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I have added a new page to the Electrolux section of my web site, featuring the homely but cute 1956 Thrift Model.
See:
http://www.137.com/thrift
Enjoy!
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Friday, December 30, 2005 at 00:29:56 (MST)
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Did everyone have a great Christmas. Three new vacuums to my collection. A Kirby Tradition, GE MV1 and an Electrolux Side Kick... well two vacuums I guess. Love the Side Kick. Use it on my G all the time now. Great for the stair steps, to bad is is louder then the G.
Time to play,,, there must be something that needs a good vacuum... OH the Car... See you all later
MorganT. Frazer
Dubuque, WI USA - Tuesday, December 27, 2005 at 13:26:16 (MST)
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Hi, Everybody--Merry Christmas to All! My Hospital G is working perfectly! Anyhow--I hope you all have a Happy and Merry Christmas, and a prosperous New Year!!! I've already made my New Year's Resolution--Start saving ahead for this years Convention!!! I hope to see you all there!
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Sunday, December 25, 2005 at 08:27:50 (MST)
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I hope everyone's holidays suck! To at least 137 inches of water lift on a suction gauge!!
And here's to a glorious new year in a vacuum!!! ;P
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Sunday, December 25, 2005 at 02:00:47 (MST)
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Merry Christmas everybody
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Saturday, December 24, 2005 at 10:06:22 (MST)
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! My biggest New Years resolution, is to get a little more active in the club, and communicate with some of you. Before this year, I hadn't been a member since '96, and it's good to be back! Let me introduce myself. My name is Jason Davis. It seems the club has grown quite a bit over the last 10 years! I plan on being at the convention in June, and meet you guys in person. Until then, please e-mail me so I can learn a little more about some of you, and you a little more about me.
Jason
USA - Thursday, December 22, 2005 at 19:30:26 (MST)
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Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year. The Forum seems very quiet and I am hopeing everyone is in good health. Tom it is great to hear your back to the shop. But DON'T over do it. Listen to those women that owned the Rainbow's..
I want to say thanks to the Board Members, Louis, Alex, Charlie for all the work that they have done this year to keep this club alive. May 2006 bring a lot of new vacuums and friends into our club and lives.
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuqe, IA USA - Thursday, December 22, 2005 at 06:24:08 (MST)
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Tom,
I am so glad to hear you are doing better and that you are home. I'm sure David and the rest of your family are relieved. Next time you have a tooth issue, just the right Kirby attachment and you won't have to go through this again! Let me say again, I am really glad you are on the road to total recovery and best wishes to you both.
To the rest of my friends and club member, (sorry I'm not into political correctness, I'm way over 50, so no hate mail or postings either!), I want to wish a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year that is filled happiness, good health and prosperity.
And, if you don't celebrate Christmas, Happy whatever you do this time of year.
C. Watrous
USA - Sunday, December 18, 2005 at 10:53:49 (MST)
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Hi Everyone:
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kind words to David during this whole thing. I had an abcessed wisdom tooth, the pain of which prevented me from eating food for a month. I went from 220 pounds to 170 pounds in one month. I'm six feet tall, and should weigh about 190 pounds, so if anything at all good should have come of this, it's that I'll be able to take my tank top off at the pool this summer.
The infection from the tooth shut down my pancreas. There was nothing to make insulin, and my sugar levels went higher and higher until I passed out into a coma, from which I didn't come out for two whole days. And when I did, I was so disoriented, I pulled out the IV, the catheter (that's an indigantion that was also new to me) and everything. I was going HOME. They had to literally pick me up from the floor and throw me back into the ICU bed, and reattach the IV's, since the blood was going everywhere.
I was delerious. Much more so than my normal demensia.
I was in ICU for five days. Then, off to regular hospital room for two days, and now I'm home. I have to take insulin injections (4 per day) for the rest of my life, since I no longer have a functioning system.
It was wonderful that everyone was calling David and keeping his mind (and time) occupied while I was in there. No phones in ICU, and only 15 minutes of visiting time for Dave. He was going nuts, after just having a pacemaker/defibrulator put in him 3 weeks ago.
The hospital was excellent and the nursing staff was too. You can tell a LOT about a lady by her vacuum. I'm sure Marty and Charlie would agree. I asked every nurse what kind of sweeper she had. Interestingly, the kindest nurses seemed to have Rainbows.
Since I'm officially 'retiring' from the business (I'm selling the shop to Dave's brother), I have lots of things to give away. I have several hundred machines to part with also. The only cleaners I'm keeping are pre World War II vacuums, as these will always be the oldest cleaners, and I'm most fond of 1910 and 1920's sweepers anyway. If anyone has any requests for post War stuff, let me know.
In closing, thank you all once again for your concern. I came very close to dying twice in this past week. I look forward to seeing everyone at the meeting in June. Everyone should be able to take home something from my collection...
tom gasko
park hills, MO USA - Sunday, December 18, 2005 at 00:40:05 (MST)
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Hi, All--It's good to hear that Tom is getting better! I'm a Firm Believer in the power of prayer--It really works! Guess what, Everybody? I'm soon going to have in my collection a Hospital G!!! Yeah!!! If I can have a few tips on how to post pictures for the forum, let me know and when I get the Hospital G I'll post them for you all to see. Anyway--I'm glad to hear that Tom and David are doing better, and I'll continue to lift you both up in prayer. Charlie--I hope you're all right, I think I had a Hoover blow the bag off one time, Wow, what a Mess! I'll talk to you all later--Meanwhile, back to workin' on more vacs---
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Thursday, December 15, 2005 at 12:09:29 (MST)
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So glad to hear Tom's improving!
I have done another rocket this season. It is made from two vintage hairdryers. Check this out:
http://www.goodfirm.com/marksart/mark9/
mark goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Thursday, December 15, 2005 at 09:47:38 (MST)
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BETTER NEWS! Tom is being transferred to a regular room this afternoon. He's still very weak, but ate all his breakfast, and his organs seem to be doing better. He will still be in for a few more days, not sure how many per David. If any of you would like to send a card...Mineral Area Regional Hospital/1212 Weber Rd./Farmington, Mo. 63640-Rm. 251. David is working at the shop today if anyone wants to give him a call.
Rick Asquith
Saint Louis, Mo USA - Wednesday, December 14, 2005 at 11:03:14 (MST)
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GOOD NEWS! I just returned from the hospital to see Tom and he has definitely improved, although not out of the woods. He will probably be in ICU a couple more days before being moved to a regular room. They're still not sure how well his organs are functioning/filtering. He had good color I thought, but then was told he had a fever due to the still infected wisdom tooth which cannot come out until after he's released. He's making cracks and still "lovingly" refers to the nurses as the "bitches"! He's getting great one-on-one care, and this hospital/staff apparently saved his life. He still thinks his only problem is his wisdom tooth, but he will be prescribed a diabetic diet along with daily injections of insulin. He's thankful for all the thoughts and prayers by all, and they must've worked! David is doing 100% better now with Tom's progression as we all are. Tom's mom Jean was there and she is sweet as the day is long. David's brother Dan also was there and he deserves a huge kudos, without him, Tom and Dave would be lost, he is great support for the both of them. I will update again if there is anything new, David said he was going straight to bed tonight after only having 3 hours sleep last night...understandably so. For those of you that believe in prayer, keep praying, they've worked so far and we still need to get him "through the woods"!
Rick Asquith
Saint Louis, Mo USA - Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at 19:05:00 (MST)
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Well, something happened today that until now has just been the "Stuff of Legends."
I was vacuuming with my Kirby D50, happy as a clam using one of my favorite machines. All of a sudden, I heard a very startling "RRROAR-FWOOOOSHH" sound. It was not until I saw the miniature mushroom cloud settling down onto the floor that I realized what had happened.
You got it: The Sani-Emptor door popped open. OH MY GAWD, what a mess. The entire room was covered with a film of dust, and there was a big clump of dirt and dog hair on the floor next to the machine.
What a mess.
Guess I should have been better about following the instruction manual's admonition to "empty the bag after every use......" But what fun would that be? Kirby bags never look right unless the bottom third or so is full of dirt!!
The only happy part about it: I got to spend another hour using my Kirby! :) Actually, I only cleaned the large Oriental rug with it, I did all the dusting and above-the-floor cleaning with my cute and perky Electrolux Model S, another of my favorites. I've always liked the Electrolux economy models for some reason - the T, R, S and L. Maybe because so many people had them because they were less expensive.
Back to the Kirby, one of the many reasons my mother never wanted one (along with the weight, kludginess and difficulty in using, according to her) was because of a (probably irrational) fear that what happened to me would happen to her someday. Somehow, she had gotten it in her mind that Sani-Emptors were popping open all over the place! My aunt had a 1950s Kirby for many years, and I never remember her saying anything about that ever happening to her!
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at 13:07:21 (MST)
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I talked with David around 11.15 am today.
Tom was much improved this morning. He was sitting up in the hospital bed and they were trying to get him to eat. David said he looks 100 percent better compared to the weekend. He will probably be in ICU for at least 2 to 3 more days. David is at the shop today and will try to keep it open.
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at 10:57:32 (MST)
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David and Tom, Please know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks so much for keeping us posted David and please take good care of yourself too. Tom is going to need you now more than ever. Terry
Terry Lattz
Danville, Il USA - Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at 10:51:51 (MST)
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Tom and David,
You will be in my prayers as well. I wish I were closer so I could help in some way. Prayers for now... David you take care...
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at 08:27:17 (MST)
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Tom--You are certainly in my prayers--I will lift you up in prayer to the Lord Every day. I hope you will recover quickly!
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at 07:56:30 (MST)
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David,
As one of the "bitches" I know first hand what Tom and you are going through. Please get some rest David,we don't want you ending up in hospital too! I'll be saying an extra prayer for both of you tonight. Take Care
Marty
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs , Ca USA - Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at 02:29:12 (MST)
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Hi Everbody,
My God this has been a weekend I never want to see again.
Tom seems to be slowly getting back to us, the first sign of that was tonihg at 9:00 p.m. I was standing there and he slowly looked up at me and said "Take me Home!!" These people are hurting me and he called the nurses "Bitches" and if anyone knows Tom - they would know that was a good sign. This has been a very critical time for him, but after tonight, finally, I have him back.
Although it was a small thing it was nonetheless.
II told him of all of you guys knowing and that you all gave one big hug. I thank all of you and until he's out of I.C.U. I am not resting. If you want to call me call, I will let you all know the progress, right now you wouldn't even recognize him he woulld not want you all to see him that way, it tears me up when I walk in the room. But, There is hope and thanks to all. You ALL Mean ALOT To him you know yoou do.
They said this is going to be a long process because of his condition. But with all of you guys thinking of him aand your prayers are AWESOME. I have always said you are an Awesome buch of people and I mean that.
