What does the general public notice - take a guess

[toddk13]

I am slowly assembling a vacuum collection in my college office. Really interesting - which pieces are noticed, and which are ignored when I have visitors. Wide range of people from my staff, salesmen, peers, and organization leadership. I always tell new visitors that I am a vacuum collector but don't say anything more until they look around.

Hands down, one vacuum gets commented on by EVERYONE. I've heard so many cool stories around that vacuum brand from those people. There is one other piece that people show interest in, but have no previous knowledge of. The rest are basically rocks.

Take a guess from the pieces in my pics. I'll follow up shortly with the answer.

 

[fantomfan]

Kirby Sanitronic?

I'm only guessing because it's the most common one of the group.

 

[dysonman1]

Kirby, since everyone's mother had (and HATED) one. Or, the Bissell sweeper.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

I'm guessing it might be the Hoover.

However, I'd never bash another vacuum maker... everyone knows we all have our preferences. Someone will like something others would not.

 

[s31463221]

Guessing.......

The Hoover. Now, ask me why I say that? I too work for a University, and I have SEVERAL vacuum cleaners in my office, both of my prized Electrolux Commemorative Editions, a beautiful example of a Model XXX (30), a Eureka 1934B, and a Hoover 543. Out of every machine I have in here, the 543 (or the 700 in the downstairs office) gets more comments and attention than ANY of the others combined......

 

[toddk13]

We have a winner!

Yup. The Kirby is immediately recognized. Everyone had some story about a mother, grandmother, aunt, or personal experience having owned one. Most also believed that was a heavy vacuum. I asked them to. lift it and roll on the floor. Those that did were pleasantly surprised. Too bad Kirby bloated up over the years. I love my Classic III, but it's an elephant compared to the 562. My G3 is an elephant compared to the Classic III.

Most of my visitors remark on the hand pump vacuum. It's a nice prop, but relatively useless.

I'm working on a staggered vertical stacking that allows 8 vacuums along the wall. Based on popularity, I'll add three more Kirbys (Tradition, Heritage II, G3), and one "other" (40's GE from the Vacuum museum, or Hoover 105).

I'll also try a handheld display - Royal 500, Presto Jr, and 1960s Soviet "Betepok 2".

 

[pr-21]

I would say the Hoover.


PR-21
Bud

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Do people 'drop off' vacuums for you?

They do for me. The other day, at a college outing, someone brought a Hoover "Convertible" 719 for me.
Nice display, by the way.

 

[toddk13]

Don't drop off your vacuums please.

If someone wants to dump a vacuum, I ask them to donate it to Goodwill or St Vincent de Paul stores. I regularly visit those stores and sometimes get a call from them about a pile of new vacs. It's hard to pass on a Heritage II with a bunch of tools for under $10.00.

Adam did such a great job shining up the 562! I need to sharpen my skills and improve the buffer to tackle the other vacs.

Coffee can Hoovers look great polished up. Not too sure what the Eureka and Royal housings had for shine.

 

[n0oxy]

something unique

It is interesting when you have something unique in your collection. Many people are interested when I tell them I collect vacuums, when I show off my collection, what everyone seems to notice is my central vacuum units. I have 7, soon to be 8 central vacuum units throughout my apartment. When I clean with them, I just attach a hose directly to the in-take, power is incredible without having to go through pipes.
Mike

 

[vacuumlad1650]

Often people laugh, but when they see them they may say "Oh, my mother had that one!" or are intrigued by a design.
I've been fortunate enough to have a pair of Grandparents who fully support my hobby. Their house is like a second home to me, and it's a complete time warp! I always bring a vintage vacuum along, and they always reminisce based on the design, or have genuine questions regarding it.
I've been pleasantly surprised by many reactions of "The General Public" when they learn that I collect vintage vacuums, and repair, rebuild, or restore all sorts of them!

 

[real1shep]

Do you....

have a relative with the same last name and first name Ross? Who lives in Illinois and a dog breeder/handler?


 


Kevin

 

[vacuumlad1650]

Kevin...
If that was directed towards me, I am not related to any Ross'. That is Rather peculiar...
And if it was not directed towards me... Then ignore this post, please!
Andy

 

[real1shep]

No...

that was directed at the OP, Todd. No ax to grind, just a question to see if the world is not as big as we think it is.


 


Kevin

 

[toddk13]

It's like having the name "Smith"

Wisconsin has a large population of Norwegians. The name "Knutson" is as common in Oslo, Norway as "Smith" is in the US. Sorry. No Ross in my known relative base.

 

[real1shep]

I didn't realize....

it was a common name in some locals. I've only known like two in my life. Just a shot in the dark...thanks!


 


Kevin

 

[toddk13]

HAPPY FRIDAY

An instructor stopped by my office today and showed interest in my little office vacuum collection. I was floored (pun intended) when he asked why the Eureka and Royal didn't have brush rolls. I gave him the story about Hoover's patenting the motor driven brush roll, and that manufacturers had to wait for the patent to expire. I went over the features of the other vacuums and non-electric stuff.

He said that he had a Shark (belongs in the water). I asked him if he noticed that it didn't pick up heavier / dense objects. He wondered about that. I suggested he pick up an old Kirby and see what his Shark leaves behind.

What fun!