The Vacuum Cleaner Collectors Club Website
Is Now Open For Enjoyment!
After a few months of development, testing and gathering of images and other materials, the new Vacuum Cleaner Collectors Club (VCCC) website is now available to visit by VCCC members. We have named it VacuumLand and its web address is www.vacuumland.org. Please join us there and enjoy the following features:
Picture of the Day: A unique vintage vacuum cleaner picture or ad that changes every day. We currently have about 50 ads and pictures loaded and will ultimately have many more thanks to generous members who have loaned us items from their literature collections.
Discuss-O-Vac Probably one of the best and most fun features of the site. The Discuss-O-Vac Forum is a platform for some great discussions about vacuum cleaners. The discussion forum is divided into three major areas – the Vintage Vacuum Forum for discussions about vintage vacuum cleaners manufactured before 1980, the Contemporary Vacuum Forum for discussions about modern vacuums-those manufactured after 1980 and an Off-Topic Forum for discussions about just about anything else. You can add pictures to the posts along with web links. Register with a user name and join in the fun conversations!
Vacuum Collections: A picture gallery of member’s vacuum cleaner collections for you to enjoy. If you wish to add pictures of your collection, just contact me at fnelson487@sbcglobal.net and I will get it set up for you.
Restorations: A gallery for pictures of collector’s restoration projects.
Consumer Articles: Currently we have the 1954 and 1959 Consumer Reports Ratings Articles on Vacuum Cleaners. We hope to add more from our members as time goes on.
See It Clean: Video Clips of vintage machines. We currently have clips of Jeff Parker’s last visit to North Canton including him using the Model O!
Meet our President: A message and some pictures from Morgan Frazier.
Video Downloads: Currently we have a link to the CBS Sunday Morning piece on the Louisville Convention with Bill Geiss. We also have a vintage 50’s GE Swivel Top TV commercial – “How to Avoid a Drag-Around Tragedy.”
Owner’s Manuals: Scans of vintage vacuum cleaner owner’s manuals. We have 4 loaded along with a Hoover 51 Parts and Price List. More will be added as time goes on.
Wanted/Reward: An area for members to post vacuum items wanted and vacuums for sale or trade.
Neat Links: Web links to sites of interest to vacuum enthusiasts.
Hall of Fame: A place for recognition of our Board, financial contributors to this site, a chronology of the contestants and winners of past vacuum cleaner cleaning competitions and recognition of some special people.
We also have links for anyone interested in joining the club or seeking additional information. More will be added to time goes on based upon requests from members and others.
I invite you to fully explore the various areas of the site starting from the home page. It is anticipated that this site will continually be updated with new additions. We welcome any suggestions, ideas and material that you may have regarding new pages and have a few new pages, including a convention section, in development. Have fun reviewing vintage owner’s manuals, vintage consumer articles, vintage commercials and the many other features we have incorporated into the site and most of all, join in the conversations on the discussion forums. If you have any questions, please just create a post on one of the forums or email me and we will answer your questions.
Fred Nelson
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, IL USA - Friday, August 25, 2006 at 16:31:05 (MDT)
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Hi All,
I am a new member and thought I would introduce myself. I am a recently new collector (less than 5 years) but have had an interest in vacs for as long as I can remember. Currently I own a Lux 9000, Lux 89, Rainbow D, Chrome GE swivel top, Eureka Rotomatic (blue), Dial a Matic, Miracle Mate and my most recent acquisition, a Kirby Ultimate G Diamond. I thought I was the only one with an interest in vacs but from what I have read here and on other sites as well as the pics I have seen (and how some people have them occupying every corner of their home/apt! LOL) I have a long way to go :-) I'd love to attend the convention sometime - looks like a great time! I don't think my partner would want to attend however LOL
Gary
Gary Saarimaki
Astorville, ON Canada - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 12:14:21 (MDT)
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The following website was sent to me, and I suppose it is very cute (OK, did I actually write 'cute?' Hmmmm BUT I couldn't help thinking that while most people would say an enthusiastic "YEAH!", us Mo's in the club would think "NO WAY! WE'D NEVER GET TO VACUUM!!"
http://www.frontiernet.net/~shelby304/specials/dontdowindows/nowindows.htm
RB :)
Rick Benedikt
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 08:37:59 (MDT)
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I would like to add some comments about carpet fresh. While a lot of people use it to freshen up their carpets, it is generally not a good idea to use it, and the reason why, is, unless you have a strong vacuum cleaner, the carpet fresh will get into the fibers of the carpet. As a Professional Carpet Cleaner, I have run into this problem before. After cleaning the carpet with a truck-mounted machine, after the carpet is dry, a lot of times there will be a white residue on top of the carpet. What has happened is the high suction from the truckmount has pulled the carpet fresh to the top, and the carpet fresh can be nearly impossible to ever vacuum out. This is why a lot of professional carpet cleaners do not recommend using carpet fresh in a carpet. It is not worth the problems.
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 17:40:56 (MDT)
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true, tom. i still remember what my mother said to me when i finally coaxed my grandpa into giving me grandmas old Eureka Princess. *canisters are no good, they dont get any dirt out of carpets*. this was the mid 80's. (im 29)
davidcibrian
USA - Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 21:59:50 (MDT)
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Dave:
Perhaps you are too young to remember the introduction of Carpet Fresh in the early 1970's. There were MANY, MANY people who had straight suction canister vacuums back then. The Eureka Princess was VERY popular, tons of people still had model G Electrolux, Rainbow, Filter Queen, Compact, etc. and all were stright suction. In fact, except for the Kenmore Power-Mate cleaners and Electrolux 1205's, virtually all canisters did not have revolving brushes. Carpet Fresh didn't specify any particular type of cleaner for removing it from the shag rugs, so popular at that time.
Uprights would have done far better with the stuff. As canisters started to be sold with the 'new' power nozzles, carpet cleaning ability did improve. But it took at least until the early 1980s for many people to have canisters with power heads. I do believe that the poor cleaning ability of straight suction canisters led to the downfall from grace of the canister over the upright in the mid to late 1980's.
Hoover sold a TON of Constellations, they were sold through low priced department stores (along with the low priced Slimline models) for as little as $29 for the promotional models. I bought a Constellation, yellow and dark tan, tilted 45 degrees forward, tool rack, in the mid 1970's with money I earned mowing yards. Took me only a couple of weeks to realize why the living room was now so dusty (the machine was blowing dust from the rug into the air, only to settle on the tv and furniture a few hours later).
tom gasko
park hills, mo USA - Monday, August 21, 2006 at 10:11:52 (MDT)
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regarding Carpet Fresh:
Mr Gaskos observation BEGS the question: who in their right mind would try to sweep up carpet powder with a STR8 SUCTION cleaner?
davidcibrian
USA - Saturday, August 19, 2006 at 21:12:11 (MDT)
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NEW RACER -
I am almost finished with a racer made from a dirty, mangy old Compact. Check this image:
http://www.goodfirm.com/marksart/mark10/
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Saturday, August 19, 2006 at 09:47:51 (MDT)
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Norm:
One of our Hoover collectors had a new Constellation (Maytag Satellite) at the Convention in St. Louis a month and a half ago.
It's quite cool. I remember them well. Carpet Fresh did them in. When Carpet Fresh came out, it was all the rage. Unfortunately, it illustrated the downfall of the Hoover quite well. The exhaust would blow the carpet powder all over the living room, chocking the operator. On bare floors, the exhaust would blow the dust everywhere. A year after the introduction of carpet fresh, the Constellation was gone.
I ordered two of the new Constellations from Buckeye Wholesale Supply in Georgia. They were $139 each. Sold them both to fellow collectors who did not want to use them for vacuuming, just wanted them for their collections. The turbo brush is a good addition (wouldn't an electric power head be nicer?. Unfortunately, the new Constellation suffers the same problem as the old one, blowing the dusts in the carpet all up in the air of the room. This is one cleaner where one DEFINATELY must dust AFTER you vacuum (about 3 hours after, to let the dust settle).
tom gasko
park hills, mo USA - Friday, August 18, 2006 at 11:21:18 (MDT)
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Has anyone else seen the Brand "new" Hoover constellation? I walked into the long time local repair and sales, Weisheimer's in downtown
Columbus. There it was, two boxes high with the real one sitting on the top. A beautiful new Hoover constellation, Ivory white w/Gray trim and flexable hose. Attachment caddy at the base of the Gray handle (basic three)Then two lite weigh brushed steel wands and an air powered carpet nozzle. Priced at $198.00!!
I left very stary eyed and impressed!!
"What's old is new again"!!
I have lived too long!!??
Norm Brown
Norm Brown
columbus, Ohio USA - Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 21:37:56 (MDT)
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To Charles Lester:
St. Louis City was hit by 85 MPH winds almost four weeks ago. It knocked out power lines all over the city, as well as trees and even stop light poles. The Cardinals game was going on during the storm, and there was dramatic t.v. news shots of the high winds blowing hot dog carts into people. Just a terrible night.
Being as I live in the country, over an hour from the City where Stan lives, we just had rain (the winds moved into Illinois after tearing up St. Louis City). Most people in the City as well as North St. Louis (like Club Member Rick Asquith) were without electricity for OVER A WEEK. 4 of those days; we had temperatures of over 100 degrees and terrible, high humidity. Stan's entire block suffered a LOT of damage (Stan called it "devestation").
Luckily for him, the tree which was knocked over, fell into the front room's windows, damaging them as well as the tile roof. But the house is a good, old home and withstood any additional damage.
Add to that Stan's recent inner ear problem (for a musician, this is a problem) for which he went to the hospital for a few days. Stan says it's like he's 'drunk' sometimes in that he is disoriented. Plus, his recent purchase of a 1946 Lincoln has been the bane of his exisitence (Many, many problems with the restoration).
Stan is doing fine. Norman (Stan's friend and manager) isn't doing so fine. He was hospitalized for several weeks (artery from heart to brain problem) so Stan has really had a LOT on his plate. He wanted me to tell everyone, again, how much it meant to him to see the Club and get to show his machines, at the recent convention. He thoroughly enjoyed himself, and regrets that it was so warm in St. Louis that day.
tom gasko
park hills, MO USA - Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 10:56:16 (MDT)
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So very VERY sorry to hear this news about Stan. I have talked to him several times over the past few months and he mentioned nothing at all about the tornado that hit his home nor his recent hospitalization. I'm gonna have to smack him around a bit for not letting me know these things!