Thanks,
David
David
Desloge, MO USA - Monday, December 12, 2005 at 22:30:57 (MST)
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I am really sorry to hear about Tom, he is one of the old timers when we were trying to get this club going. Most of you don't know this, he was our first president. My thoughts are with him.
As a professional caregiver I know the job Dave is up against, my thought are with him too.
Alex Taber
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Monday, December 12, 2005 at 20:23:49 (MST)
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I am really sorry to hear about Tom, he is one of the old timers when we were trying to get this club going. Most of you don't know this, he was our first president. My thoughts are with him.
As a professional caregiver I know the job Dave is up against, my thought are with him too.
Alex Taber
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Monday, December 12, 2005 at 20:23:27 (MST)
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Update on Tom Gasko...I just spoke to David this evening, and today was touch and go for Tom. He has been in a diabetic coma since being taken to the hospital yesterday morning. Tom nor anyone was aware he was diabetic until this episode. He had a tooth infection and started feeling really rough on Fri, then through the weekend. David and his brother Dan literally had to pull Tom from the bed, and then called 911. The next couple of days will be touch and go at this point as they are having a problem regulating his blood sugar. He's in/out of the coma, sometimes recognizing the people around him. He's in ICU under constant watch and can only have visitors on even hours and then for only 15min. David said he was sorry he hasn't contacted more people, but he sends his thanks for everyone's prayers and concerns. David as you know is health challenged also with his heart, just recently have more surgery a few weeks ago, and needless to say this is really devastating for him and everyone. I talked to Tom's mom this morning and there's no diabetes in his family, so everyone is in shock. I got David's permission to give his cell nbr. in this posting...it is 573-631-8836. He has plans on working at the shop Tues. from 10am-3pm..shop nbr is 636-937-1001 if anyone would like to contact him. David said he's sure that Tom would want someone to be there, so he's planning on going in tomorrow. Tom has a great support group around him, and everyone is praying for his recovery. Tom has been a mentor and great friend to me and many from the club, and we all need to put him in our prayers.
Rick Asquith
Rick Asquith
Saint Louis, mo USA - Monday, December 12, 2005 at 19:48:41 (MST)
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VERY SORRY to hear this news about Tom. I echo Skip's request for updates as they are available.
Will be keeping him and David in my prayers.
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Sunday, December 11, 2005 at 23:32:41 (MST)
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Hello to All:
Just wanted to Say I got news today that Tom Gasko was rushed to The hospital with a dietabic seizure and was wondering if anybody near him can keep us posted as to his condition etc
Thanks Skip...
Skip Aultman
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, December 11, 2005 at 23:15:33 (MST)
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Oh heck - OK just go to www.automaticwasher.org and click on Discuss-O-Mat, go to the Super Forum and look for Thread 4227 - "A New Kirby Dual 80 Arrives". It seems to work and then doesn't.
Fred
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, Il USA - Sunday, December 11, 2005 at 18:51:39 (MST)
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Just a heads-up that concurrent with the mailing of the next issue of the newsletter, all the usernames and passwords for the secure areas of the site will change. You will be given your new username and password along with the next issue of the newsletter.
And just another reminder that the security of this site is a tremendously, vitally important matter.
DO NOT -- repeat -- DO NOT -- give your access information to ANYONE. Even a close buddy or sweeper pal.
Everyone who has paid their dues and is thus entitled to access this site will have the means to do so. If someone has lost or forgotten their information they need to email me and request it.
Thank you for valuing the security of our forum by cooperating ONE HUNDRED PERCENT with this and all other site guidelines.
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Sunday, December 11, 2005 at 18:08:40 (MST)
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Fred, that one doesn't work either! ??
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Sunday, December 11, 2005 at 18:02:40 (MST)
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OK - Let's try that again.
http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/THREADS/SANDBOX/4227x23.htm
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, Il USA - Sunday, December 11, 2005 at 06:58:43 (MST)
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Fred, the link you posted does not work - something's wrong with the URL. But it did prompt me to have a look at the AutomaticWasher.org site. Really very lovely; and now I guess I've figured out why this forum is so quiet --- everyone's doin' their blabbin' over there. :(
If the VCCC had more money to spend on the site, and more people to use it, and more time for me to upgrade this forum and moderate it, we could have a "post photos" feature here as well which is VERY cool.
However, that's neither in the budget nor in time availability at present. In addition to the added costs, someone would have to be on the guard at all times to make sure interlopers don't sneak in and post pix of kiddle porn or whatever. Wonder how they handle that at AW.org.......
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Saturday, December 10, 2005 at 20:37:34 (MST)
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Hi Everyone - Charlie is looking for an original bag for the Dual 80 in this link. I now see the difference in bags. Gotta love those Kirbys!!!
http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/THREADS/SANDBOX/4227x22.htm
Fred
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, IL USA - Saturday, December 10, 2005 at 18:46:13 (MST)
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Does anyone have an original Kirby Dual 80 cloth bag in reasonably good condition they would like to sell? It differs from the replacement in that the Kirby circle logos are very close together and touch each other rather than like the Kirby replacement ones where the logos are spaced far apart. If so, please email me.
Also, does anyone have for sale an owner's manual complete for a Kirby 510? If not, would anyone that has one be willing to make a copy of the last page that has the rebuild information, (both the left and right page) on it and send it to me? Please let me know via email and thanks in advance!
Season's Greetings to all.
C. Watrous
NC USA - Thursday, December 08, 2005 at 08:34:46 (MST)
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P.S. to my post just below --
To give you an idea of how much greater the traffic has been to our site, consider that from the time the site was launched in March 2003 to October 2005, traffic averaged at 4,000 - 5,000 hits per month.
However, in November 2005 we had over 30,000 hits!! And December has already had almost 9,000 hits and we're only into the sixth day of the month; AND most of those hits came in the first four days since I had taken the site down yesterday pending my investigation into this.
It was clear that we were headed for another "Big Bandwidth" month and that's why the web hosting service alerted us.
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Tuesday, December 06, 2005 at 11:34:55 (MST)
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Well, there has been some negative impact on our site from all the publicity we've been getting. We received a notice from the company who hosts our site that our bandwidth (traffic to the site) had blown off the chart. We were getting so many hits that they were threatening to pull our site down.
To remedy this, I hope, I have made some internal, behind-the-scenes changes to the way the site functions. That should stem the tide from people trying to get to the site via links that have been posted elsewhere.
Yes, that will turn away some people, but it's the lesser of two evils. Either we take this action and preserve the site for its intended users -- the club members -- or don't do anything, and see our site disappear because of the excessive traffic.
I did a google search of a certain page from our site [one page in particular that had, by a huge difference, the most traffic], and was astonished at how many links turned up -- thousands of them. We're all over the place. This probably started when someone put a link on their "blog" and it just mushroomed.
Some of the things I came across were not particularly complimentary, to say the least. I'll spare you the insults and innuendo. You've all been hearing it all your life. Suffice it to be said that, all in all, I believe it will be a good thing that we will be getting a clean start in this regard.
It does also mean that I am going to have to keep a much closer eye on the site statistics, and if bandwidth starts spiking again I may have to make further, more drastic changes. Among them would be to secure the entire site, making all of it password protected. I hope it does not come to that, but it we keep getting hit with huge traffic, we may have to do so.
Ever your humble webmaster,
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Tuesday, December 06, 2005 at 11:11:14 (MST)
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Has anyone been to Sears to see the new Hoover Z 400. What has happened,,, it is the most awkward and awfull looking thing!!! Cheap and unusable attachments. Complain about a Kirby being heavy.. try lifting that piece of plastic..but hey it does fold up... or I guess it does...I will be using my 50 year old vacuums and know that they will out clean the new stuff... Well got that off my chest..
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, USA - Friday, December 02, 2005 at 21:16:47 (MST)
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A second website that also lists "wierd websites" has posted a link for the VCCC website, and it looks like positive publicity for the club. As a result of these postings, there are two radio interviews scheduled for tomorrow. One is with the WDVE Morning Show in Pittsburgh, the other with a radio station in England. Who knows what may come next?
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 08:05:00 (MST)
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"Gentlemen ... Start Your Vacuums!"
Anyone out there ever heard of "vacuum cleaner races??!" The only thing I can figure out is that the guy may have found photos of the Swedish "Electrolux Cars" from the late 1920s. But surely he would have to be pretty dimwitted not to realize that these are car-SIZED vacuums.......! But then, eBay IS full of dimwits isn't it!!
SEE:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4421086546
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Monday, November 28, 2005 at 22:01:51 (MST)
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Thot the following query, and my response, might be of interest.......
=======
DAVID DEISHER wrote:
> I have a Model 700 Hoover vacuum but have not been able to find any info
> on the machine. The serial# is 7443318 with a motor# 7M470381. It has
> some handwriting on the bottom that appears to record repair dates. One
> states 10-23-49, Roby and another states motor repaired 3-12-54, Roby. I
> assume Roby was the service technician. Can you give me more information
> on this machine? I tried the Hoover web site but the answer I got form
> them was no information on this model. By the way it still works. >
> Thanks
> David Deisher
Dear Mr. Deisher,
The Hoover 700 was introduced in 1926.
(See http://www.137.com/museum/hoover.htm)
It is no surprise that it still works, and here's another secret -- it will out-clean many modern vacuum cleaners, and would be more quiet-running, beautiful, and elegant in the bargain!
As long as it is in good operating condition and the bag is intact with no holes or tears, there is absolutely no reason you couldn't use it as your "daily driver" upright cleaner (except for people with allergies, who should use a sweeper with hepa filtration).
In case you are wondering about value, it's probably negligible. (See www.137.com/value for more information.) The only specimens that are generally of interest to collectors are ones in original condition -- that this one has been repaired several times suggests that probably the original cloth bag has been replaced, and possibly the cord and rubber bumper trim as well.
It's a shame -- and very disappointing to hear -- that you could not find any information about it from the Hoover Company. For many years, they maintained a Historical Center that had a comprehensive display of their old machines, and also had staff people who knew about them. Guess it's just a sign of the times that no one in the industry -- even at Hoover where the electric vacuum cleaner originated -- cares about the oldies any more. No one, that is, except for a few kooks like me.
Best wishes,
Charlie Lester
Webmaster
vaccc.com
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Monday, November 28, 2005 at 21:10:46 (MST)
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Today I was introduced to a website called "doubleviking.com". The top of their home page claims they are, "ruining corporate America with enough sexy chicks, funny videos, weird websites, and cool gizmos to last an eight hour work day. Well, I guess I should be honored that they consider ours to be a "weird website" because about halfway down the page is a link to the VCCC website, with one of my favorite pictures. Apparently they add new stuff daily so if you don't catch it until Saturday, it'll be on page two, or even further in as time goes on. I guess there's no telling WHERE the VCCC will show up next in cyberspace?
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Friday, November 25, 2005 at 22:09:49 (MST)
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Charlie Lester,
Oh you should see the rooms now! My Dad set the tile and right before Thanksgiving I took the Hoover Floor mate to it. But it left suqeegie marks so I took my Grandmothers old Sunbeam floor polisher and buffed it to a beautiful shine!!!
