmine and listed the collection with an estate liquidating service as one huge lot for an insanely ridiculous amount of money. When it didn't sell, they tried to sell it to a local museum. The museum declined but said it would be happy to receive the collection as a gift. The relatives declined that offer, of course! The last I heard anything about it, most of the machines were stuffed into barns, outhouses, garages and attics where they are slowly going to ruin.


 


In another case, the person wasn't even cold on the slab before "friends" swooped in on the collection and cherry-picked the nicest machines, leaving behind all the lesser machines and, well, junk. A lot of underhanded skullduggery took place; some friends and associates of the dearly departed were thoroughly hoodwinked.


 


In another case, a "friend" picked through the deceased's collection and tried to list stuff on eBay for ridiculously high amounts to fund his drug addiction. When NOTHING sold, the "friend" took a dozen machines to a local vac shop and sold them to the shrewd proprietor for pennies on the dollar. Meanwhile, the vac shop owner put the machines on display in his store; as far as I know, they're still there.


 


People who are concerned as to the disposition of their earthly belongings would do well to ensure that their intentions are legally memorialized in a Will.


 


This is off-topic on this thread, but it does bear repeating from time to time.

[this post was last edited: 8/16/2016-16:23]

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Indeed.

and, nice to see you post again.
I was 19 and 37 when my parents died.....far too young. But, my sister and I had to 'go through stuff'.
I have everything prepared. As far as the vacuums, there are CLEAR details as to what to do with them.
All I have to do is die.
....and, I have no intention of doing so any time soon. People have ALREADY asked me for things. geez.
Again, I hope people go to the giveaway and find wonderful things.

 

[real1shep]

Yep.....

it's really not that off-topic in a vintage vac collector's thread. I'm preparing something legal. My sons would be horrified to deal with all this stuff on any level.

I've certainly seen all those scenarios too, unfortunately....even when my own parents died.

Henry Kloss whom many of you may know from analog stereo days...he was single when he died and I don't think with any relatives to speak of. They backed up dump trucks to his house and hauled away one-off prototypes that belonged in at least the Smithsonian. Sad commentary on a stereo legend and something to think about for the rest of us!

Kevin

 

[rugsucker]

"willing to drive 2 hours or more"

Myles V--So when will I see you here in TN at the Vac Shop?VA is a long state to drive across but I am 30 miles from Bristol,VA(across the street from Bristol,TN).I have MUCH with many items at zero to $5 and $5 to $20.Better for any to come later in the fall after calling to confirm time and models interested in.,Jimmy--423-268-4841
But,NOW is the time for any that can to travel to CA to visit Charles for some great vacs and parts.Who else do you know whose home has a direct view of the HOLLYWOOD(former Hollywoodland)sign?And you have seen that if Charles goes in the kitchen he will come out with something wonderful!
Any ideas on getting my,and others,too many vacs to those with too few vacs would be helpful.

 

[vintagefox]

Hope these beauties find nice homes. It's kinda of bummer not too many are heading out, I was practically drooling over some of these! I'm actually 65 miles away from LA but sadly I'm not all too confident in driving in such a quick paced/multi-street city.

I'm not too sure of anyone my age that would want a Eureka Bravo "The Boss" series machine. That was my childhood vac (with the hard front bag cover) and I'm glad it was replaced with a Concept 1 back in 2002. I guess a few younger collectors don't quite appreciate the older machines.. For me the styling, engineering, and history are much more appealing to me than any modern 90s vac. I also find servicing them much more enjoyable, as it was with my Hoover 700, Hoover Portable and Hoover Convertible model 69. Being in my early 20s I'll be glad to pass down any information as well as repair advice down the road as time rolls on by.

In terms of eBay, it can be rather difficult to sell anything of vintage. It just takes the right buyer at right time. December probably ranks at the top for best times to sell since some people might be looking for an "antique" to give to their family member as a gift. However the buyer market for antique vacuums is a tad limited.

Hope more than two people head down during your garage clean out. It'd be fun to go on down and look through all the hidden treasures and talk vac among other people in person. And being so close is even more enticing, but sadly I probably won't be able to partake in it due to the driving situation.
Either way I'm sure it'll be blast for those who do attend!

 

[gsheen]

I would love to have come and visit, I have suddenly taken a huge interests in polishers now. You have some really awesome ones their.

I hope you get your wish of many collectors coming to visit

 

[columbus]

So Sad Too Bad.

It appears that the culture of backstabbing, lying, and conflict, comes forward in many vacuum cleaner collectors.

Sorry to admit that I am a vacuum cleaner collector, I had an experience with a fellow collector, where I sent him machines amongst an extremely rare Hoover 262. with all original accessories, in perfect condition, Original Kirby 508 with polisher attachment hose and adapters for suction and blowing. Pink Hoover 652 De Luxe in all original condition bag cord etc., Vorwerk VK116/ Et4, The last Hoover convertible's, Miele S200, Moulinex De Luxe with all original Accessories in original condition. etc. More than 15 vacuum cleaners was sent to him, where he promised me a Columbus Sylvia, the equivalent to the Philips/Fakir/Nilco, which he had no interest in, and said he wanted to restore it for me and then send it to me, as it was siting amongst the machines that was not cleaned yet.

After 3 years of waiting, your royal high ness decided to withdraw his agreement to me as he apparently thought that I was so ill and to pass away soon, and recently swopped another collector for something he had.

I was extremely disappointed, yet a reaction from a grown man, who only wants to sit on the receiving end of all vacuum cleaners in South Africa, I am sure that these things do not go un noticed by God.

After my parents travelled 1800km ( a 17 hour drive) to where this collector finds himself, and had to be with a dying aunt, he had them drive up and down every day to collect a vacuum cleaner I bought in the area and he collected. Was he planning to keep it too? Who knows. After messing them around for 10 days, where they could not even see an aunt who passed since. everyday they were informed by text that he will meet them there or there and either do not pitch or fabricated emergencies were gucen the excuse. One day they were stuck n a 3 hour traffic jam, and when they reached the place a text was sent through to say oh sorry can not make it. He does not speak on a telephone as he does not like it, and prefer text. ???????????

Eventually they got hold of him, after threatening him with the police, hence got the Hoover Concept, which left such a bitter taste in my mouth as a result of his games. He was ducking and diving them, and refused point blank to meet him at his shop.

Only someone who has something to hide, has that characteristic.