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 02:00:41 (MDT)
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I too think the "VCCC COOKBOOK" is a great idea! And I do have plenty of fun and, in most cases, very easy recipes to share!
Let's do it!!
Note that I am not sure we even need to have them produced at a professional printer. Laser printers have gotten so good now that a master copy could be printed out on a desktop image setter and then digital copies made at any local copy shop.
The copies can be finished with plastic covers and then comb- or wire-bound, which is the same basic way that most Church Cookbooks are produced. Any good copy shop has comb binding supplies and anyone who works in an office that prepares sales proposals, etc., will have a comb-binding machine at their disposal.
Our own Cookbook could actually be produced very inexpensively -- and sold at a markup sufficient to generate income for the Club without having to make them so expensive that no-one would buy them.
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 01:59:25 (MDT)
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I like the cookbook idea. There have to be a lot of good recipes out there in the club. I know I will buy one of these cookbooks if it does happen.
Reggie Ridlen
Parker, Co USA - Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 17:52:17 (MDT)
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The batter that I designed is spiced like the Tom & Jerry mix that is put in rum at holiday in some cultures.
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 13:53:18 (MDT)
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Mark:
The Rum Sauce over French Toast sounds, well, interesting. Especially if the cook samples the rum, before, during, and after the meal.
Which reminds me of something Charlie Watrous once said: "When you cook with booze, getting to the finish line is always more fun". Charlie has certainly run his share of races...
tom gasko
park hills, mo USA - Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 10:47:01 (MDT)
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COOKBOOK
I like the idea. My submission would be a recipe that I totally developed by myself and it has tested with enthusiam. I called it is Tom & Jerry French Toast with Rum Syrup.
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 08:29:33 (MDT)
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Tom,
That is a great idea! One of the churches I play for is just now working on a cookbook for the church. Let me see if I can get some info on the company they used. If you have a company in mind let me know and we will check it out.
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Wednesday, August 16, 2006 at 06:05:19 (MDT)
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Morgan:
I had a brainstorm the other evening and wanted to share it. Charles Lester has sent me a number of recipes over the years from his private collection. I've made them all (except for his most recent recipe for banana pudding - will try that Sunday) and they have, without fail, been some of the best recipes I've ever made.
You also shared some recipes with our group at dinner during the convention. I served "Morgan's Potatos" to the group at my house, and received many compliments. Who knew the secret ingredient was Cream Cheese?
Why can't we get together a Vacuum Cleaner Collector's Club Cookbook? We could get members to send in their favorite recipes (perhaps all could have vac related names - Like "Kirby Key Lime Pie"). Compile the recipes and have a few cookbooks made up, selling them to raise money for the club's upcoming expenses.
I for one, would buy a cookbook with any number of Charlie Lester's recipes. I know there are MANY great cooks in our club - we all have a little June Cleaver inside - and I think it would be a fun and rewarding idea. Plus, especially if we sell the books from our website, it's a way to raise a few extra dollars for our new website.
tom gasko
park hills, mo USA - Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at 09:47:57 (MDT)
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Tom,
Thanks for the update on Stan. I did not realize that a torndao had hit the St. Louis area. Stan is very lucky that was the only damage done.
You are so right about Stan's vacuums, I hope they would find good homes. The way most people treat any appliance in this day in age is horrible.
Tell Stan Hello from Morgan if your chatting with him in the near future. There will be some good pictures of him and his collection in the next newsletter.
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Monday, August 14, 2006 at 13:01:43 (MDT)
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Mark:
Lacquer Thinner works perfectly on vinyl bumpers. Do not use it for the hard plastic parts, but trim and bumpers and cords are cleaned better than any other way, with lacquer thinner.
To the Group:
Many people have been asking "why is Stan Kann selling his vacs on eBay". Stan is selling a very few, selected machines, on eBay to offset some of the tremendous financial hardship after the tornado that ripped through St. Louis last month. The tree in his yard went through the vintage, lead stained glass windows in his living room. The tile roof was also damaged. And, to top it off, Stan was in the hospital, briefly, and was without his usual income for a while.
Stan is fine now, but he decided to sell a few machines from his collection. So many people asked him to sell them his Hoover Duster at the convention this year, that he thought it should be the first one to 'go' on eBay. In the next week, the Kenmore Bug Eye; the Torrington; and the Scott & Fetzer Sanitation System will go on the auction block. All machines that people expressed a huge interest in at the convention. As of yesterday, Stan said that those were the only ones he is going to list. If I didn't already own a Scott & Fetzer, I would have begged Stan to reconsider selling it as he does USE the S & F to clean the orientals upstairs. Since I have one, Stan can always use mine when he feels nastalgic.
I pray that members of the VCCC are the ones who will wind up owning these few machines Stan is selling. We wouldn't want someone to buy the Kenmore Bug Eye and clean dog poo up in their basement.
tom gasko
park hills, mo USA - Monday, August 14, 2006 at 10:07:03 (MDT)
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HOW CLEAN COMPACT BUMPER?
I am building another racer only out of a nasty dirty Compact. It was found in a flooded buiness basement - white, dusty corrosion inside the case and the bumper is black with scum. I know y'all have recommended something to clean bumpers but I could not find it. What is your recommendation for cleaning up the bumper?
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Monday, August 14, 2006 at 07:19:34 (MDT)
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I received the following email today. Respond according to your interest.
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EAHS71@aol.com wrote,
Hi, We are clearing out a house that has many Hoover vacuums and shampooers, may still in unopened boxes. Do you know anyone in the Chicago area that would be interested in them?
Lisa
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California States of America - Thursday, August 10, 2006 at 10:56:29 (MDT)
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Work has started with the next newsletter. We hopefully will have all information compiled and ready by mid August.
Thanks
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Sunday, August 06, 2006 at 12:51:58 (MDT)
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When's the newsletter coming out? I think it sure be fun to see the pics from the convention.
Jason Davis
Dewey, OK USA - Saturday, August 05, 2006 at 15:35:09 (MDT)
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I have found a photo that ought to make Hoover fanatics go beserk! Better have some tissues handy.......!
It shows the HOOVER DUSTER, one of the rarest of all Hoover vacuum cleaners, and the HOOVER MODEL 700, which is Stan Kann's all-time favorite Hoover machine!
I emailed the photo to Stan's friend Phil who has internet access, telling him when Stan sees the photo his head may well explode from the double whammy -- so Phil might want to have the smelling salts handy!!
Go to the following link to the web page where I found the photo, and click on the fourth thumbnail down on the left side of the page:
http://www.farmingdale.edu/library/archives/techno.html
btw, I do not have Tom Anderson's email address. I am sure he'd love to see this, so could someone send it along to him. THX
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P.S. to Marty -- the 333 is one of my favorite places to stay in P.S. Give the boyz a shout-out from me and Arlee! :)
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Saturday, August 05, 2006 at 13:37:21 (MDT)
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Hey Charles :)
Yes, it is Andy amd Tim's house that i'm watching. They have SO MANY plants to water. Though after work today i'm gonna take a nice long soak in the hot tub tonight! The Filter Queen turned out really nice! It's amazing the suction it has when it has clean filters in it. Alot of people forget about that pre motor filter! Their bed and breakfast really is a nice place to stay isn't it?
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, CA USA - Saturday, August 05, 2006 at 07:22:35 (MDT)
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Great "Filthy Queen" story Marty! Wish I could be a fly on the wall to see Andy's reaction when he comes back and see's the sweeper! btw, is that Andy as in Tim and Andy of 333 Bed and Breakfast? Folks, that is the COOLEST place to stay in Palm Springs!
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Saturday, August 05, 2006 at 01:00:54 (MDT)
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So i'm watching my parent's house this week while they are on vacation but i am also watching my friend Andy's house while he is on vacation so i'm a busy guy lately. While at Andy's I go into the shed to get a broom and lo and behold is a Model 31 Filter Queen. I had seen this vacuum when he first got it but just assumed he had been using it all this time. Well he was until it became so full of dirt that he just put it away. I took it out and brought it home with me and gave it some much needed TLC. New cone and pre motor filter and she runs like a top. The whole thing got cleaned and shined except for the carpet nozzle. I'm going to use some Mother's Mag Wheel polish on it tomorrow then take it back to Andy's before he gets home. Of course i will run it around the house a lttle bit. Folks, you WANT me to watch your house. I will have it cleaner than when you left it LOL!!! So Andy's Filter Queen is a Filthy Queen no more!
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Friday, August 04, 2006 at 22:26:11 (MDT)
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HELP!!!!
Looking for a vacuum part. I just got a really cool Singer Power Master upright vacuum. It is the newer 70's A Frame upright. It is missing the end caps on the roller brush. If anyone has extra or if some of you vac shop owners have any in the farthest reaches of your shops, give me an email. Thanks! Marty
BTW, does anyone know if Singer offer attachments for these vacuums. I know the Ryobi made Singer upright had a cheap plastic tool kit for their uprights as did the Kenmore version. Just thought someone might know. Marty
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Wednesday, August 02, 2006 at 13:26:08 (MDT)
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Hoover Quadramatic Powerflex
I have a Power nozzle for the Hoover Celebrity referenced in my post below that is in fairly good shape, and that I have no use for, if someone needs it.
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Saturday, July 29, 2006 at 08:18:33 (MDT)
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Hoover Celebrity QS
I clean 2500 SF office space with a Kirby G3 (with the delightful Tech Drive), but Nigel, the office cat (who fetches) leaves hair on black sofas (and probably other places for all I know). I have been using the Hoover Celebrity QS for this but the cord wants to sneak back in the rewinder, but not all the way. So, like, is this something I can fix myself?
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Saturday, July 29, 2006 at 07:27:36 (MDT)
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Well Mr. Goodall, Thanks for the kind words and the photos ... but can we say "Reality Check" ...! Looks like I've put a few lbs back on -- which is a shock because the scales aren't telling me that! Or maybe it's just the white jeans?! Any way you look at it, I am a lot bigger than I thot I was, so guess it's time to redouble my efforts and get back to the business of exercising ... if only it wasn't sooo hot here in L.A.........?! How depressing!!
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States - Thursday, July 27, 2006 at 00:34:04 (MDT)
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I ATTENDED A CHARLES RICHARD LESTER THEREMIN PERFORMANCE!!