It's funny but a Sunbeam floor polisher sounds just like a Sunbeam mixmster on speed number 12!
So i'm going to the garage to get something out of the freezer for my Mom and guess what i see lining the garage floor?! Beautiful two tone green hi low shag carpeting!!! My Dad says it will keep the garage warm!
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs , CA USA - Friday, November 25, 2005 at 21:47:25 (MST)
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The Janitronic that Mark Goodall mentioned in an earlier post has a new home. I just got it and it's fantastic. It will need a good cleaning and a trip to the repair shop to check fan, bearings and so on but in general it's a great machine.
Mark, you have made my Christmas! Thakns.
Alex.
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Friday, November 25, 2005 at 17:49:56 (MST)
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Hi, Everybody--Happy Thanksgiving! I couldn't agree more-The Electrolux Model G is truly an amazing machine! I own close to a dozen of those, with the exception of the Hospital G. They are pretty much the quietest vacuums I've ever used! The Model XXX's are pretty much a close second. I've bought several old vacuums these past few days, including 2 model XXX's, a Turquoise G, a Tan G, and a Silverado--All for a total of about $50.00. Anyhow--I hope you all are having a great Thanksgiving--We'll talk to "ya-all" later!!!
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 14:55:34 (MST)
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The Model G - Probably one of the best machines ever made. Solid, quiet, and a good performer. I have a few. If I had to choose just one (God forbid!) it would be a model G with a later power nozzle. I go up to visit friends in Madison Wisconsin for an annual gathering for Oktoberfest from all over the counry. I am assigned to vacuum every year before the main party happens. Last year I used their Hoover Windtunnel and got covered with dirt cleaning that damn pleated filter. This year I brought my rebuilt silver G with a PN4 to do the vacuuming. Glenn and Michael were amazed at how quiet and effective that machine was. Michael commented that standing behind it was like standing behind a jet engine. I will get one and rebuild it for them. Happy and safe Thanksgiving everyone!!!
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, Il USA - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 19:03:02 (MST)
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To Morgan and Marty:
I too love the model G. I remember the tan color one that my SCHOOL had. I was one of the kids who chose Drama class over Shop class (go figure, I'm a vacuum mechanic today) and the classroom was one of those double size rooms and had, of all things, carpeting. So there, in 1978, sat a tan model G named "Homer". When someone was late to class, they had to 'homer' for five minutes. This was, Mrs Peppers kept the rug clean. Of course, the machine was VERY quiet since the dial was set at '6' and the bag was stuffed. I brought a new bag one day, and you would have thought the machine was firing bullets, they didn't know what to do with it. It was actually working correct, and was much louder than when the bag was stuffed full. Within a few uses, the bag was clogged and 'homer' was quiet again. In fact, with the stuffed bag, it ran so quietly you would have to go up to it and put you ear near the machine to tell if it was 'on'. Don't know what ever happened to that particular 'homer' but I have a perfect one in my collection and every time I use it, it reminds me of my "much" younger days, always being late to class so I could vacuum.
tom g.
USA - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 18:22:06 (MST)
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Ohhhh Marty, I have gone into a state of mourning and need to go to church and light candles. I am SO SAD that your parents' wonderful green shag rug is gone. I loved it so much!!! Now what will you have to use your Sunbeam Challenger on?!
"But seriously folks" ... while I did really like that carpet [my parents' 1970 split-foyer house in Annapolis, Maryland had it from stem to stern], the "Extreme Makeover" does sound fabulous and I hope I can get out there soon to see it!
And HAPPY GOBBLE DAY to everyone!!!
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 12:02:12 (MST)
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You-all will get a chuckle from this.......
=->
Hi:
I've got a Singer hand-held that doesn't work if you'd like to buy it. I got it years ago at an estate sale because I had never heard of Singer making a vacuum cleaner. I took it apart and asked an electrical guy if it could be fixed and he said no (didn't want to is my guess). It has sat in a bag since then. I believe it needs a new cord. Give me a fair price and shipping and it's yours. Let me know.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Hamill-Stewart
<-=
Dear Marilyn,
Tell me ... what do -you- think is a fair price for a bag of parts that used to be a sweeper that did not work and that needs a new cord.......?!
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 11:57:43 (MST)
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY
Alex Taber
El Cajon,, Ca. USA - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 09:09:11 (MST)
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Hi All:
Over the last couple of months my parents have been doing some long over due redecorating. Those few of you who have been to my folks place, the 30 plus year old two tone green hi low shag carpeting is no longer!!! Cottage cheese ceiling...all gone! New windows, front door, crown molding, paint. through it all, my beautiful Electrolux model G!!! Morgan, I know what you mean by raving about your G, it just keeps going and going and going... I did start using the Hoover Telios Canister but what a piece of junk! Electrolux G is the way to go!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
Marty
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at 01:22:03 (MST)
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That is very sad. Its actually sad that if I think about it too much, it almost makes me want to cry. The worst part is that it's not just Electrolux, but most vacuum companies in the US, we used to make such great vacuums here. Now so many of them are cheapyl made in other countries and the companies themselves aren't what they used to be. Very sad.
Reggie Ridlen
Parker, Co USA - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 19:48:54 (MST)
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This is pretty sad, huh -- scroll down to the eBay link, cut and paste it into your web browser, and then read the item description.
I wrote the ebay seller and expressed my commiseration over her plight (and promised to buy a coin or two), and told her I thought that this really was a sad, tragic, shameful end to a once-glorious company that had, in its heyday, epitomized the very best of successful, quality manufacturing and was a company that had, once upon a time, really cared about its employees. That becomes clear when you study the company's history.
She replied,
> Thank you for the note. Some of the workers just want to sit in a bar and whine but a larger number of us have a plan and intend to make something of ourselves. I am 27 with a five year old son and we are going to do just fine. My Dad always told me, 'When you are hip deep in horse manure, keep looking for the pony!' Like Mulder in the 'X Files' I know the answer is 'out there.' <
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8355346754&sspagename=ADME%3AL%3ARTQ%3AUS%3A1&rd=1
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 13:03:34 (MST)
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Man is it quiet out here in cyber land... I hope everyone is just getting ready for a great holiday weekend. I am sure everyone is just vacuuming and cleaning to their hearts content to get ready for a big Thanksgiving weekend. We will be putting up the tree and outside decorations. So I did some cleaning yesterday. Model G Electrolux has become my favorite.
Well everyone enjoy Thanksgiving and family
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 06:02:23 (MST)
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To Mark Goodall:
I would love to add the Janitronic to my collection. I regret not having kept new ones when they were available and we were selling them (both in brown and in green). Please let me know if it's still available.
tom gasko
park hills, mo USA - Friday, November 18, 2005 at 18:36:14 (MST)
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To Mark G. & Charlie L.-
Here's another supposition/guess to the Lux XXX handle mystery. Since the XXX was made both before and after WWII (with some variations) it's possible that the availability of raw materials (mostly from rationing during the war) may have caused them to use ANY available material (plastic or rubber) to make the handles.
I believe that this is why we see variations in the Hoover models 27 & 28; steel vs. aluminum castings and bakelite vs. metal hoods were probably also a result of material availability as the war was winding down. Just a guess that makes sense to me based on the times....
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 20:14:35 (MST)
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Mark, to tell you the truth I am not sure. I have always assumed that the denser black rubber handles were from the early 30s, but certainly I may be wrong about that.
I will say that as back as far as the 1970s, genuine Electrolux replacement handles for the XXX were gray rubber, and I recall seeing some bojack handles that were gray plastic.
Funny, the plastic handles probably would hold out longer as they would not be affected by the salt in people's hands (from perspiration) the way rubber is. That's also why you hardly ever find the really old black and gray rubber Kirby handles , and the old Hoover molded rubber handles (150 etc.) in good shape -- the rubber literally gets deteriorated from people using the machines.
But back to the question, again, I don't know if replacement handles were ever sold in black.
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 19:57:12 (MST)
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Model XXX - Charlie, your communique regarding the ebay obnox caused me to look at your description and then check out my shelf of XXXs. If a 535 Watt XXX has a black handle (a couple of mine do), does that mean the handle was replaced?
Janitronic - anyone interested in my Janitonic - or need parts? I do not keep uprights.
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at 07:29:34 (MST)
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While I do not actively patrol eBay looking for people who use material from my site or link to it in their auctions, when I happen to come across these situations I email the sellers and draw their attention to the copyright notices on my site.
Usually, the oversight is an honest mistake with no harm intended, and most people apologize and immediately remove the copyrighted material or links.
However, every so often I run into a jerk who clearly thinks s/he is entitled to take from others what s/he wants, with no consideration whatsoever for other people's property or propriety rights to such property. Here's the most egregiously snide reply I have received to date from such a seller:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Question for item #4418697463 -
Antique 1949 Anniversary ELECTROLUX
Model XXX or 30 NR
From: kittytwitty Expires: Dec-14-05
To: sellitfouru
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I initially wrote:
=-> When you took text from my web site for use on your auction listing, you somehow missed the large and very prominent copyright notice on the page, which CLEARLY prohibits use of my site by eBay sellers. Please refer to that copyright notice (http://www.137.com/lux/luxxxxxx.html) and then remove my copyrighted text from your listing. Thank you. >-=
They replied:
=-> We most certainly respect anything that you have done in the way of educating the public on these unique vacuum cleaners. Copying someone's work is probably the highest form of compliment one human can pay to another. We even went so far as to comp;iment you further by directing others who are not so knowledgeable to your site. We certainly did not imagine that our nine dollar vacuum cleaner would cause you that much grief. We do, however, happen to have an attorney in the family who specializes in corporate law. Now that you have begun something, we'll let you have the last word, by going ahead and filing the necessary papers for copyright infringement. Have a nice day. We most certainly respect anything that you have done in the way of educating the public on these unique vacuum cleaners. Copying someone's work is probably the highest form of compliment one human can pay to another. We even went so far as to comp;iment you further by directing others who are not so knowledgeable to your site. We certainly did not imagine that our nine dollar vacuum cleaner would cause you that much grief. We do, however, happen to have an attorney in the family who specializes in corporate law. Now that you have begun something, we'll let you have the last word, by going ahead and filing the necessary papers for copyright infringement. Have a nice day. <-=
e.g. "Screw you."
It's folks like you that make eBay such a pleasure.
~
~~~
~~~~~~~
Charlie Lester
P.S.: You may find this hard to believe, but the world of vintage vacuum cleaner collecting is very, very tiny. I probably know, or know of, just about anyone who would have any interest in your Electrolux.
How inclined do you think any of my fellow collectors would be to patronize your auction when they receive their BCC of my reply to you? Once the word gets out, you're not likely get even your opening bid, let alone decent bidding on it (not that in its incomplete condition it's really worth a whole heck of a lot, that is).