Okay, so I admit that instead of attending the St. Louis convention I was in Los Angeles where my daughter was entertaining me for Father's Day. Well, on a lark, we decided to crash the service at Faith Lutheran Church where Charles Richard Lester is the Director of Music. Not only were we treated to Charles' organ, the service included a Theremin performance by Charles! I whispered to my wife that my life was complete. Did y'all know that Charles played the theremin for the sound track of the recently released Spielberg animation, Monster House? He did. Here is a link - scroll down and you can see Charles and the theremin as well as a pic of us horsing around with a vintage Canadian Electrolux:
http://www.goodfirm.com/caljun06
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Wednesday, July 26, 2006 at 14:07:27 (MDT)
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Hey group,
Just had to tell you about the great time I had at Tom Anderson's this Saturday. Joe from Buffalo, NY was there too. We started the morning with flea marketing & thrifting, had lunch at Subway, then more of the same in the afternoon. I got the deal of the day when I found a model 903 Electro-Hygiene (the same model I used to sell)priced at $55.00, and took it home for $15.00!!
After the afternoon's thrifting we went back to Tom's house and admired his '77 Olds Cutlass, then Tom started working on my non-running Hoover 28, and when he was finished, it ran AND looked great!! And to top it off, he gave me a set of attachments for it!! After a fine supper of pizza & cheesy bread we went back downstairs and looked through literature I had brought, took some pictures, and ran some of Tom's vacs. Time to go home came way too soon, but not before Tom found 2 more vacs to send home with me--a Hoover Convertible with attachments and a model AE Electrolux with a cord winder!!
So thanks again, Tom, for being such a great host, for bringing my 28 back to life and the tool set, for the Lux and Convertible, and for an altogether great day!
Jeff
Jeffrey W. Schroff (Sr.)
Galion, OH USA - Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at 00:06:32 (MDT)
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hey group,
I was just noticing that not to many postings on here most of the time. I thought more people would be posting on here all the time. Like the old vac network where people used to fight all the time( and we don't want that on here certainly)
however I always looked forward to going on there everday and seeing all the wonderful discussions and conversations. Something always new to learn if you could overlook the bad peoples BS. Anyway I really hope that when the new website is up and running, more people post on there... I sure do miss reading all the wonderful information on here.. anyway keep them coming It is very informative and entertaining... life is kind of boring here in the midwest... hope to see more info soon... KirbyKid
Dan Bandy
Thermopolis, wy USA - Sunday, July 23, 2006 at 18:44:07 (MDT)
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We have a birthday today!!
Happy Birthday Louis!
Hopefully you can spend the day with your favorite vacuum.
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 10:12:42 (MDT)
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A Note from the President
Just a few updates:
Work on the new web-site is coming along quickly. The committee and Robert are working very hard to make certain that all of the requests from the member survey can be met. It will be a GREAT PLACE to share information once it is up and running.
Convention planning is also ahead of schedule. Hotels, agenda, speakers, and various other activities are all ready in the making. Keep posted for further details!!!
Finally, if you have any articles, mini-meet info or other info you would like to see in the next newsletter please get it to Alex as soon as possible. We would like to get started on the next issue.
Your president,
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Friday, July 21, 2006 at 12:21:44 (MDT)
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Here's an interesting old industrial film about the Hoover Company, including footage of a Model O in use.
http://www.archive.org/details/company_profile_1
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 12:23:53 (MDT)
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Here's an idea I'd like to throw out to the vac lovers: As most of you know I operate a vac shop. Business is good, but it has gotten to be too much for me to run alone. I am overrun with machines needing rebuilding for resale. It is all I can do to keep up with customers' repairs, which I do ahead of my own rebuilts. Housekeeping has suffered too. Everytime I've hired someone to help me, they learn for a while, then stop learning. Then they move on to something else. I'd like to find someone who would truly enjoy working in a vac shop to help me. Business would be even better with a little help. Besides, maybe someone younger might want to take my store over if I should decide to retire sometime down the road. I'm not close to retirement age yet, but eventually. If anybody is interested, please let me know.
Clay Floyd
Hudson, NC USA - Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 08:39:32 (MDT)
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does anyone here know when Eureka began selling upright cleaners for *commercial* use? the photos in my commercial Eurekas manual have stirred up some questions here. what were the color schemes throught the years? this would be the *all-metal era*, of course. thanks, David
davidcibrian
USA - Friday, July 14, 2006 at 20:26:54 (MDT)
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Hello David
I heartily agree, but as I indicated, I am prejudiced and partial to the 29 as it is part- and-parcel to some wonderful early memories growing up. I do find all of them, including the 62, 63, 64,and 29, all close cousins, to be wonderful machines. I had to (just)check and verify that the wattage was in fact the same, at least on the 29 and 63 and so assume on all four (or five). The 29 actually being a lower end to the 62/63, I would not have been surprised had it had a less powerful motor, but then again, I believe the low and high-end convertibles had one motor which of course is intelligent from a manufacturing and inventory standpoint. BTW, if anyone happens to have an original and nice 29 bag, you may have just found a buyer for it!
Rick Benedikt
WM, CA USA - Friday, July 14, 2006 at 12:19:56 (MDT)
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i think that, perhaps other than the 61, the 29 is the most lovely of the series, no?
davidcibrian
USA - Friday, July 14, 2006 at 01:00:33 (MDT)
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Dating myself? Well, perhaps. But it has been about 40 years since I ran/played with a Hoover Model 29, but mine just arrived yesterday and it as if the hands of time had been turned back! Although I found this machine (with box, attachments, and owner's manual) pretty much intact, I was strongly but warmly encouraged to have it drop-shipped to North Canton's sub-station in Milwaukee, the home of Fred Stachnik, both for a tune-up and to be 'poofed & douched.' Having initially been hesitant to impose, I am now deeply grateful to Fred for his encouragement and for his dilligent work. The kitten purrs like a Hoover! I also send kind thanks to RJ and Jeff for their contributions to this project. Happily, I also picked up a flawless, correct cord for this baby while in St Louis. I am one happy Mo!
Rick Benedikt
Westminster, CA USA - Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 17:17:56 (MDT)
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Dear friends, I just want to say thank you for the wonderful plant that was just sent from the club. Cards and letters keep coming and it's nice to know Charles was truely loved by the club.
I have so many people to thank. Morgan, R.J. Ken, Louis, Marty, Bobby, Charlie, Charles Richard, clay and many many more.
with love
Alex
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 16:05:51 (MDT)
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A r-e-a-l-l-y BIG'Thank you'to R J for serving as President the past 2 years.R.J.,you did a superb job!! And'Best Wishes' to Morgan as new Prez!!
Jim Harakal
Mena, Ar USA - Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 14:09:02 (MDT)
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well i washed it. treated some spots with SHOUT and washed gentle action with a little Tide. the fabric seems unaltered. i used a machine cause of my experience with a Kirby bag: the thick-weaves seem to *hold* a lot of dust. seems the dunk and swish of hand washing isnt lively enough.
davidcibrian
USA - Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 11:59:11 (MDT)
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A couple of interesting things concerning Air-Way - I have recently learned in a phone conversation with Air-Way, while ordering machines, that the bags will soon be changing. A new 3M Filtrete bag, blue in color, will be the new standard bag for Air-Way. What that also means is that the old traditional Air-Way bag material, you know, the crinkly stuff, is going away forever. This is the material Air-Way has used since 1920. My guess is that the machinery used to make this material, which Air-Way owns, and originally held a patent on (now long expired) is probably just to worn out and incapable of providing the necessary volume to meet the market demand. The 3M Filtrete is good stuff, and should work just as well, or better than, the original, but it won't be as unique.
Another interesting Air-Way note. Yesterday I sold a new Air-Way Anniversary Edition to a delightful 78 year old lady whose mother had owned the original Air-Way upright. Thought it was only right to continue that lineage, rather than selling her something else. It was more money than she had planned on spending, but when she and her husband saw the new Air-Way, they went for it without hesitation.
Clay Floyd
Hudson, NC USA - Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 07:40:19 (MDT)
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Hi all,
Just to chime in, I was recently cautioned that it is never a good idea to wash a cloth bag. I was disappointed (and have done it before) but was told it will never hold dust as well, partially, I believe, because it looses its sizing (siezing?) I have to admit, this seems to be true. The best seems to be to thoroughly vacuum it out with an ELECTROLUX. It is rumored that other tanks and cannisters MAY work! Also, Craig has told me that Woolite is not nearly as gently as we are led to believe.
Rick Benedikt
Westminster, , CA USA - Thursday, July 13, 2006 at 00:02:58 (MDT)
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Oh BTW, about the bojack belts at Wal Mart and Target! I was at a thrift store today ( and i wonder why i'm still single, oy!)and i found a box chock full of various genuine Hoover Belts!!!!! So i bought up all the convertible belts they had! hehehe!
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 19:52:09 (MDT)
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David,
I have an old Kirby 518? bag and i asked about washing it and Charlie( Charles to the rest of you!!!) hehehehe, well he said to use cool water in the sink and hand wash with Woolite. I haven't done it yet and it has been some time so maybe Charlie will check in and offer up better advice.Just in case i don't remember right .
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, CA USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 19:42:57 (MDT)
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speaking of bags, i have a cotton Eureka Commercial-style shakeout bag that im considering washing. cool water and gentle action, of course. thing is, the cleaner's manual says *dont wash or dry-clean*. im nervous about the *commercial* lettering rubbing-off, but should i be mindfull of something else going wrong? btw, this is an all-cotton bag WITHOUT the non-stick white lining used on the current Sanitaire models. thanks.
david cibrian(brettsomers)
USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 14:55:23 (MDT)
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Bags!
I just recently purchased a pack of the Arm and Hammer Z bags for my Hoover. I vacuum daily as I have a lab mix that sheds! Time will tell if they leak much dust into the bag cavity. Supposedly there's the baking soda infiltrated into the bag to eliminate odors. I noticed also they even carry C bags for Electrolux. The carton says they're made in China, but marketed my Electrolux Home Care Products out of Bloominton Ill. which is probably the old Eureka home office. I was impressed with the look and feel of the bag. I washed both my filters, so we'll see if my exhaust remains baking soda fresh or if I can smell Lexie's hair in a few days! I'll keep you updated!
Rick L. Asquith
Saint Louis, mo USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 07:53:30 (MDT)
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Bags!
Marty,
I noticed that as well. Mabey one of our vac store owners can give us a clue. It seems odd to me that your selling name brand vacs and not offering their product.
Charlie thanks for the pics on Auto Wash... I have been wanting to see the new Kirby. Now to see the Handi Butler.
Morgan
Morgan T Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 05:40:26 (MDT)
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Bags!!
What is up with this new trend in vacuum bags at Target and Wal Mart? Every bag at Target are made by Honeywell ( like the air filters ) and the bags and belts at Wal Mart are made by Arm and Hammer and DuraBelt. Are vacuum companies just not making there own bags or is it cheaper for the big box stores to carry genertc bags? Does anyone think they are any good?
martin rocha
palm springs, ca USA - Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 02:26:41 (MDT)
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Dear Alex,
I have been away and did not hear or read of the news of Charles' passing. Tracy and I send our deepest sympathy and our thoughts and prayers are with you! You were a wonderful friend and caretaker to Charles and he knew it!!
Ken Wagman
Capron, IL USA - Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 17:51:43 (MDT)
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Hi, Everybody--Keep my Uncle, Daniel Gillham, in your prayers--He is having triple bypass surgery. 3 Out of 4 of his arteries are completely blocked. He is 75 years old--Your prayers and thoughts will be greatly appreciated.
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 15:19:54 (MDT)
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A collector in Germany has sent me photos of the new Kirby Sentria. This machine just came out about a month ago and is so new that the last time I checked, the Kirby web site (http://www.kirby.com/) had not even been updated. [I just checked again and it still hasn't been.] An interesting feature about this new model is that the Handi-Butler has returned!
If you go to the AutomaticWasher.org site, choose "Discuss-o-Mat" and then "Super" and either scroll thru the list of topics or search for "sentria."
Charles Lester
Los Angeles, California US United States - Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 14:59:16 (MDT)
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Dear Marty,
Thank you for the update on Thrift Stores in the Valley. I am in total agreement with Mr. Lester that the Thrift Store is slowly disappearing. We had a local Thrift Store in North Hollywood that was so large, someone donated a crop duster airplane and sometimes motor vehicles. On every Saturday all items were reduced 30% off the ticket price. This is how they moved out the old inventory to make room for new items. The items were always priced under $20.00. I can not tell you how many vacuums and telephones in my collection came from there for very little money. Even yard sales are not what they used to be. Times are changing!
Kyle Jeffrey Mathews
Los Angeles, CA USA - Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 11:53:20 (MDT)
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Dear Alex, I am very sorry to hear about your recent loss. Charles was fortunate to have a friend like you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Kyle Jeffrey Mathews
Los Angeles, CA USA - Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 11:39:38 (MDT)
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Alex,
So sorry to hear of your recent loss and will keep you in my thoughts & prayers.
Jeff
Jeff Schroff (Sr.)
Galion, OH USA - Friday, July 07, 2006 at 22:45:51 (MDT)
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Charlie, I would tell them go right ahead and put it on ebay! It would be very interesting to see how much they would get! There is one place in San Bernardino called Gina's Bargain Thrift. I call it Gina's Non-bargain Thrift! They have had the same ratty old Kirby Classic III's priced at $79.99!!! for years! I stopped going there a long time ago! But i did go about a month ago and bought a brand new (well maybe 4 year old) Patriot vacuum. A knock off of the the Compact, for $48.00!!! I bought that and left the By now cobwebbed Kirby where it sat! I think some people price their merchandise based on the products name!
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Friday, July 07, 2006 at 14:57:52 (MDT)
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Yes, thrift shops are dying all around. Coincidentally (not) with the advent of eBay.
When I first moved to L.A. in 1980, they were all over the place. Every so often I'd take a day and just drive a big wide circle all around the greater Los Angeles region, starting in the Valley in Van Nuys, going through Burbank and Glendale, into Eagle Rock and then Chinatown and the east side of Los Angeles, down to Long Beach, Lynwood and Lakewood, across to El Segundo and up through the west side and across into Hollywood and the Mid-Wilshire area, and then back to the Valley via Barham. I'd usually have so much stuff that I could barely close the doors on my car. The last time I made a big run like that, I came home with an XXX filter pad and a ratty Kirby D50. The Kirby had the original bag on it and it was only $7.92 so I picked it up.
Now, the thrift shops that are still open tend to place big $$$ on the stuff they are selling, especially things that they think are "VINTAGE." I could tell y'all stories about some of the ridiculous prices I've seen on crappy old sweepers in thrift shops. If you say anything about it the proprietor will snarl, "Well, I could get three times that much for it on eBay!"
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Friday, July 07, 2006 at 14:21:22 (MDT)
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Attention Charles,Kyle and Dave.
The demise of some great thrift stores!!! You remember the two in Joshua Tree up in the High Desert? Well the one for the hospital that was run by the "Pink Ladies" was all boarded up and a chain link fence was surrounding the whole area! And the other one with the back patio where you could rummage though the stuff is all cleaned up and you can't go back there anymore! Talk about a bummer! All of the really great thrift stores are drying up!!
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Friday, July 07, 2006 at 13:50:24 (MDT)
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Cool vacuum find!
Went to the thrift store in Desert Hot Springs where i found my Singer Silver Glide Model C9. The only vacuum there today was a ratty Eureka Rally canister. On the floor next to it was a beige Singer Carpet Nozzle. I asked the lady how much and she said it went with the vacuum in the back. I showed her it didn't and explained about the Singer vacuum i had purchased there months before. So she says, " Well you can just have it then!" I thought that was pretty cool!
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Friday, July 07, 2006 at 13:42:38 (MDT)
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Alex,
I, too, would like to extend my sincere condolences to you. Having been away for several days, I only learned of Charles' passing this evening. I am grateful to have spent some time with Charles at each of the past two conventions. I will especially remember our working together and loading up your very historic and diverse collection in the trailer at the close of last years' convention in L.A. Charles clearly recognized the special care that collection required, and together, we refused to be rushed, rather making certain the vacuums were well-protected.
I recognize this is a very difficult time, but please know that in time, only wonderful memories will remain, the difficult images do subside. How fortunate for each of you that your paths crossed when they did.
With my sympathy,
Rick
Rick Benedikt
Westminster, CA USA - Wednesday, July 05, 2006 at 21:44:14 (MDT)
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Happy Fourth of July everybody.
I am better, thank's to all of you for the love and support.
Alex.
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Tuesday, July 04, 2006 at 18:07:46 (MDT)
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Alex-
Charles was fortunate to be able to share his own interest in vacuums with you, along with his friends in the VCCC. I especially enjoyed meeting him at the L.A. convention last year and am happy for him that he had the opportunity to experience two very different functions in two different locations with such a diversity of people and machines.
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA USA - Tuesday, July 04, 2006 at 17:35:20 (MDT)
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Dear friends, thank you for the notes and phone calls.
One thing I have to clear up here and now. Charles has no surviving family. The tale of Charles is a long one, best saved for the newsletter. Sufice it to say that when I met him he was using drugs and was alcoholic. The drug use ended that night, and I brought him off the booze. He was clean and sober for the 10 years I knew him.
I was his medical caregiver, best friend and sometimes a severe mentor.
He loved this club, had great respect for Stan and while he didn't look like he was always with us, he never missed a thing, his mind was wide awake.
His interest for vacuum cleaners was dorment from childhood, but at 10 was interested in his step mothers Electrolux model G, his favorite was the Electrolux XXX. He was not alone! When he met me he confessed his hidden love, and as I said, made me display my collection. I will dedecate that room to his memory.
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Tuesday, July 04, 2006 at 04:02:26 (MDT)
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Alex, please know that my thoughts are with you and Charles' family. It is always so very hard to let someone dear to us go even when we know it is for the best. I am glad that I had the chance to met him and that he had the chance to make to the trip to St.Louis. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Terry
Terry Lattz
Danville, Il USA - Monday, July 03, 2006 at 22:06:30 (MDT)
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Alex,
Thank you for letting us know about Charles. There are no words adequate, so let me just say, I am sorry. Thank you for caring for him and for bringing him to St. Louis. I'm glad he got to see the Fox Theater.
If his interest in vacuums was relatively new, how fortunate that he was part of the most heavily attended convention in our history with so many new attendees including him.
Know I am thinking of you and will be in touch. As always, I send my best thoughts to you with love.
Charlie Watrous
Charlotte, NC USA - Monday, July 03, 2006 at 21:33:36 (MDT)
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Alex--My Thoughts and Prayers are with you. I'm glad I had the privelege of meeting Charles at the convention. You will be in my thoughts and prayers every day.
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Monday, July 03, 2006 at 16:05:41 (MDT)
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Dear Alex,
So sorry to hear about Charles. But he's at peace now, is no longer suffering, and you can comfort youself with the knowledge of that, as well as of the fact that you were such a dear friend and devoted companion to him.
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Monday, July 03, 2006 at 14:05:28 (MDT)
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thats horrible! im so sorry. i remember meeting him, and he was soo nice to take care of my camera after i had lost it. it sucks having to say goodbye...
DavidCibrian
USA - Monday, July 03, 2006 at 13:49:02 (MDT)
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Dear friends I wanted to thank you in Charles name for being so kind to him during the convention. What a lot of you don't know was that he was in great pain most of the time. Walking was far from easy and yet he HAD to tour the Fox theater, there was no stoping him. By Saturday he was worn out but kept going. He was so proud to be a part of our club. He had just started to collect hand vacs and wanted to learn all the machines.
Charles passed away peacefully at 10;30 last night. He been in the hospital on Thursday but wanted to be home.
Charles is also responsible for getting my machines out of storage and helping me set up the display room. So he is really the one who got me to come back to the club in 04.
Charles H. Brookreson
May 25, 1958-July 2, 06
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Monday, July 03, 2006 at 08:49:34 (MDT)
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SAD NEWS TO REPORT:
Just received word from Alex that his friend Charles passed away last evening of a massive heart attack. Those of us who attended the convention had the pleasure of meeting Charles.
Please keep Alex in your thought and prayers.
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Monday, July 03, 2006 at 05:32:08 (MDT)
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SAD NEWS TO REPORT:
Alex has just notified me that his friend Charles passed away last evening of a massive heart attack at about 10:30. Please keep Alex in your thoughts and prayers.
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
USA - Monday, July 03, 2006 at 05:24:12 (MDT)
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I thought that I would get things rolling here again! Hate looking at a blank page. Just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy and safe 4th of July! Terry
Terry Lattz
Danville, Il USA - Sunday, July 02, 2006 at 21:39:01 (MDT)
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Hello all,
The June postings have now been archived, so here we are with a fresh slate for July.