Kinda seems like the "don't shoot yourself in the foot" or "don't cut off your nose to spite your face" sort of thing, doesn't it.......
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Monday, November 14, 2005 at 22:06:00 (MST)
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Veteran's Day
As a tastefully decorated combat veteran, may I suggest that you buy a vet lunch tomorrow. Y'all take care.
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 12:10:14 (MST)
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To Mark Goodall:
The Janitronic is definately a keeper. If for nothing else, the brush roll. This machine was made by Scott & Fetzer at the Kirby factory. Notice there's no belt lifter. This machine was not for sale 'in the home', but to the commercial market through vac shops. The nozzle was not made to be removeable and no attachments were ever made to be used with it. The nozzle (and brush roller) are slightly larger than Kirby, since the parts are now obsolete (and it was made from 1968 - 1982) it would be wise to save it for use or 'parts'. Interestingly, the machine was made to be used with the cloth bag, or the "f & g" style paper bags. Scott and Fetzer had the bags made of very strong blue paper with a yellow 'throat', and in the later years, sold the paper bags in plastic packs marked with the Kirby logo. We ordered them with the Kirby parts order, and sold them to people who had 'converted' Kirbys (converted over to use paper bags). It saved us from having to tell the customer that she could buy her 'kirby' bags at the supermarket as Eureka F & G , which of course, would have not made us any money.
tom g.
park hills, mo USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 20:04:48 (MST)
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As many of you know, vintage vacs are brought to me because of the visibility of my assemblage sculptures. Well, today someone left a Janitronic Model J. It is brown with a greenish bag that has a pattern of the letter J inside diamond shapes. Is this a keeper?
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 16:40:26 (MST)
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Your so right Charlie.. is everyone still adjusting to the time changes and the fall weather. Well that is if your having fall weather. Here in Iowa we are still having Indian Summer.. High 60's today and 70's tomorrow.
Have added a new vacuum to my collection. A Viking Dustmaster which is a Eureka model 726. this one was used mabey once or twice. Still had the original bag. The only tools ever used were the dusting brush and crevise tool. So I am off to clean....well play... Later..
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuqe, IA USA - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 21:12:44 (MST)
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Rec'd the following query to the site. Can anyone help this guy - assuming anyone is reading the forum?!
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The bearings in my Airway Sanitizer model 55A needed replacement. After 2 months of having it apart, I have forgotten how to put it back together. Can you let me know where I can get an exploded view of this machine so the reassembly can begin?
Hopefully,
Frank Wilhelm
piglets@imaginenet.net
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Monday, November 07, 2005 at 09:54:35 (MST)
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Gee, no one (but me) has posted since Halloween ... "WHERE IS EV-RY-BO-DY??!" :(
Did anyone pick up that Hoover in North Carolina?
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Sunday, November 06, 2005 at 19:57:28 (MST)
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Per my previous post, guess you need the email address to contact the guy ... it got truncated off because it was in "link" mode which this forum software - wisely - forbids! sorry. It's "jwerner5@nc.rr.com"
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Tuesday, November 01, 2005 at 20:09:40 (MST)
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We rec'd the following email to the web site. Anyone in the Raleigh NC area who wants this, feel free to contact the guy directly.
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From: "Jeff Werner"
To:
Gentlemen:
I have the following unit available for any of your members who may desire it:
Sears Model POWER MATE - 11656512690 (POWERMATE) Vacuum Cleaner
It is available for a donation of your choice. A repairman at Sears here in Raleigh suggested I offer this to your organization.
If anyone is interested, please contact me. I hope this will make someone out there happy.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey T. Werner
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Tuesday, November 01, 2005 at 17:40:27 (MST)
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HAPPY HALLOWEEN everybody.
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Monday, October 31, 2005 at 16:45:38 (MST)
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Tom-
Glad you enjoyed the Dyson article. I don't think I would have recognized the differences between the DC07 and the DC14 if I hadn't talked to you and experienced both models personally. Both are more maneuverable in the upright mode than I had expected, though the 14 definitely has advantages in the wand configuration. I still think the instruction book needs more "fine tuning" than the machine does. The only things I'd change about the machine are the brush roll (so it releases hair more easily) and adding and optional non-stretch hose. Feel free to pass the article along to your friends at Dyson, if you'd like to.
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 08:25:48 (MDT)
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Good morning,
I have to also tip my hat to Louis. The newletter (magazine) was wondferful. The pictures of the convention and all the new members were awesome. The articles were great. Thanks to everyone who took part and put forth all the effort. Can't wait for next year. Sounds like plans are being made.
Hope a trip to Stans theatere is part of the plans. That would be great fun and there are many of us in the club who are organist so hearing Stan play would be a great treat.
Thanks Louis for sending the Life Magazine article as well. It was a great feature. So many vacuums!!!
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 08:21:24 (MDT)
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RJ:
Wonderful piece in the newsletter about your experiences with Dyson. You hit the nail on the head with you commentary about cleaning old cloth bags and the great success with using DC14. I too have quite a collection of vintage cloth-bag cleaners. When I get a 'new' member - the first thing to do is clean the cloth bag (and look for tears or rips to be repaired). I always find that the very fine, decayed dust in the cloth bags clogs up the filter in whatever vacuum I'm using as my 'shop vac'. Except when I use a Dyson. It's for that reason alone I came to feel the Dyson is superior to bag type sweepers. But I don't enjoy cleaning with a Dyson. It's the means to an end (a clean house).
I definately enjoy using my vintage cleaners. Unlike modern things like Dyson, a Hoover 700 is a joy to use. I smile the whole time I'm using an Electrolux LX-1. Am I crazy or what?
tom gasko
USA - Thursday, October 27, 2005 at 21:39:52 (MDT)
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Hey guys,
Sorry this is a bit late, but I just wanted to say how fabulous the most recent newsletter was. After reading it, it made me remember just how much fun I had. It was also the first time I had ever been to California, so it made it twice as fun and exciting. Louis, you have worked hard as the newsletter editor these past two years, and your work has been absolutely fabulous! Thank you for all your time and effort! And Alex, you are a very fun and knowledgeable guy, and are most definitely qualified for the new newsletter editor. I can't wait to see your work!
Thank you to everyone who attended the past convention and made it as fun and successful as it was, and louis, thank you once again for your hard work as newsletter editor.
Evan Rogers
Concord, MA USA - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 17:21:50 (MDT)
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Help!
A friend of mine gave me a Sunbeam touch and go vacuum. It's a broom type vacuum, blue, skinny and has a revolving brushroll. I am looking for bags. If anyone has any extra, i'll buy. I am using a hoover belt ( the one for DAM power drive not the brushroll belt) and it fits perfectly. Just looking for the bags now. Oh the model number is 601-1. Thanks! Marty
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 16:08:44 (MDT)
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NEWSLETTER-
Today I heard from two different sources about two members who have not yet received their newsletters. If you have not received yours, or know of another member that hasn't received theirs, please contact Louis Rescigno at > to request a replacement copy. Since he used up his pre-printed labels on the original mailing, please include your mailing address with your request. Thanks!
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 15:47:20 (MDT)
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WOW!!!
Got the latest newsletter in last Saturday's mail. What a GREAT issue!!! A tip of the hat to Louis and everyone else involved for a job well done! And Charlie, can't wait to see chapter 2 of your story!
Best regards to one & all,
Jeff
Jeff Schroff
Galion, OH USA - Friday, October 21, 2005 at 20:12:11 (MDT)
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Greetings to all, I know that this is a bit late but I just arrived home yesterday and I wanted to send out a very special thank you to Mark Turbyfill for hosting such a great mini meet. I went out a week early to help Mark get ready for this and he was wonderful host. It was so much fun helping him in the shop and getting things ready It was so good to see Roger, Michael, Dave, Brent, RJ, Richard, Mike, and Ken again. We had so much fun and I just wish that more of you could have been there as well. I don't think that anyone went home without some new treasures. On Monday Mark took us on a tour of Spokane that was so interesting. Once again Thanks Mark for being such a great friend and a perfect host.
Terry
Terry Lattz
Danville, Il USA - Friday, October 21, 2005 at 11:59:58 (MDT)
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Louis I just wanted to send a BIG THANK-YOU for the great Newsletter. I enjoyed reading it from cover to cover. Thanks for all of you hard work! Terry
Terry Lattz
Danville, Il USA - Friday, October 21, 2005 at 11:50:23 (MDT)
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Hi everyone,Just want to say'Thanks,Kudos,and Cheers'to Louis Rescigno for doing an outstanding job on the newsletter!! Alex Taber has a real hard act to follow but I'm sure he can handle it.--Jim
Jim Harakal
Mena, Ar USA - Thursday, October 20, 2005 at 14:26:38 (MDT)
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To Tom G:
Whoever told you that the convention speaker and "all the details" were already worked out was either being overly enthusiastic, or was misinformed. The list of possible hotels has narrowed considerably from the twenty I started with, and the next round of eliminations should leave us with the final choices. Marty K. has assisted me with some computer research, although no on-site visits have been made yet.
One of our members has graciously agreed to design our centerpiece/table decorations, and that process has already begun. As I mentioned in the email I sent you last week, I'd be contacting you soon about local participation. I've spoken to Stan Kann and Ruth Hollander to confirm their availability, although any scheduling within our time frame is only a list of potential activities at this point.
Until your posting on this forum, no suggestions had been made for guest speakers. Since then, the Board has suggested one additional name. If still more are suggested, they can also be considered. If time allows, I see no reason why we can't have mulitple speakers representing different perspectives. After all, our club is a diverse group with many different ideas about favorite machines.
If you or any other club member should hear any other rumors regarding convention plans, you can certainly feel free to contact me for verification, so we can minimize the promotion of incomplete and/or incorrect information.
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Thursday, October 20, 2005 at 01:03:31 (MDT)
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To Marty R.:
There are all kinds of tricks to make using the DC07 easier. I'll show you at the St. Louis convention. The month of June, 2006 is the launch of a very special model Dyson, exclusive to America. I have it right now, on the home trial program, and can honestly say that our old "friend", Communist Reports, should LOVE the next model (right now, it has no model designation). One of the 'paces' I'm going to put it through is cleaning the lobby carpet at the Fox Theater next time when Stan and I go. He's bringing the Huge Hoover, 972, and I'm bringing the next model Dyson. Let's see which one cleans better... No matter who 'wins', I'm still in love with the 972. Just think, it was $135 in 1926...and will outclean almost any vacuum on the market today.