Hope everyone has a safe and memorable July 4th celebration.
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Saturday, July 01, 2006 at 21:51:03 (MDT)
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Happy Fourth of July!!
Summer is here and everyone is outside enjoying the weather. Enjoy the weekend ahead, be safe and have fun.
The committee's are up and running and the excitement is building. Keep your eye on the forum so we can keep you informed. If you have any pictures or articles for the newsletter please get them to Alex so we can start to work on the newsletter. We would like to see pictures of personal collections, mini-meets or any other Vacuum related topics. Some of you that are store owners or work for a store and have any info on new products coming out please share that info as well.
Charles I do apologize for missing your name on the committe list. We just purchased a new computer and while I was proof reading I noticed that I had used Charlie instead of Charles, when I went back to change it the computer gave me a message that there was a storm approaching and would recomend you shut down the computer due to power surges. Amazing how far the computer world has come just in my lifetime. Same holds true for the Vacuum.
Party Hearty, Have Fun and KEEP THOSE POSTS COMING!
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Friday, June 30, 2006 at 08:06:26 (MDT)
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Hi fellow collectors:
While I am a vacuum cleaner historian, my area is mostly non-electric and early electric. I also know a great deal about Electrolux, Hoover and Kirby. If you are into Air-Way, Compact, Filter Queen and Rexair please drop me a line, as Clay said these are companies that don't share information. I need to check my facts before printing the histories of these companies. If you are an Air-Way collector please contact me, I need to check a few dates a.s.a.p.
Thanks,
Alex
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 15:26:47 (MDT)
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Clay is right! Most companies don't care about vacuum cleaner history, but I do! That's why as the club Historian I can dig the research for you. Direct all historical questions to the editor's desk, or call me at 619-749-2333.
If you have pictures for the newsletter send them to me.
Alex Taber
Alex Taber
El Cajon, Ca. USA - Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 14:11:22 (MDT)
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The convention was great. What a wonderful opportunity to see old friends and make new ones, as well as to see some great old vacs.
I want to thank the Club for entrusting me with the position of Board Member. All of the Board Members have great ideas for making the club even better. Fred Nelson forwarded me copies of the last page of the recent member survey in which the members could list their suggestions. We are taking these to heart.
Something many club members don't realize, especially those who are not in the vac business. The manufacturers, except Hoover, so it seems, have no interest whatsoever in their history or old models. Consequently, they are not really a source of help to collectors. To illustrate this, I had a conversation a couple of days ago with one of the ladies who works in Customer Relations at Rexair. (Bear in mind I am an authorized Rainbow Service Distributor with a Rexair computer number, someone outside their organization could not have gotten this far.) This lady is as interested as I am in Rexair history and the old models. Rexair's website and other publications where old models are illustrated, are full of errors (for example, they illustrate the Model C, built from 1950 to 1955 as the original Series A, built from 1936 until 1940.) Sherry (the Customer Relations rep) has been trying to get them to correct these errors, and has tried to involve me. The powers that be shut her down completely. They do not care about anything except selling new machines, and keeping customers happy. What happened in the past is of absolutely no interest to them whatsoever. My observation is that the other manufacturers feel the exact same way. It is US, the VCCC who are actually the historians, though unoficially, of the vacuum cleaner industry and the various manufacturers.
I noticed one of the suggestion sheets had a member suggesting we tour the manufacturers' factories like we used to. Even if we find a manufacturer who is agreeable, the fact of the matter is that we are now too large a group for them to accommodate.
It should also be mentioned that most vac dealers, whether they are vac shops or door-to-door organizations (Rainbow, Kirby, and the several smaller companies), these people are in the business to make a living and the vast majority of them do not know anything about their companies' histories nor do they care. Most of the vac shop owners who do have this interest are members of VCCC.
Clay B. Floyd
Hudson, NC USA - Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 12:38:18 (MDT)
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Chalres,
Could my emails possibly be going to your junk mail? Everyone else has received them. If not is there another address I could try?
Thanks
Morgan frazermt@hotmail.com
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 12:56:33 (MDT)
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Hi Morgan, I have not gotten any emails from you. You do have my correct address, crl@137.com. I did get an email from R.J. advising me about the Web Site Committee and that my involvement with it was expected, and I sent you an email based on R.J.s, to which I did not get a reply. So, ??! My post below, however, was in response to the list of Board and Committee members that you posted yesterday, and the fact that my name was not listed on the Web Site Committee. Looks like there is just confusion all around.......
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 11:37:14 (MDT)
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Charles,
Could you please check your personal emails. I have sent a couple of messages your way in regard to the home page and have not heard anything back. Wondering if you are receiving the emails. I am using crl@137.com and they are not being returned to me. Thanks
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 20:53:47 (MDT)
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Hello Morgan,
Thanks for posting the new roster of Board and Committee members. I'll update this information on the Members Page when I get your new President's Greeting. I am surprised to see that my name is not listed on the Web Site Committee. Is that an oversight (Freudian perhaps?!) or have I been kicked off??!
"Ever Onward & Upward"
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 15:12:57 (MDT)
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INFORMATION OF CLUB LEADERSHIP:
As promised earlier here is a list of your new board members and committee members effective June 16, 2006
BOARD MEMBERS
President - Morgan T. Frazer
Charlie Watrous - Vice President
Martin Rocha - Sec.
Dave Olsen - Treas.
Terry Lattz - Membership Cord.
RJ Vanik - Past President
Alex Tabor - Historian/Newsletter Editor
Clay Floyd
Jeff Parker
CONVENTION PLANNING COMMITTEE
Morgan Frazer
Charlie Watrous (Chairperson)
Terry Latz
Dave Olsen
Greg Nunn
WEBSITE COMMITTEE
Fred Nelson - Chairperson
Jeff Parker
Charlie Watrous
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
Alex Tabor - Editor
RJ Vanik
Dave Olsen
Ken Wagman
As we move forward these are the people you as members elected. You will notice that some members on committee's are not board members and they will not have a vote on any issues. The committee's recomendations will be brought to the full board and the board will make all final decisions. THANKS in advance for your support and cooperation.
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 10:59:08 (MDT)
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To Mark Goodall:
I was lucky enough to help RJ set up the table displays for this year's convention. I understand it was you who inspired them, as well as being yourself who donated the materials to build our 'outer space' rocket ships. I bid on, and won, the Starks (Royal) tank cleaner/rocket ship. Thank you big time for your creativity and interest in doing something special to make our convention a little nicer. It was appreciated. When will we get to meet you in person?
tom gasko
park hills, mo USA - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 10:21:13 (MDT)
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Well, as my receptionist once quipped, "You can't be first, but you can be next!" Having arrived home several days after the convention, I see there have already been a multitude of postings about the convention and how successful it was. Well, I certainly concur and wish to add my kuddos for a truly wonderful and memorable convention! I so appreciate all the time and effort RJ, the board memebers and others put into making this such a success. RJ has clearly been a dedicated, generous, and selfless President, leaving, as others have noted, big shoes to be filled. (Hmmmm. Big shoes! I had no idea!) I am excited about the club's future, feeling we are wel-positioned to move forward and meet the needs of a growing club. Congratulations and thanks to Morgan and all the board members who work essentially behind the scenes and on their own time to make this all come together!
Being a relative 'newby', this being only my second convention, I can only compare it to L.A. And since you always remember your first, I find they were both wonderful and memorable in their own way. Reconnecting with some truly WONDERFUL people from last year (who instantly became my new best friends!) was a highlight. But equally as special was having the opportunity to meet many additional members, some whose names are virtually synonymous with the club itself, certainly qualify for the same 'status!' I could have hung out another several days visiting with attendees that were fascinating to listen to and learn from. It is clear this club has so many truly outstanding members, including those that helped build it, I am so pleased to have become a part of it.
I want to add special thanks to Stan Kann who had even reached out to me early on. Meeting this wonderful man and legend was a treat, as was meeting and hearing Ruth Hollander's touching story of what led her into the wonderful and unique world of VACUUM CLEANERS! Thank you both so much for sharing.
And truthfully, thank you ALL for sharing a really wonderful, memorable time with me!
My very best,
Rick Benedikt
Rick Benedikt
Westminster, CA USA - Monday, June 26, 2006 at 09:17:22 (MDT)
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I have just completed archiving off the past few months' worth of postings. I'll do June at the end of the month. While I was doing this I "corrected" some of the incomplete log-in information.
May I make a gentle reminder to everyone that you are to please sign in with your FULL NAME, and that ALL the input boxes should be filled in when posting to the Forum.
This helps identify you to other posters (everyone does not know everyone else), and also is a bit of added insurance that "infiltrators" aren't invading our territory.
If typing ALLLLLL that info is SOOOOOO taxing, most email programs and web browers have "form fill-in" or "auto-complete" options. With the push of one button, all the information I enter magically appears.
I know this may be a pain to some folks but it's a necessary and vital part of our Forum's security.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Charlie Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Sunday, June 25, 2006 at 20:14:54 (MDT)
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By "s#!t-stirrers," I am referring to a few certain individuals who have, for quite some time, been running a behind-the-scenes agenda to have our Club merged into a larger club of appliance collectors of all types, and to have our site assimilated into the AutomaticWasher.org or some similar site.
I have been, am, and will forever be against doing so. For MANY reasons, all of which I have stated in these hallowed halls already.
Part of the reason I am so gung-ho in favor of upgrading our site, despite the cost involved and the personal sacrifice that doing so will entail on my part if I am the one who does the work [and I really don't know who else would be capable, unless ywe're talking REALLY big money to hire an outside designer], is to ensure that those couple of folks [it really only is just a small handful of people] who are incessantly griping about this site will, hopefully, finally be happy and we can put to rest any ill-framed ideas of merging with other clubs and web sites.
Just my $1.37's worth (with inflation), "FWIW."
Charles R Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 15:08:02 (MDT)
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As your new President I want to set the record straight. There is no one trying to stir the pot or cause trouble. The survey that was sent out to the general membership was very clear that with over 100 surveys being returned that they would like to see some changes made.
The current website is user friendly, but we need to make changes to allow even better use. The majority of club members including myself, would like to be able to download pictures and other information. With the current software you are not able to cut and paste, spell check or attatch copies of current files to your posting.
This is in no way a reflection of the webmaster or his abilities. When this site was started it was all the club could afford. Again I ask for your patience in this matter until we have time to do more research.