To RJ: Someone told me that the convention speaker (as well as the hotel and all the details) were already worked out for St. Louis 2006. Didn't your buddy Marty K. do all the leg work already? Someone said he did. I've had so much on my plate with the home trial Dyson, the Hoover Extreme (a Windtunnel with the Fusion's filtration system) plus the store to run and vintage vacs to restore, plus Stan is going through his collection to put some on eBay (I convinced him NOT to put anything on eBay that is really special or rare, but to save it for club members), plus Stan gave me a whole bunch of original cloth bags for machines in my collection, so I've been very busy making them look their very best. The Dyson company has been approached about being a corporate sponsor and they, of course are interested. I have a box full of Dyson T-Shirts, pens, prizes, CD's, etc. just wjaiting to be given away at the 2006 meeting. I also approached them about giving the club a DC15 for the contest. I didn't mean to step on your toes, you have done a great job so far. I'm definately going to sit back, relax, put my feet up, and enjoy everything you've put together for the next meeting.
To Morgan F.:
I've heard at least ten of my club member friends mention your name when we're talking about nominations for the next club President. RJ's term is up in June, and I for one would LOVE to see you run for office. You would make an EXCELLENT club President and I for one (among MANY) would definately vote for you. Please consider it.
tom gasko
park hills, MO USA - Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 17:15:55 (MDT)
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Hi, Everybody! Charlie, I thoroughly enjoyed your article in the latest Newsletter! I Love It! The more I read it the more it sounds like me! I Love It!!! Marty, That's sure a sweet model CA! I could almost "Shoot Myself" for not buying those 2 CA's at the garage sale a couple of years ago but I didn't realize their value at the time, but--who knows--maybe I'll run into a CA again. Alex--I'll be sending you some pictures of my collection for your up-coming newsletters, I think you'll enjoy them. Charlie--I hope you get over your flu bug soon--Just drink lot's and lot's of water and it'll be gone in no time!!! Once again, Excellent Article!!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Take Care, Everybody--Until next time--Chow!
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 16:15:02 (MDT)
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Following Charlie's suggestion below, I'm looking for a machine that's been on my "wish list" for quite some time. A Hoover Constellation, model 88. It does NOT have to be perfect (or even running, for that matter. It does NOT have to come with tools, etiher). But I would like it to have the color-matching tool caddy that hinges on the back.
What would I give for it? Well, I have several other models of Constellation I'd swap as a "fair trade." Or maybe another brand or model you'd prefer?
If you have a model 88 Constellation you'd be willing to part with, drop me a line & let me know & we'll talk!
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 20:03:42 (MDT)
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Well, it's rain rain rain again in "Sunny" Southern California ....... as I am sure most of you have heard, we DO have four seasons out here -- earthquakes, brush fires, floods, and landslides... Looks like we're enjoying three out of the four right now... *sigh*
Which means given my bout with some very strange kind of flu bug, I'm home-bound yet another day. Can't be going out in this miss with my lungs hangin' out of my mouth...
I'll spend some time tweaking and fixing a few little clinkers here and there on the site in-between still more bad television. You know, bad TV is kind of like crack. It's really habit forming isn't it. Gawd, what it must be doing to young impressionable children. Don't even want to wrap my mind around that.......
Anywayyyyy.......
I'd like to take this time to suggest that those who have had their own "mini-meetings" might want to submit photos, write-ups, etc., of those events for the web site's Club Room and/or publishing in the newsletter. That way, everyone can feel like they were able to participate on at least some level.
Ditto for photos of your collections, personal memories, wish lists, glorious finds, questions, repair tips, etc. etc. etc. You know - the kinds of things we all talk about one-on-one on the phone and in email with one another. Much of the vacuum chatter that goes on behind the scenes could be much more widely shared and enjoyed than it is now.
With wish lists in particular, what greater / easier way could there be for filling in the blanks in your collections? Whether it be for a particular nozzle or attachment, or an entire machine, why not send out the word to fellow collectors via the forum or newsletter, instead of paying the now-legendary and frequently outrageous rates on eBay?
Most of us are prone to be pack-rats to some extreme ... some worse than others ... while this may make good fodder for the therapist's couch and much teeth-gnashing by roommates, housemates, significant others, husbands, wives, parents, etc.; at the same time, it also makes a viable way to FINNNNND stuff you're looking for, and often for no more cost than the shipping. If even that. More than likely, SOMEONE has squirreled away that 1923 Hoover floor polisher head that you're dying to have. And it could be yours for the price of shipping or maybe a trade of something that YOU have hoarded away.
We used to have a lot of fun in the early days trading and swapping and sending stuff to one another; sometimes coming home and finding a "sweeper care package" on the front porch that just arrived out of the blue one day. That hardly ever happens anymore. And I think it's partly because of the fact that as the club has grown, the tight networking that used to happen has loosened considerably. And, of course, partly because of eBay.
And THAT is really what this club is supposed to be all about, if you know its history --- a club where like-minded collectors can COME TOGETHER and SHARE this magnificent obsession instead of "keeping it hidden in the cleaning closet."
So come on, boys and girls! Submit, Submit, Submit!! Send, Send, Send!!! As Alex Taber said, your officers and appointed servants can't run this club alone.
Thank you for ALL being active participants!!!!
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 08:24:14 (MDT)
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Well my newsletter came today!
Charlie Lester, I really enjoyed chapter 1 of your story. Something very interesting, my mom has the same theory about me hearing her vacuum before I was born, which really does seem possible.
Louis R., the newsletter was very good. As always, I love getting the newsletter and reading it.
Reggie Ridlen
Parker, Co USA - Monday, October 17, 2005 at 21:28:13 (MDT)
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Okay...
I have
f - i - n - a - l - l - y
archived the old postings. I could smell the smoke coming from RJ's computer all the way here in L.A. so I knew it was time...! haha
"But Seriously Folks" this IS a time-consuming process and has to be done "verrry delicately" as the Wicked Witch of the West said, or things can go terribly kafloooey. That's why I don't do it more often.
Example - archiving six months' worth of postings took almost three hours today. When I am in the bloom of good health and of sound mind (okay, never mind), it would go a little faster -- but while under the influence of TheraFlu and Robitussin, I really had to take my time and make sure nothing got screwed up.
But, today, what with being home from work and languishing in bed watching bad TV programs (okay, they're ALL bad, but especially bad in the daytime), it seemed to be the best chance I'll probably have in a while to get it done, so I finally just decided to get up and do it.
So anyway, there you have it.
Then to the newsletter, Louis, you did an EXCELLENT, FABULOUS, GLORIOUS job. I am one of a privileged few club members who knows first-hand what a big job THAT is and you rose to the challenge. I look forward to seeing the efforts of the newest editor, Alex Taber.
I've gotten quite a bit of response to my "Sweeper Memories" article. Seems a lot of it resonates with a lot of other collectors. So, RJ, I will have to figure out some kind of damage control and redo (again) the remaining chapters so the context flows correctly. Don't know yet how I am going to do this but I'll figure something out.
And, now, back to bed, for yet another episode of Jerry Springer ...... on TV I mean, not here in real life ....... I HOPE!!
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Monday, October 17, 2005 at 20:54:36 (MDT)
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Ol' Crabby here, sticking my head in from my sick bed (flu) to say not only is it being a "pal" to provide your email address when posting to the Forum, it's also a requirement of the Forum Guidelines -- for security purposes.
Members may want to take a moment and review the Guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation.
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Monday, October 17, 2005 at 15:26:28 (MDT)
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To Tom G-
I'm somewhat puzzled by your recent post. You say that you never seem to receive a newsletter. Have you contacted the editor about this? Or the treasurer, who maintains the roster and provides the labels for newsletter mailing? If there's a glitch in our system, I'd certainly like to know so I can address it. Perhaps you can let me know which newsletter issues you do have so we can figure out which ones you may be missing. The current issue was mailed last Wednesday; I received mine on Saturday. Since different areas of the country take different times for delivery, please keep me posted is you don't have yours within a week of mailing. I think you'd especially enjoy this one, since it have my review of the DC-14, along with lots of color pictures of the Los Angeles convention.
Your post goes on to mention the possiblity of James Dyson as convention speaker and continues, "but I understand there are already other plans". Are you saying that Mr. Dyson has other plans and would not be available? Or are you saying that there are other plans for a convention speaker? If other plans are being made for a guest speaker, no one has consulted with me about it. I'm sure you remember from the policies established during your tenure as president that convention coordination is the responsibility of the president. If someone is making plans for a guest speaker, I would certainly hope that they would consult with me regarding this issue.
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Monday, October 17, 2005 at 03:59:53 (MDT)
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Hey Tom,
I don't think there is anyone lined up to be the guest speaker as of yet so if you can get James Dyson by all means get him!!! I would love to meet him! I will try that trick to release some of the suction when using the hose on my Dyson and will let you know how it turns out.
Jeff,
I too have the DC07 Animal model and i love it on the rugs. I will rethink the tools when i try Tom's trick to release some of the suction. What i do wish is that they sell the book brush that is available on one of the DC15's as a separate optional tool. I would buy it.
PS Tom, be a pal and put your email on your post so i don't have to search for my roster through that big pile of paper allegedly known as my desk. I will be talking to you soon. Marty
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, CA USA - Sunday, October 16, 2005 at 16:41:08 (MDT)
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Marty:
We are opposite on Dyson tools, I actually like using the tools, and while the dusting brush could be better, the crevice tool and the upholstry tool are very good.
I am also very impressed with the tool suction, I believe it to be the strongest I have ever encountered as it makes the turbo brush nozzles I have sound like they are gonna take off!
What the Dyson does need is some type of carrying handle, I usually hold the hose with one hand and the top of the dirt bin with the other, sometimes the bin becomes detached...I think I read somewhere they had corrected this issue(I have a DC07 Animal) but maybe the one I have is older.
Overall its not a bad vacuum, it just takes some getting used to. I like the quiet-ness and that it maneuvers well. The handle is also comfortable, and the hose/wand reaches all the way to the top of my stairs without lifting the cleaner.
Drawbacks are the tiny brush roller that easily becomes entangled wity hair, the nozzle suction inlet right over the belt, no headlight, no carry handle, and the amount of stuff that seems to stick up in the cyclones of the dirt container. I can tap tap tap that thing and get dirt out of it for 10 minutes after releasing the bottom of the bin.
I was at Lowes yesterday buying a new faucet for my downstairs bathroom and stopped to look at the DC15 and the BALL. I can see the advantages of the DC15 over the DC07, but am not crazy about the small diameter for the extension tube, even smaller still on The Ball. It also looks like you can take the cyclones apart on the newer cleaners too.
Jeff Parker
Roselle, IL USA - Sunday, October 16, 2005 at 09:48:40 (MDT)
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Once again, I find myself thanking my good friends at the VCCC. Your generosity and kind thoughts are overwhelming. I can1t tell you how the gorgeous flowers touched my heart and brightened my spirit. You are all so very special to me.
I have every intention of attending the 2005/2006 Convention. Besides, I1ve been threatening Tom Gasko that I was going to visit him and his remarkable collection for the past 8 years.
Here1s hoping that all the negativity from this past year has been left behind along with my room at Broward General Hospital. The hospital doctor discharged me this past Thursday. I am now recovering in the comfort of my own home, which, by the way I have only had the pleasure to spending two nights prior to my illness. With a little luck, I will find new employment soon and normal life can begin again for me.
Thanks again, from the bottom of my heart for all of your kindness.
Michael LaBue
Ft. Lauderdale, FL USA - Sunday, October 16, 2005 at 08:53:04 (MDT)
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To past newsletter editor Louis from the new newsletter editor. GREAT jOb!! The hard work paid off big time, thank's for making Kinko's get it RIGHT.
To the membership. I have a number of ideas for future newsletters but I can't do it alone. As both Louis and R.J. said please send me whatever you have in the way of ads, cartoons, articles, and human interest stories. I plan to profile one club menber in each issue and that could mean you, so please jot down a few comments about yourself, how old you were when you were bitten by the vacuum cleaner bug, what your favorite machines are and a bit about you collection in general. E-mail those to me so I can file them into my computer.
I know that most of our board members and other staff are limited on time spent on club business. As I am semi-retired I plan to be at this desk several hours every day. For me, the newsletter will be a job not just a hobby. I plan to grind out historical information both electric and non-electric. At this years convention I gave the club three books of patents that I started acquiring back in 1972 and completed in 1990. These are patents of Electrolux, Hoover and Kirby. I have also devoted a lot of time over the years working on a biography of both Electrolux and Kirby.
If you have questions I'll try to find the answer, or if you just want to talk about vacuum cleaners, Call or e-mail me.
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca USA - Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 21:05:18 (MDT)
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hey whassup? I just got a newsletter "Post Convention Issue" Looks like all y'all musta had a perty good time? maybe someday I'll get to come to one a all y'alls meetings. All y'all went all out I see...Vacuum cleaners on the dinner table? givin vacuum cleaners names? sounds like quitea deal! How many vacuums wouldja say were probly there? who brought the most? (I'm sure ya noticed that I used the word "All Y'all"- this is cuz "y'all" is only one person..."all y'all" is more than one. I also noticed by the directory all y'all sent me, that there's another feller in Oklahoma besides me collectin vacuums! Good ta know I'm not alone!well, over and out...10-fore good buddy I'll be seein all y'all one day! Don't forget to tell me who brought the most vacuums!
Jason Davis
Dewey, OK USA - Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 17:57:48 (MDT)
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Hi Marty:
Glad to hear you got your newsletter. You'll have to let me see it sometime. I never seem to receive one.
The Dyson hose is easy to use IF you release some of the suction. Squeeze the tabs on the blockage removal port and lift it up about 1/2 inch. This is like opening the suction control on a canister. The very powerful suction will be reduced by about 1/2 making it very easy to use the hose and attachments.
Also, when using the Dyson as an upright, place the cord in the slot at the top behind the suction opening in the handle. Close the little vented cover and your cord will not get in your way but will be held up nicely on the handle.
I was going to see if I could get James Dyson to speak at the St. Louis covention, but I understand there are already other plans. Hope the guest speaker will be as interesting as James. He'll be in America the entire month of June next year for the lauch of the ConstantMAX model. Perhaps I can have him come to my shop and I'll privately invite a few interested club members over to meet him in person. I think he's an interesting and dynamic person, certainly someone a vacuum collector would want to meet.
tom g.
USA - Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 16:05:52 (MDT)
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Louis, just got the newsletter in the mail today. It's fantstic! Good Job!!!
Marty
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, CA USA - Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 13:15:44 (MDT)
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Jeff, I have the DC07 Animal myself and am constantly amazed what a Great Dane and two messy roommates can leave behind. I didn't realize that i should check the brushroll( I just thought everything would be sucked into the collection bin.) What a surprised when i turned the machine over and found the brush roll completely covered with hair and threads.
I like the Dyson to vacuum the rugs only. I find that i have to fight with the hose for dusting so i just pull out the Electrolux ( be it the Marquis, L , or the Lux/Eureka Oxygen) when i want to vacuum everything else.
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, CA USA - Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 01:01:31 (MDT)
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To Marty:
Haven't had a chance to play with a Fusion yet, they just started turning up in the stores around here.
I've just recently had the chance to play with a Dyson DC07 Animal, and use it in my house. Its not as bad as I thought it would be, but that tiny brush roller really gags on all the dog hair, becoming quite tangled. My neighbor across the street had a similar problem with a Dyson last year, too much pet hair for the teeny tiny brush roll to cope with.
Kinda fun to play with though, I get a kick out of watching the dog hair swirl in that bin, for about 5 minutes, then its so full that it stops spinning!
No wonder I'm changing the bag in my Convertible every other week!
Jeff Parker
Roselle, IL USA - Thursday, October 13, 2005 at 15:29:42 (MDT)
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Marty,,
About the Windtunnel beater bar,,Of the ones I have worked on. They use a little plastic lever inside the case that relieves pressure on the beater bar belt so it wont turn while using the tools. The draw back I have seen is that the belt is still in contact with the motor shaft and not moving,,thus wearing out a spot in the belt,,until it breaks. My sisters windtunnel eats this belt about every two months. Due to the wear spots,,and her rationalization that anything that hits the floor should be able to fit in the vacuum,including Polly pocket dolls! Good thing the cat or the dog doesnt stay around her during the house cleaning ritual of sacrificing a virgin object to the vacuum god *grin*
I dont know about the rest of you collectors,,but I sure felt like I missed a great time up at the mini meet! And I know for sure Marty Rocha and myself wouldve ended up shipping a few new prizes home!
Victor
Victor Lee
Palm Springs, CA USA - Thursday, October 13, 2005 at 01:08:41 (MDT)
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Dear Friends & Fellow Collectors,
Wheeewww!!! The newsletter has finally mailed today, Wednesday, October 12!
You will receive a full color 32-page magazine that includes over eleven pages of color photos from this past June's convention in California.
What a BEAR of a newsletter to publish I might add. A thirty-two pager was no easy task! Many, many, many hours were spent just downloading, organizing, and importing photos from June's convention via emails received from our president, RJ Vanik, not to mention the many articles, as well. RJ and I have put a lot of hard work and time into this publication and it is still not nearly as perfect as I would have liked it to be.
Printing began on September 29th and problems arose from the onset. The file could not be properly read and so Kinkos farmed the job out via email to a third party and that's where the comedy of errors began. When Kinkos received the file back and began their part of the process, their inexperience with new software capabilities and constraints further complicated the equation impart as a result of their fairly newly established partnership with FedEx. Somehow, several of the previous variables (some of which I had established with them from the beginning of my tenure as editor/publisher) changed and I looked like the crazy guy. However, I challenged the constraints and drove them hard until they got it right! It only took three printings and like I said earlier, it is still not nearly as perfect as I would have liked it to be!
And so here it is for you to enjoy. Mailing them out is another chore in itself. I had to handle each envelope four times--three stamps and one return label had to be affixed, one denomination at a time. I had Kinkos reprint the labels since they used the previous ones on the goof-ups and asked them to affix them to the new envelopes. NOW.....
If there is anyone who is a current member who does not receive a newsletter, please don't panic. Let Dave Olsen know and he will forward that information to me and I will get one out to you ASAP!
So guys, let us know what you think. In the meantime, enjoy!
Louis
Louis Rescigno, Newsletter Publisher/Editor
Madison, CT USA - Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 19:02:48 (MDT)
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Just to let everyone know, member Michael LaBue is in Broward General Hospital until the end of this week an/or possibly longer.
The phone number is 954-355-4400, room 316. I'm sure he would appreciate hearing from his vacuum friends. I do not have the address for the hospital or his new Ft. Lauderdale address. Please note, he and John just moved to a new condo last week so any address you may have had previously is not correct.
If nothing else, say a prayer for his recovery. Those of you have met him will probably never forget him! And, keep in mind, at the 2003-04 conventions, he was responsible for nearly $1000 worth of raffle sales so we as a club are indebted on some level.
Thanks!
C. Watrous
Charlotte, USA - Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at 17:49:37 (MDT)
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Tom,
Thanks for the info on the Hoover Fusion. I'm not wild about the color either and it's a shame the brushroll does not turn off when using the attachments. The Windtunnel can, why not the Fusion?
New models of Electrolux from Lowes appeared in the Parade magazine in the Sunday paper this morning. Looks like they put a PN on what looks the be the Harmony but they are calling it the Oxygen3 model. The upright version looks like the first Lux ( the real Electrolux) from the 70's, big and bulky.
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, CA USA - Monday, October 10, 2005 at 00:15:52 (MDT)
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Spokane update
Hi Everyone, We are having a great time here and wish that you were all here with us!! Terry has been a great help and wonderful company this past week. I couldn't have done his without him. Today we went to the home show and had a fun time playing with the new Lux, Rainbow, and Tri Stars. Can you believe that there were no Kirby dealers there??? We have had a great day here at the house playing with vacuums and my new Front Loading washer. We had breakfast at a little local waffle shop and tonight we ordered KFC and enjoyed the rest of RJ's birthday cake.
Marc Turbyfill
Spokane, wa USA - Sunday, October 09, 2005 at 22:51:39 (MDT)
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Marty:
The Hoover Fusion has decent suction. It's fun to use. It cleans the rug very well. I like how the turbo brush hangs on-board. Wish the pre-motor filter was not just a 1/4 inch piece of foam. Leaks some fine dust. A Hepa filter would have made it run cleaner. Probably that's what the 'improvement' will be in the next version of the Fusion. I like the telescopic handle and really like how the switch is right at your thumb. It's not as clean to empty as the Dyson, you have to actually brush the inside holes clean on the Hoover. But it does vacuum the rug really well and has decent suction. Don't care for the color, though. Would have looked better in some other color. Wish it had a way to shut off the brush when using attachments or for bare floor cleaning. The Fusion uses the Windtunnel's brush roller, which accounts for the Fusion's fine performance on carpets.
tom g.
USA - Sunday, October 09, 2005 at 12:51:47 (MDT)
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SPOKANE UPDATE
Started the day with a continental breakfast at Marc's home. Spent much of the late AM and early PM going through Marc's huge paper collection; several pieces I'd never seen before. LOTS of GE,Premier, and Kenmore documents. Later it was testing out machines in his (home) basement, followed by a tour of his garage. He was looking to make some room in his basement and garage, so lots of his (former) machines now have new homes. Spent the later PM at thrift stores, then the whole gang went out to dinner. Back to Marc's for desert (cake & ice cream; my birthday today). My favorite find of the day was the Hoover 34 that's eluded me for years. That's one more I can cross of my "wish list". I think the plan for today is to spend much of the time a Marc's store, since it's not open for business today. We may do a "basement cleanout" there. More updates later.
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA USA - Sunday, October 09, 2005 at 09:51:00 (MDT)
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RJ senility is sinking in since i misspelled my last name! But you know how it's spelled!