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, Ia USA - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 14:02:00 (MDT)
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Wow, what a whirlwind four days! As first time convention attendees, my friend Phillip and I were on an adrenaline rush! Our hats off to R.J. and all who took part in putting it together. It was great to be around so many wonderful people who share the same interest. Special thanks to Ruth, Tom, Stan, and John who opened their homes to us, something I would've liked to be able to do but my place just doesn't have the room to accomodate everyone, but the thought was there! Thanks also to Charlie and Fred for throwing a cocktail party, that was a nice addition. It was also great to meet some of the people that I'd purchased vacs from in the past. There was so much knowledge and wisdom at the convention, it was a real enlightening experience. I realize that I'm a novice collector, and probably the only member who doesn't work on vacs, just collect and admire. I wish there had been more room to bring more vacs, believe me, I left more at home than I brought, but I thought I was probably bringing too many as it was. It was great to see vacs that I'd never heard of, especially in their condition, what jewels they were! We had a ball, and I know I've used the word great repeatedly, but a great time was had by all, by great people, great vacs to play with, and now something great to look forward to next year in Omaha. Congratulations to Morgan, I know I just met you, but I'm sure from all I've heard about you that you will make a great president! I wish I had more time to be more of an active member, but right now my plate is pretty full, and I was fortunate this year that the convention came to town so I was able to attend.
Thanks again to everyone and hope to see you again next year, maybe sooner if there's a mini-meet here or somewhere close. Take care all!
Rick Asquith
Rick Asquith
Saint Louis, Mo USA - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 12:24:43 (MDT)
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You Gotta Help Me Here
That is, I am not sure what the issues are on this discussion of the website - specifically the claim that it is difficult to use. How is it difficult? I check the site once or twice a day with a few mouse clicks. That's it. When I want to post, I click again and then type a little. Like, what am I missing?
I don't want to just sound like I am carrying Charles' water here but I think he has worked his butt off in providing us with a site -- so, please, help me understand the problem. Thanks.
Mark Goodall
Omaha, NE USA - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 09:05:48 (MDT)
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As Webmaster, may =I= "stick MY neck out" and assure all members that neither I nor the Board nor the President nor anyone else, for that matter -- except certain s#!t-stirrers, that is -- are "discouraging" people from using the VACCC.COM Forum or "don't want it used."
All it would take is to read back through the archived monthly forums to read how time and time again I, for example, have stopped just short of getting on my knees and BEGGING people to avail themselves of the Forum.
Why do they not do so? For a variety of reasons I am sure, and yes in some cases perhaps some people simply find this Forum just too doggoned complicated to use, and find it so incredibly taxing to have to fill in their REAL name each time they post.
I, as much as anyone else, would LOVE to see an improved forum. And indeed I have made specific suggestions and recommendations to the Board as to how to improve it.
One factor that people who are not "behind the scenes" may not realize is that this is a very rudimentary forum. Can you say "Mickey Mouse?" It's really a entry-level forum that we pay exactly nothing for. The software to run it was free, and I incorporated setting it up as part of the whole web site package.
People also need to remember that this is the FIRST version of our site. It's truly Vaccc.Com Version 1.00. We had to start somewhere, and given the budget we had to work with, I feel I provided the best possible site for the money -- if I do say so myself. We did not have thousands and thousands of dollars to pay an outside designer to produce a slick, top-of-the-line site with all sorts of interactive features. And I am not sure we have that kind of budget even now.
For the Club to bump up to the next level and offer something anywhere nearly as elaborate and user-friendly as the AutomaticWasher.org site will require several things:
1. Much more money. Software to create a Forum at that level is going to cost money. I don't recall the exact figure off the top of my head but if I recall correctly, a versatile Forum software package will run around $300.
Then someone will have to spend the hair-pulling time to create, install, and trouble-shoot the new forum. That can't be done in a half-hour. Code writing and debugging at that level will require several days of work. (A forum at that level has to be created pretty much from scratch -- you can't get "Web Site in a Can", push a couple of buttons, and have a Forum. It is very time-consuming, intensive work.
I typically bill my time to my graphic clients at $100 per hour. I estimated approximately 20 hours to deliver the new Forum, and for that amount of work I believe I tendered a bid of $500 - cutting $1500 off my normal fee in deference to my being a member of the Club and thus being willing to do my part to upgrade the Forum. That seems to be a pretty good deal to me, but I leave it up to the Board to find this out for themselves. I wish I could afford to just do it at no cost, but given that I work by the hour, I simply can't afford to make such a sacrifice much as I wish I could. Maybe if I win the Lottery.......
2. Much more help in running it. If we are going to open the Forum to the public, which despite my strong misgivings does seem to be the scent in the wind, SOMEONE is going to have to be willing to moderate the Forum and be prepared to act quickly WHEN -- not IF -- the bulls#!tters start coming in. I have neither the time nor the inclination to be Forum Babysitter. But SOMEONE is going to have to do it. Our Forum had not been open even a week before we started having trouble with troublemakers posting profanity and offensive remarks. We SIMPLY CANNOT open the Forum up and then just leave it wide open and unattended. That is surely going to invite disaster.
3. Making the web server open enough to allow people to upload photos and stories is going to increase security issues exponentially. As it is now, the server is extremely secure. No one can get into the site without a high-level, military-grade encrypted password. Security is so tight that hacking is nearly impossible. Once we open things up to allow users more access to upload materials on their own, we are going to be moving into a whole new realm in terms of security, and this again is going to involve time and money to look after.
I will say, in conclusion, that the best way to improve this Forum is ... guess what ... to USE IT. To post to it. Even though it is so incomprehensibly kludgy and difficult to use, and doesn't have lots of bells and whistles, and people can't come in and post under all sorts of campy pseudonyms. The best way to bring this Forum to life is to get involved in it by contributing posts to it.
Thanks for letting me rant a little. Obviously this is a matter that hits close to home, and I do feel a bit defensive when people (who never seem to post except to kvetch) start airing ill-informed complaints and negative remarks about it.
A final note: May I please once again remind everyone that the Forum Guidelines do require users to post their REAL name and email address. This is not to impose draconian restrictions on users, but is simply a matter of security. We have no way, really, of keeping track of who is posting here if they don't use their real names, and posts that appear without this information will be deleted per my direction from the Board.
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, CA United States of America - Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 02:21:20 (MDT)
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So hard to beleive that one week ago tonight we were all sitting around listening to Ruth talk about her days as a Compact and Filter Queen salesperson. It amazes me how quickly time flies.
This years convention brought to this club a lot of new faces and many new vacuums. Thanks to some new members and a varied interest in vacuums we had a great variety.
With this also came the election of a new board along with myself (relatively new to the club)as your new president. This will also bring new ideas and some changes to the club. Due to the forsite of our past board and your input as members we are looking into and researching ways to improve or replace our current web-site to provide you the members with the services you requested in the survey. Like anything, this could take some time and patience on everyone's part. The board has taken the first step and formed a committee to start this research. Our current Web-Master has agreed to serve on that committee along those offering to serve at the convention.
Please feel at anytime to email me with any questions you may have. Also don't forget that this project does not come to us with out some cost. Dave Olson will be more than willing to accept donations for this project. If you feel so moved just make sure you drop him a note along with your gift marked Web-Site Fund.
As soon as I can be in contact with all board members (some of whom are still traveling) we will post and have included in your next newsletter a complete list of board members and committee members. Keep watching this forum as it is the best way for me to communicate information and keep everyone informed. Also, if you know of someone who does not have internet access please buddy up with them and share that information.
I am looking forward to this next year as your President. Please help by doing your part - Get together with your Vacuum Friends - Share your stories - Lets make this CLUB a Fun and Exciting place to share our passion - THE VACUUM CLEANER
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Friday, June 23, 2006 at 21:17:55 (MDT)
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im gonna stick my neck out here... after using AW.org for so long, i have to say this message boards is a real B!TC# to use. its almost as if the powers that be dont want it used! is it too shocking to suggest a format more like AW.org's? hope this doesnt ruffle any feathers.
David Cibrian
USA - Friday, June 23, 2006 at 18:37:46 (MDT)
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i had never heard of Match Game till we got GSN here in san antonio. i LOVED Fannie Flagg. and of course Betty White was also on... "Get ready to MATCH the STARS..."
David Cibrian (brettsomers)
USA - Friday, June 23, 2006 at 18:33:00 (MDT)
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Hey Everybody!
It's hard to believe that it's already been a week since the festivities were up and running! I had a fantastic time as always... it was so nice seeing everyone again, and it was great meeting so many new members! I'm so glad that this year's convention was such a success! And I'm already looking forward to next year!
A big thanks to RJ and the Board for making this year our best convention yet!
Here are links to my pictures from the convention--enjoy!
http://homepage.mac.com/fredstachnik/PhotoAlbum4.html
http://homepage.mac.com/fredstachnik/PhotoAlbum7.html
http://homepage.mac.com/fredstachnik/PhotoAlbum8.html
~Fred
Fred Stachnik
Milwaukee, WI USA - Thursday, June 22, 2006 at 07:58:22 (MDT)
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Marty,
I had Charles Nelson Reilly on a flight not too long ago in First Class and after several cocktails he was entertaining the entire cabin! (Much like he had done in years gone by on another flight.)
We talked about the Match Game and also when he was on The Ghost And Mrs. Muir. I inquired about Hope Lange and his reply was, "That old lady?", kidding of course. Hope is now of blessed memory.
And of course, Brett Summers was mentioned and how much fun they would have during the tapings.
When I first saw the Brett Summers name being used at AW, I knew it had to belong to someone interesting and it does!!
Charlie Watrous
Charlotte, USA - Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 07:09:21 (MDT)
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David! You used to watch Match Game on the Game Show Network? I used to watch it first run on TV!!! Boy, do I feel old!!! Who else was a regular on that show? Charles Nelson Rielly, Patty Deutch, Joyce Boulefant? It was a pleasure meeting you at the convention!
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 02:51:27 (MDT)
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Here's another one of my favorites. Find out how Harriet Nelson saved herself a hour of disagreeable work every day!
http://68.89.57.239/VID/COMM/Hotpoint-Dishwasher.wmv
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, Il USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 21:42:30 (MDT)
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Yikes!! I guess my misinformation has caused some problems here. I consider myself fairly well informed on internet and computer issues, but I guess you can always teach an "old dog" some new tricks. Just go to "www.automaticwasher.org" and find the "Super Forum" on the "Discuss-O-Mat." Have fun while your finding your way since there are so many neat things to see along the way. If you can, find the 1950s TV commercial for the GE Swivel Top Vacuum and find out how to avoid a "drag around tragedy."