NEXT TOPIC:
Has anyone had any chance to use an Electrolux Harmony? I was at Sears earlier this week and was looking at one. They look kind of cute and i like the attachments. Also, has anyone used the Hoover Fusion? I also have my eye on that one and wonder if maybe Jeff or Fred S. has anything to say about it ?
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs , CA USA - Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 13:07:10 (MDT)
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RJ, I was hoping someone would give us a daily rundown on the mini meet. I really wanted to go but me brother's College gradution was last night and we are having a big family gathering tomorrow for his graduation and for my father's birthday and my sister, who lives in Olympia and RARELY visits California, is going to be here for a week. If none of this were going on ( i would have taken Dad for dinner later this week )I would have been there. Did Mike fly up there or did he ride his bike (well maybe that's too far to ride, duh!) Anyway, just thought about him because we are having "California Heat" here in Palm Springs. This town is filled and i mean FILLED with people on motorcycles!! The bikes are cool to look at and hear, mostly Harleys. Wouldn't get on one though after working 15 years in trauma LOL! Give us another update tonight if you can. And remind Marc, I have Saniway S wands and a carpet nozzle on my wish list if he digs them up. Have a great time all!
Martin Rcoha
Palm Springs, CA USA - Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 12:58:56 (MDT)
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The spokane mini-meet began to take shape last evening as participants gathered at Marc Turbyfill's store. Several different geographic regions were represented with Terry Lattz(IL) Ken Johnson(MT) Mike Banta(CA) Roger LeQuea, Michael Thomas(AZ) David Olsen, Brett Schiewe (OR) Marc Turbyfill and myself (WA)participating. We spent much of the evening trying out different machines, eating pizza and socializing. This morning we're meeting at Marc's home for breakfast,then a day of thrift store hunting. More to report later.
I also want to take a moment to wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to members Jim Cowardin (10/08) and Mark Thomas (10/10).
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Saturday, October 08, 2005 at 08:59:40 (MDT)
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So the other night I was watching a DVD of that goofy 1960s variety show "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In" ....... when, what to wondering eyes should appear ....... See www.137.com/modern and go to the third page of that section!
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Saturday, October 01, 2005 at 23:42:17 (MDT)
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after not coming to the forum for a while its good to read past post. thats what happens when a new partner takes up with u, im as happy as if id hit a thrift store and hit the mother load, looks like a move is in the near future for me and the children
ron
ron d jones
USA - Friday, September 30, 2005 at 17:23:52 (MDT)
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Hi, All--Well, I'm Now the "Proud Owner" of a Vintage Fairfax Vacuum--Matter of fact I now have two!!! Went "Junking" yesterday, and bought an almost all chrome, Fairfax Vacuum Cleaner, for less than $10.00! Talk about Suction!!! When I pulled the motor unit off of it and turned it on, and set it on the floor--That dude will literally stick to the floor! I'll tell you that's some incredible suction! The machine came with it's original hose, and what looks to be a floor tool with scrubbing type brushes on it, also it came with an extra center piece that fits inside. The tank inside looks spotless! Who knows--If anybody has an Electrolux Hospital G--Maybe we could do some trading--as I probably don't need two Fairfaxes but it really is a pretty one! Hope you all are doing well, and yes, it's really sad about the person who lost everything to the hurricane--Anyhow--That's it for now--Until next time--
Nathan
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Friday, September 30, 2005 at 14:51:33 (MDT)
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Terry,
Sorry I won't be able to attend Mark's mini meet. Just found out that a good friend is dying of cancer. Now in the liver so she has about 2 weeks...
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuqe, IA USA - Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 06:11:04 (MDT)
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Fred,
Thanks for the Post. It is so good to hear that Charlie is back on board. And that board members are all ready planning for the convention next year. It takes team work to make this club work and communication to the rest of the membership...
Again thank you Fred and WELCOME BACK CHARLIE!!!
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 06:08:29 (MDT)
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Hi to all, Thank you Fred for letting us all know about this. I would like to be the first one here to welcome Charlie back to the board. I am so glad to have you back! And yes Fred, it was a fabulous time at your home this past weekend. We had so much fun playing with all of Fred's beautiful vacuums as well as changing his vacuum rooms all around. Fred is a fantastic host and we all had a great weekend. Saturday evening Jeff Parker hosted us at his home. He had a delicious prime rib dinner for us. It was great to see his collection again as well.
Just want to also remind all of you that it isn't to late to plan on coming to Mark Turbyfill's mini meet the weekend of Oct. 7,8,9. If you are interested just go back to the orginal posting on July 22nd. for the details. I am leaving for Mark's this weekend so if you plan to come just give us a call at 509-327-2244 Mark'home or at 509-327-4662 Mark's shop and let us know if you are coming, the more the merrier! Several people are already planning on being there. I know that we will have a great time. Terry
Terry Lattz
Danville, Il USA - Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at 22:21:17 (MDT)
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Greetings members!! Charlie Watrous has been reinstated as a board member. Charlie Lester - please add him to the masthead on this site. Plans are underway for St. Louis - stay tuned . . .
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, Il USA - Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 21:42:55 (MDT)
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[I am forwarding this with Jimmy's consent - so many people wanted to know more about what happened, so here it is from the horse's mouth ~C]
- - - - - - -
Hello to all, Mr. Jimmy Descant, Rocketman; and Mrs. Penelope Getman-Descant calling.
We want to say thanks to all our friends and family that have gotten touch via e-mail with concerns for our health, safety, and whereabouts.
For anyone who hasn't heard the story, I'm going to tell it, including updates, followed by an appeal.
We left New Orleans June 29 with a truck full of art, our 2 cats, and our 1984 Shasta camper for a 2 month trip thru the American West, 3 art shows, and a hunt for the perfect mountain range to nestle against. We had gone on such a trip last year, and fell in love with southern Utah's majesty, and proximity to so many natural wonders; and truly set our sights on moving from New Orleans, my home area for life, and Penelope's for years.
An outdoor show 4th of July in Denver went well, but not fantastic sales; but we were camping in the Rockies! My next show was in Pasadena scheduled for opening Aug. 6, but got postponed 2 weeks, so we hurried a schedule together to head straight south to Phoenix, and with the greatest effort, the folks at the Phoenix Family Museum got a gallery to let me have a 1 night special show, and we made a grand hit. Though no sales there I may be working at this future world class children's museum next year designing interiors of buildings in "rocketship interior" stylings. The possibilities are endless, and large in scope.
Before going to Pasadena for the group show opening, "America", we went back to Utah to look at land and places, dreaming all the time. It was great getting educated about another state.
The show in Pasadena was a great time, I made lots of contacts, was excited about the possibilities, but only sold my lowest price piece. After finding out that the show length was cut in half due to their schedule mixup, I arranged any unsold pieces to be transferred to another gallery in Hollywood.
We left Ca. and headed for New Mexico, and Santa Fe. Penelope found a great little adobe hotel in the small town of Espanola, NM; We found our wedding rings at a flea market there that day, 1940's sterling, shaped like an arrowhead, with crossed arrows on the side (means friendship). We had a minister meet us there, and got married in a small ceremony in the courtyard, with her Mom on the speaker phone! Little did we know that in New Mexico, there are plenty mosquitos near rivers! We were all scratching.
Sunday we took the day to relax, and couldn't, watching Hurricane Katrina heading straight to New Orleans. Last year we rode out Ivan at our house and thankfully for N.O., it turned. We didn't have that feeling this time around, and there was nothing we could do but try to contact folks before the hit. Monday we drove to Amarillo, then to Texarkana to meet up with Penelope's Mom and family at a relative's place, and here we still are. My family are all right because they got safe and all live on the northshore away from the water. None of them have electricity yet, but are coping, and doing fine.
We have our camper parked at another relative's house with elec, water, and sewerage, so we're comfortable but cramped. We realize that we have it so much better than all those poor people who had to endure the horrors of the storm, then the deplorable living conditions, then the shuttling inbetween shelters.
It's very hard not to be allowed down to see, or to help, or to show the world what happened. We have been just upset about the lack of information available about even basic questions thru this whole fiasco of beaurocracy.
We have seen aerial photos of our neighborhood, thru weather.gov, showing above shots of the flooding, but not the depth. We got the eyewitness account a few days ago from our next door neighbors, who drove, then walked, the paddled to get home to check it out. The saved several folks who were stuck in attics, and got them to medical help. The told us that the water was up to the ceilings of all the homes in our area! The garage/shop in the backyard sits on the ground and low so the water is probably over the roof. We were on the wrong side of 2 of the levee breaks, with the turned over train cars of chemicals, the sewerage systems overflowing into the area, coffins floating down the streets, and the dead bodies all around town. Our neighbor had to dive into that toxic soup to get the axe to chop thru the ceilings too.
We left town with what was going on this trip, but it looks like evrything else in our beautiful rented house and shop is gone, or just too contaminated. Even if they pump all the water out, we won't be able to get back in till the cleanup starts to even see if there's anything salvageable. They say that may be 30-90 days at best accounts.
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We went into N.O. on Wed. and hope no one has to go thru something like that.
After the second checkpoint, they said get in and get out because this will be your last chance till after Rita runs it's course. It was like a wasteland, of people and life.
We managed to get some stuff out but most was lost to damage and mold. The stench was overwhelming at times. My very first rocket was a casualty, totally coroded and full of grime, like a lot of my art and other people's art too. The garage had been completely under and the rocket bikes weren't destroyed, but ruined forever.
The hanging Electrolux too. All my old records, all my business stuff, my Dad's guitar.... Stuff in the attic was spared though. We did what we could, and said good-bye to Pontalba St. We'll never show the pictures to anyone who came to our warm and loving home, for red beans, or visits, or rest. You, and the house, deserve only those memories.
Yesterday, we Lysol bathed everything we got out and packed it away in P's mom's garage. After years of collecting cool stuff and parts for art, it all fits in a 6' w x 4' deep x 5' tall space.
Most all my parts are so contaminated, I would never feel good about putting them in my art again.
Don't be fooled by the EPA's assesment of the bio hazards there. They're sugar coating to get tax payers back in, and the stench and infections will assuridly kill more later. The corruption is unbelievable!!!!
We want to go visit everyone we know to soak up some love. Please keep in touch, and once I get access to my website again, I'll post all the info.
So many folks have offered us a place to stay, and help, that our hearts are about to burst.
We're so thankful for so many things, past present, and future.
As someone who's almost always been self employed and self sufficient, it's so hard to even utter a plea for help. We really have all that's truly important, we just need funds. We never thought that we would be kicked out of New Orleans in such a way, instead of leaving in love and peace and gratitude. The expenses, and lack of sales, of this Western trip have put in a bind. As well as Penelope losing her private massage practice and job in the French Quarter.
As newlyweds, as friends, as artists, we ask that if you can help financially, we would deeply appreciate the effort. Here is a direct way to help evacuees. We have a place to stay now rent free, and will likely be moving on to Kentucky to stay with Penelope's sister rent free, having to get whatever jobs we can, in our fields or not. I am lining up little shows, and gallery contacts thru cool folks from the road. I just have to work outside the camper with whatever I find here.