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, Il USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 21:25:21 (MDT)
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David, you won't hurt a thing in the laundry rooms - I had 80 people here last year washing non-stop using 28,000 of water ;-) and not one machine suffered any damage or trouble!
Gather up some washing and "bring it on!"
Greg Nunn
Omaha, NE USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 21:17:22 (MDT)
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Greg, we'll see how glad you were you met me when i (hopefully) poke and prod at your washers next year, lol!
David Cibrian
USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 21:06:59 (MDT)
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"address bag"
LOL! That is too cute!
It was fun meeting you last weekend, David!
Greg Nunn
Omaha, NE USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 20:49:49 (MDT)
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can you tell i have vacuums on the brain? i meant *address BAR* LOL!
David Cibrian
USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 20:47:23 (MDT)
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i post at AW.org all the time, perhaps too much. ive never met Robert S. (the webmaster of AW.org) and have only chatted with him a little. he is very, very kind and welcoming, and his site is witty and user-friendly. there are NO flame wars or drama on AW.org. i chose the username *brettsomers* because i used to watch Match Game a lot on GSN. everyones contact info and name are public record on AW.org so identities are no secret. Mr Seger does a flawless job policing the site and will block or erase any unkind or evil posts. Mr Seger is very fair. Ive learned a lot from his site. It's because of his site that i got off my a$$ and joined VCCC. PS. when you need to link to AW.org is often doesnt work since the links are quickly outdated. you must type "automaticwasher.org" into the address bag and go from there.
David Cibrian
USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 20:44:32 (MDT)
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My HTML link didn't work so just copy and paste this address into your browser, then bookmark it for future reference.
http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-DISCUSS-O-MAT.cgi
Greg Nunn
Omaha, NE USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 20:34:58 (MDT)
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Hi all, I hope everyone has recovered from the convention festivities and travel. I would echo all the sentiments previously posted thanking everyone who made the gathering possible, the creativity and spectacular events were certainly memorable for my "first time!" Being able to put faces with names and the honor of meeting Stan, Ruth and others was a highlight of summer for me and I'm very much looking forward to the convention in Omaha, my home city, next year! Omaha is a beautiful city, and there are so many things to see an do, there is no way we could fit it all in!
It is curious that some are experiencing troubles with the www.automaticwasher.org website. This should help everyone understand how the system works there. Copying a link to an active thread from your browser will not be a good link for long as the URL changes that last three digits of the URL each time a reply to that thread is posted.
Here is a permanent link to the Discuss-O-Mat entry page, if you bookmark it from this page, you should have no trouble finding threads by their numbers when needed. Just remember to refer to which forum and thread number you are wishing us to view each time you post about them here.
Discuss-o-Mat
Greg Nunn
Omaha, NE USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 20:33:37 (MDT)
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Hi, Everybody--I have some pictures that I have posted from the convention, in the "Discuss-O-Mat" Super Forum, simply click on the link "Tommy's Link" and it will open the Yahoo Albums. Click on the "VCCC 2006" album, and it will pull up all the photos. Click on "Slide Show" to see all the pictures. Anyway--Once again--I really enjoyed the great convention this year, and hope to see you next year!
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 14:59:05 (MDT)
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Hello Everyone:
Wow, what can I say. This was our greatest, most well-attended convention in our club's history. So very many cleaners, I still don't think I got a chance to see them all.
Some of the highlights were Duane Taylor (Tania's friend) and his amazing, fully restored Sturtevant that won a double blue ribbon. Congratulations Duane on a fantastic restoration job. We definately want to see you and your cleaners at next year's convention in Omaha.
As always, Tania's cleaners were pristine. She gifted me with a beautiful, immaculate Rainbow model D from 1962 with all the tools in the original box. Tania is the sweetest, most kind woman I know (other than my mother).
I got to meet many new people, as well as some 'old friends'. I especially enjoyed the cleaning competition this year. It's too bad that we didn't have time for the restoration clinic. But we just had way too much to do on Thursday.
My house is still a mess. I haven't had a chance to put away all the sweepers I displayed for the people who came out to my home on Saturday, after Ruth Hollander's tour of her home and shop. The roasted chicken turned out very well, and a great time was had by all.
As always, it ends WAY, WAY too soon. There's the inevitable 'let down' this week, all the excitement and comraderie of last week is sorely missed this week. A very special thanks to Mike Banta for making this meeting memorable for me. What a good friend he is.
Oh well, I think I'll go visit Stan Kann and help him put away his marvelous collection. He's all out-of-sorts when his machines aren't standing 'just so'. But that's one of the things I love most about Stan. All his beautiful machines, standing like 'dirt soldiers' in staight lines, ready for their breezy run around his home.
Thanks again to RJ for a truly memorable convention. I'm delighted to see that the club is in VERY capable hands, with the election of Morgan Frazier. Can't wait for the party Morgan throws next June in Omaha. He's got big shoes to fill indeed.
tom gasko
park hills, mo USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 14:28:21 (MDT)
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I have to completely agree with Charlie on his posting. I have been a member of Applianceville ever since in began and never once have had a problem with it and believe me I am no computer wizard by any means. Everyone I have ever talked with before has always found it so easy to navigate. That site has about 500 plus members and gets hundreds of hits daily. RJ and Charles if you continue to have problems I am sure if you were to contact Robert he would be more than happy to check into these. I enjoy the washer, dryer, dishwasher discussion and hobby so I visit all three sections however if vacuums are your main interest than a quick visit to the "super" forum will take care of it. I hope that the problems you are having are cleared up as it is a very fun site. Terry
Terry Lattz
Danville, Il USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 12:43:19 (MDT)
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R. J.,
Most of the VCCC members that "float" back and forth from our site to automaticwasher.com have always commented on the ease of use of the site since it is patterned like most interactive websites and Robert Seager, the site's designer polled that group to see what they wanted.
The use of movie star names is not to hide or confuse in anyway, shape or manner. Those that post reguarly know who the names belong to. Those that visit don't even care. Most enjoy the FUN banter that goes on even when it goes off in 1000 different directions.
The "nome de plumes" used, sometimes refer, in FUN to alter egos or characters from films that the poster identifies with for a myriad of reasons. You will note, however, that most posts still talk about washer or vacuum related topics.
When the threads do go off on rants for whatever reason, all posters are still respected and foul language, name calling and threats have never happened. Some of the digressions have resulted in more posts than the mundane ones. Please note as well, that this ONLY happens on the Super forum AND not the others as there are clearly understood boundaries.
For most, this is a hobby and typically, hobbies represent fun and a chance to let one's hair down. I look forward to reading the posts on the Super forum and seeing all the ideas, creativity, opinions and the like. I am sorry you have problems linking/reading the posts there as I have never heard this from any other member of either group.
Charlie Watrous
Charlotte, USA - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 09:24:37 (MDT)
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I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank R. J. Vanik for the superlative job -- indeed, above reproach -- that he has done as the VCCC's former president.
He has shown excellent leadership and organizational skills on every level; has always been exceedingly diplomatic and discreet when dealing with the many "issues" (large and small) that have come up; and, perhaps most of all, has always remained MEMBER-FOCUSED ---- setting aside his own issues and agendas in favor of the membership-at-large.
This is no easy job to fill, as EVERY past president will attest to.
I know that Morgan Frazer will also do an excellent job, but he certainly has some big shoes to fill!
Again, R. J., thanks so much for all you've done for the Club.
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 00:15:45 (MDT)
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To Charles Richard-
I have the same problem when I go to the URL listed below for the automatic washer site. I get a message that says, "This page does not exist or has just been updated. If you are trying to view a Discuss-o-Mat thread someone has just posted an update to it, please click here and reselect your index page with the latest updates." Then when I try to go back to the Discuss-o-Mat, the computer either crashes or freezes.
On the few occasions I have been able to find a discussion thread there, the use of screen names as opposed to real names and the cast of vintage movie characters makes it a challenge to figure out who's saying what. I guess the idea is to keep the reader confused......
R. J. Vanik
Bellevue, WA - Monday, June 19, 2006 at 22:38:52 (MDT)
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Whassup y'all? I had a fine time at this, my first convention in 10 years. I am thankful to have met many fine new friends, and reconnecting with old ones. It's a pity I wasn't able to be at Tom's on Saturday. It was fun the time I was able to hang out wit all y'all. Very sad thing happen Saturday night. my pa went out to use my Electrolux shop vac to clean the rental van, and came to the house telling me it blew up. Funny that happening right after I get back, yes? Anyway, I hope I can see all y'all again next year. Maybe we have even more new members next year. I am glad all y'all liked my fans. Too bad I only had 1 hour on my video tape. I haven't watched it yet, but I'll letcha know if it turned out good. We talk more later, yes?
Jason Davis
Dewey, OK USA - Monday, June 19, 2006 at 01:32:52 (MDT)
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There are no words that can describe this years convention! My head is still spinning.....
I want to Thank so many people for so many different things that I don't know where to start.
So I will start by Thanking everyone for entrusting me for the next two years as President of this wonderful group of people. I will do my best to keep the standard of leadership this club has experienced over the
years. Within the very near future we will be providing you with an up to date list of officers and new committee members that were appointed at this years convention.
Special Thanks to RJ Vanik for a wonderful 2006 convention, many new vacuums we have never seen before, many new faces (and I might add new friends)along with the chance to see old friends and some of their collections.
A group like this can only stay as strong as it's members, so don't be surprised if you see my name on your caller ID or any one from the board, we may be calling on you for your assistance in planning and moving into the next two years.
Thanks again Everyone for making this Club what it is today!!!