The funds we make or receive will go to relocation, especially gas. The site is still up, but frozen. http://www.deluxerocketships.com/. The truck on the site is sold, but Penelope may be selling her cool ride also to help get us West, the 1968 Chevy Caprice, 396, 325 hp. Pics on request, once we get it out of Slidell. Luckily it was stored at her Mom's house and wasn't hurt.
And the West is the true trail's end for these cowpokes. We knew before the storm that like the Anasazi said, "It is time to go.". I'll miss my hometown unbelieveably.
Our old # has been disconnected, 504-484-6958. Once cell towers go up in that area, P's cell should work, or she'll get another phone. She can call anyone but only sporadic incoming calls. 504-388-0848. Since I have access to a computer, e-mail is the way to go. DON'T MAIL ANYTHING TO N.O.! My site is up but it's frozen in limbo till I can get the old program and a new computer.
Our new mailing address for a while will be Jimmy & Penelope Descant c/o Charlotte Feldman, 120 Marwood Dr., Lancaster, Ky. 40444. Thanks to all my friends, family, business associates, and just cool folks that have crossed our paths in this great life. We love you and feel you. We'll be in touch about all the next great adventures.
Jimmy & Penelope
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 20:37:45 (MDT)
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Yikes! That link doesn't work too well. Go to Automaticwasher.org to thread 3424 on the Super Forum to see all the fun!
Ida
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, Il USA - Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 20:32:03 (MDT)
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Michael darling - I could never be offended by you. All of the credit goes to the Contessa de Chatham and the others. I am soooooo glad you like the G Kirby. They are fabulous aren't they. Check out this link for a review of the fabulous vacuum gathering this last weekend. My basement will never be the same!!! http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/THREADS/SANDBOX/3424X52.htm
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, IL USA - Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 19:13:39 (MDT)
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OHMIGOD! I just realized that I did not mention Fred Nelson in my last post. He also particapated in sending us the Kirby G4. Fred I'm so sorry to have not mentioned you in my original post. I was as nurvous as an Academy Award Winner by forgetting who to thank for my gift. Will you ever forgive me?
Best Wishes
Michael
Michael LaBue
Ft. Lauderdale, FL USA - Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 11:33:48 (MDT)
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I just realized that it has been almost a year since Iıve posted on the VCCCıs Forum. The last year has been a very challenging one for me. Iıve moved from NYC to Ft. Lauderdale with my new partner. We are moving into our new apartment this coming weekend. Therefore Iıd like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Chuck Chatham, Charlie Watrous and Tania, for that gorgeous Kirby G4 as our housewarming gift. I canıt think of the last time I was so touched by a gift. As Chuck knows it totally caught me by surprise. There wasnıt a dry eye in the room. You guys mean the world to me. Thank you all SO VERY MUCH! Even John is getting a kick out of it. He loves the Tech Drive. Iım thinking thatıs a good thing. He can help with the vacuuming now and not complain about it. LOL!
I love you guys
Michael
Michael LaBue
Ft. Lauderdale, FL USA - Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 11:29:25 (MDT)
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O M G
I am so sorry to hear about Jimmy Descant. He has created some incredible art and sculpture from old vacuum cleaners and other appliances. There are links to web sites in the "Sweeper Links" section of our site; and his email address is SOUL47@aol.com. He is a very kind and gentle person. I am sure he would be very grateful to get emails of moral support.
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at 00:58:26 (MDT)
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Katrina Destroys Vintage Vac Art
One of this site's Sweeper Links is to Jimmy Descant's Deluxe Rockets. He is an assemblage artist using many vintage canister's in his work. His home and studio were destroyed by Katrina. He happened to be doing a show out of the city when Katrina hit.
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Monday, September 26, 2005 at 08:17:15 (MDT)
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I am looking for a Hoover Model 115 to add to my collection. Any out there?
duane torisky
USA - Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 20:17:51 (MDT)
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I saw the article, very nicely done, and some great publicity for the club!
On another note, everyone be sure to tune into "The Price is Right" this Wednesday September 21, the episode that Fred S and I were in the audience for way back in June is finally going to air!
Jeff Parker
Roselle, IL USA - Monday, September 19, 2005 at 13:40:13 (MDT)
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Louis Recigno is sending me a copy the article. We don't get that here in the midwest. Most of our papers use Parade.
Thanks
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Monday, September 19, 2005 at 05:50:35 (MDT)
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Could someone forward a copy of the Life magazine article. I have looked and we don't have the available here.
Thanks in advance!!
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Friday, September 16, 2005 at 20:32:24 (MDT)
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To Kyle M-
I was surprised to see the Life Magazine article come out today - they had told me it would be in the Sept. 23rd edition. Brian's photos were great, and I was very pleased with the way the article was written.
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue , WA - Friday, September 16, 2005 at 19:27:57 (MDT)
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To Jeff Schroff-
The coming issue of our club newsletter is due to be mailed within the next few days. It will be a DOUBLE issue (32 pages) with 8 pages in color. As soon as I know it's been mailed, I'll be letting members know here so they can watch their mailboxes.
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue , WA - Friday, September 16, 2005 at 19:19:30 (MDT)
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To All VCCC Members: For all of those who attended the Convention in Los Angeles 2005 you may recall we had a photographer, Brian Berman, who was working on a photo assignment. Today, in your local major newspaper there should be a copy of "LIFE" on pages 16-17 is an article/color pictures on our Club. By all means make sure you get a copy.
PS The featured members are Victor Lee, President RJ Vanik, Brett Schiewe, Fred Stachnik and Mikey Banta.
Take care,
Kyle J Mathews
Kyle J Mathews
Los Angeles, CA USA - Friday, September 16, 2005 at 10:56:47 (MDT)
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Hi everyone! This is my first posting to the forum after almost 2 years in VCCC. My collection is small with about 10 vacs in it, including a Regina, Sweeper Vac, Filter Queen, 2 Hoover Constellations, Hoover 28, Westinghouse Canister, 2 Electro-Hygiene uprights (straight suction) and an Electro-Hygiene 966 Tank. I first learned of the club through Charlie Lester's website, which I have visited and enjoyed again and again. So many great pictures and so much information!
Speaking of pictures and information, I also found our newsletter a great source, but I wonder what's going on with it. When I joined the club I was told it comes out quarterly, but so far, I have only received 1 issue this year, and 3 last year,so hopefully there will be another issue real soon.
Take care, and best wishes to one and all,
Jeff
Jeff Schroff Sr.
Galion, OH USA - Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 22:22:50 (MDT)
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I hope this finds all of you having a great weekend. I just wanted to put up a little reminder about the "Mini Meet" that Mark Turbyfill is planning. It is set for Oct. 7,8,9th. If you are interested in any details you can refer back to our orginal posting on July 22nd. If you have any questions feel free to contact me either by email or phone. (217-443-2918). Mark has some wonderful vacuums and I know that you would have a great time. I bet if there is a special machine or part that you are looking for you just might find it. Take care all!
Terry
Terry Lattz
Danville, Il USA - Saturday, September 10, 2005 at 12:27:44 (MDT)
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Add my best wishes Chuck. Hope that you had a great birthday!! Terry
Terry Lattz
Danville, Il USA - Friday, September 09, 2005 at 22:13:22 (MDT)
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Happy Birthday Chuck, may all your wishes come true!
Jeff Parker
Roselle, IL USA - Friday, September 09, 2005 at 13:20:49 (MDT)
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Tomorrow, Friday, September 9th, is Chuck Chatham's birthday. Chuck has been a member few several years and also served on the Board for the club.
I hope you wish him a Happy Birthday as I do!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR CHUCK AND MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY!!
C. Watrous
Charlotte, NC USA - Thursday, September 08, 2005 at 21:32:00 (MDT)
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Well a grand time was had by all at Tania's 50th birthday gathering. The group started out on Saturday and visited Stan's (I'm sorry, but I don't remember his last name) collection. He has some older machines and I wish I was there because he ran his gas-powered Maytag wringer for the group. The group partied on until I arrived on Sunday morning to see Tania's ever-expanding collection. She must have the definitive Airway collection, although she parted with the two-motor Airway to Charlie. She got a new Tri-Star (not sure of the number) but boy, those are great machines. We departed from Tania's to lunch and off to "Blast From The Past" a great antique place. Then off to Fred Stachnik's house. His collection is absolutely more awesome than ever. I was floored to see the green constellation (geez, I am getting old, can't remember that number either) but it was the one with the switch on the hose end - and it actually still works. Fred has an interesting collection that spans decades including a new windtunnel. He has a Miele Platinum. One of my new favorites of his was the aqua 634 (I believe) which was a special promotion model out at the same time as the 63 - in mint condition. We also tried out his constellation adapted with a Hoover power nozzle - amazing. Anyway Tania was drinking what tasted like lemonade (delicious) but spiked with vodka, and was having what appeared to be a wonderful time. I had to leave Sunday evening to return to St. Charles, but I am sure that there will be many more stories to tell. Happy 50th Tania and 50 more wonderful years to you!!
Fred
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, IL USA - Monday, September 05, 2005 at 16:26:03 (MDT)
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Hi, Everyone
I hope everyone is having great labor day.Saturday i picked up three 70's sears
/kenmore upright vacuums green in color, They came without the front snap on cover (Model # 116329). Where you pull off to replace the bag.Can anyone
help?
Thanks,Russ
Russ Meninno
Easton, MA USA - Monday, September 05, 2005 at 07:07:17 (MDT)
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OK Everyone!! Tomorrow is Miss Tania Voight's 50th birthday!!! Charlie Watrous and Mark Thomas headed up from Charlotte to Milwaukee today. She knew Mark was coming up but not Charlie which is why I waited to post this. I am heading up in the morning (she doesn't know that either). Fred S. is picking the guys up from the airport and then heading out for a fabulous beginning to the celebrations. Jeff Parker will probably be coming up as well.
Since Miss Tania doesn't have email, write or call her to wish her well. We'll let you know how the festivities go!
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, IL USA - Saturday, September 03, 2005 at 18:11:28 (MDT)
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Alex,
Thanks for showing an interest and wanting to keep this club active. It has been almost a year and a half and little or no communication. So will be looking forward to learning more about how this club was founded. Being new to the club and fairly new to collecting I don't have a lot of information but always willing to learn.
You mentioned in an earlier post that you were a Kirby Salesman here in Dubuque. Was it the Dubuque Kirby Company. If so you may interested to know that they have closed the shop here. Rumor has it that she is running it out of her home for now but is planning on opening a new store soon. They used to have an office downtown on Main Street and then moved out to the Kmart Plaza. So not sure where she may reopen. The Main Street store used to have a complete line of all models all along the uppper wall of the store. Often wonder what has ha