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, USA - Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 22:03:15 (MDT)
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Greetings to all!! I have just returned from the vacuum convention and had a wonderful time!! Thanks Fred and Charlie for the great pictures, it is like being there all over again. I want to thank RJ and everyone who had a hand at planning the convention. We had a great time. A special Thank-you goes out to Ruth Hollander and her husban Keith for openning there home and shop to all of us. They served us a wonderful lunch on Saturday. To Stan Kann for making it possible for us to see the beautiful Fox Theater. Believe me that is the most impressive theater I have ever seen. Then to be able to go to his home and see his awesome collection was a dream come true. Special thanks and hugs to Tom and David for openning their shop and home to us as well. They served a wonderful dinner to the group on Saturday night and I am really sorry that I had to leave early. Last but not least to Fred and Charlie for hosting the fun cocktail party for all of us on Thursday night at the hotel. I heard so many postive complements about this. We all had such a great time and it is my hope that all of you will be able to join us in Omaha next year!! I am so excited to be part of the planning committee for this and I can promise you all it will be fantastic!! If I have forgotten to send special thanks to anyone please know it wasn't on purpose it is just that we worked so much fun into those three short days that my mind is still in a "whirl" Terry
Terry Lattz
Danville, Il USA - Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 20:51:50 (MDT)
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BTW - Just to keep things "straight." I am "Ida" for Ida Corwin - Mildred Pierce's sidekick in "Mildred Pierce" and Charlie Watrous is Helen Lawson from "Valley of the Dolls."
Fred (Ida)
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, IL USA - Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 20:31:13 (MDT)
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Oops - I meant Charles Richard. Give me some time to get used to that.
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, Il USA - Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 20:28:21 (MDT)
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Charlie - If the link doesn't work try www.automaticwasher.org then click on "Discuss O Mat" then the "Super Forum" then thread 6776 "VCCC Convention" Hope that works.
Fred Nelson
Fashionable St. Charles, IL USA - Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 20:25:08 (MDT)
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Glad to hear the convention was a success. I have tried clicking on the links that Messrs. Watrous and Nelson posted but they both are taking me to "error/invalid" pages. So I don't know "wassap wid dat."
Charles Richard Lester
Los Angeles, California United States of America - Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 16:36:38 (MDT)
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WOW--All I Can Say is WOW!!! What a convention! I enjoyed every bit of it!! It was more than great--It was fantastic!! It was a pleasure to meet some of my fellow collectors, and I had a great time. I am now back in Texas, and my van ran well but had to have a little service done to it on the way, a tune-up, etc. Anyway--I hope to be able to make it next year! I really enjoyed it. I hope the rest of you that may still be traveling home will have a safe trip. Thanks also, to Alex--For being so kind, and Thanks to everybody--For a great Convention! Is there a different website for convention photos--as I typed in the above website and it's for washing machines.
Nathan Thomas
Wayside, TX USA - Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 15:37:46 (MDT)
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Greetings Folks,
More photos from the convention are available at the following link. Enjoy!http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/THREADS/SANDBOX/6776x41.htm
Charlie Watrous
Charlotte, USA - Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 10:58:38 (MDT)
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Fred
Thanks so much for taking pictures and connecting them to those of us who could not be at the convention. I know everyone had a wonderful time.
Thanks again.
Norm
Norm Brown
columbus, oh USA - Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 20:31:10 (MDT)
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Check out this thread at Automatic Washer.Org for some pictures and comments on the St. Louis convention.
http://www.automaticwasher.org/TD/THREADS/SANDBOX/6776x37.htm
Fred
Fred Nelson
St. Charles, Il USA - Saturday, June 17, 2006 at 18:10:20 (MDT)
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The Sentria Does not have the tools on board-It is not much lighter than the older "G" models-It does have a diffrent handle design-makes it easier to hold and push.The Sentria still has the tool caddy similar to the older Kirby "G" machines.I think the performance is slightly better.I don't like "friction" fit toolseither they lock together to the point you can't get them apart-or they fall off constantly when in use.I would like Kirby to get away from that.All in all-I do like the new machine.You have to see and try one when its available to your area.Would think it should be soon.I am one who prefers the paper or Filtrete bags over the dump bins or dump bags.
rex oliver
greenville, nc USA - Friday, June 16, 2006 at 04:18:51 (MDT)
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Interesting,
I had a Kirby Salesperson in my office on Sunday. Her take on the new Kirby is that they are trying to get rid of the Diamond Series in their stores before selling the new model.
She however told me it had on-board tools, is 8 lbs lighter, and now has 245 Air Watts...
I asked her for the post card or a picture of the new machine, hoping to be able to take it to the convention with me, but she said the new brouchures were not out yet and that the web-site had not been changed.
Will be curious to see the new upholstery tool and see if they have improved the tools. Personally I liked the older tools (prior to the G Series) better than the newer ones. I personally don't like telescoping wands or locking wands. Would love to see the bare floor tool redesigned and use a better brush.
I have the Ultimate G and love it. It is quieter and the Micron Bags leak no dust. You can pick up any type of dirt and there will not be any dust even on the fill tube. Bagless and my allergies are not a good combination. No matter how carefull you are empting the dirt cup there is still a certain amount of dust that escapes.
Just my take.
Have the car ready to go and planning on leaving Dubuque about 6 AM in the morning hope to see you all in St Louis
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 12:14:02 (MDT)
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skip,Tom:Thats interesting that Kirby won't comment on their new machine!Maybe the area I am in is some sort of test market-got mine thru the distributor in Raleigh-Durham.She had to go from Raleigh to my place-Greenville which is about two hrs East of her.I love it when you were able to try various experimental machines while touring kirby's factory.Was that the plant in Ohio or was it the one in Andrews Texas?I would love to send pictures of my machine but I don't have a camera.I am trying to figure which one to get and then how to transmit the pics.I can't find any pictures of it on the internet to link-folks on the Applianceville website want to see it as well.The saleslady that sold me mine said that me and one other prospect were the only ones that had them in the area.She is trying to unload her stock of Diamond G's so she can get some more Sentrias.The machine still uses bags(Filtrete ones come with it)and the hose and attachments aren't on board.Just as well-I think hoses and tools on board machines can be clumsy.--and the tools fall off as you go.I have two Dyson machines--A DC 15"Ball" and a DC07.In fact the DC07 came from a Kirby distributor-it was traded in on a Kirby--traded in for a Diamond G.When I got the DC07 its roller brush was loaded with people and pet hair.Wish the roller burshes on those were feild removable so you could clean it.The one on the DC15 ball is.I got the Ball new from Best Buy.I like the Kirby machines better-I would rather deal with bags than dust cups.I also had to replace the filter in the DC07-was rather smelly.Washing didn't help.Was better to get a new one.It would be interesting if Kirby offered a bagless dirt system OR the bag.Than prospects have a choice-remember with the Heritage model-you could choose between the dump bag or the bag system used paper bags.I haven't had odor problems with Filtrete bags-maybe others have.I use Filtrete bags in my Air-Way,Miele Red Velvet,and Kirbys.they are a big improvement over paper bags.The Sntria is a rehab of the "G" series machines-it seems Kirby loves the "G" sereies design platform.The upolstry tool is diffrent on the Sentria.Serrated front lips and gapped rear lips on the nozzle.I would love to see Kirby go to rectrable metal wands with locking tools.The friction fit ones just have no place in an expensive vacuum such as that.also--please go back to the METAL fans.The plastic ones break all too easily.With the fan design they use-metal ones would be no problem-the fan has high leading blade edges-but short trailing ones-the trailing ones is where it gets the most stress from a hard object-the fan is traveling faster there!Also metal is best here because of our sandy dirt that gets tracked in.But the Sentria is a great machine-esp like its LED headlight.The blue tint it has helps dust laying on the floor being cleaned show up better.And the air intake guard is different-its designed so you can attach Kirby's new "Handi-Butler" tool to it.the new Handi Butler is air powered.Kirby still has the "Turbo-Tool" the air powered vibrator sander-polisher-messager.
rex oliver
Greenville, NC USA - Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 02:21:45 (MDT)
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HI To All:
Rex and Tom
I emailed thje kirby plant yesterday asking them to send me some information on the brand new Kirby Sentria and they emailed me back today saying that the only current model of Kirby available today is the Kirby G7 Diamond edition ultimate G and that there was no information available at this time.
This really puzzles me because they won't admit that there is a New Kirby Sentria out there, Maybe they are trying the East coast to see how well they sell before expanding sales to the other areas of the states. I would love to see pictures of the NEw sentria as Kirby is one of my favorites.
Rex If You don't mijnd please send me some pictures of it. Thanks
Happy Vacuuming Skip...
Skip Aultman
Lafayette, LA USA - Monday, June 12, 2006 at 16:50:09 (MDT)
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Rex:
When the VCCC went through the Kirby factory a few years ago, we got to use the experimental models of Kirby. Mike Pletcher and I pushed the model with the Dirt Alert (dirt finder) as well as the model with the UP and DOWN arrows on the handle which controlled the motor speed.
John Lackner was the head of engineering at that time. He told us about a model Kirby they were currently working on that used Bagless technology (no more expensive, smelly bags), an on-board hose and combination tool, as well as a method of connecting the hose without taking the nozzle (head) off, just like the 1933 Apex "Majestic" upright. I hope the new model Sentria is bagless and has an on-board hose. Since this is the first I've heard of a new model, I'll have to call John at the factory and ask him if this is an all-new model or just a rehash of the old Generation series.
Congratulations on your purchase. Will you be bringing it to the meeting so we can all see this brand new model?
tom gasko
park hills, mo USA - Monday, June 12, 2006 at 11:16:19 (MDT)
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Hey here is my wish list. Need wands & floor tool for Pink G.E canister. Tools and correct hose for Golden Lewyt. Outer vynal bag for G.E Upright U-7 Owners Maunuals for said Vacuums. Thanks Mikey
Mikey Banta
Santa Clara, Ca USA - Sunday, June 11, 2006 at 09:27:08 (MDT)
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The Kirby saleslady visited me-and I got a new Kirby "Sentria" vacuum-Its quite a machine-Its has a very effective Blue-white LED headlight.The bletlifter is diffrent-little easier to use.the handlebar has a chromed front panel-the Kirby "bank" on the back is no more.The speed switch on top of the motor is gone as well-its said the switch confused users.the furniture tool is diffrent.The machine is slightly lighter in weight.Also it has a wider front bumper around the floor nozzle.The "Handi-butler" tool is back-its turbine powered-and uses standard Dremel "Moto-Tool" bits.The machines just came out this week.Anyone else in the VACCC gotten one?
rex oliver
greenville, NC USA - Sunday, June 11, 2006 at 02:13:26 (MDT)
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HI To All:
Just a short note that I won't be attending the convention either because of the shortage at work, but was so looking forward to it, I have been a member of the club since 2002 and haven't attended one convention yet but I still have hope of one day attending one.
I also wanted to say that I finally got my RCA Whirlpool Imperial Mark XII and it is drop dead gorious and it really truly does a fanastic job of cleaning, it was totally rebuild with brand new parts and boy that does make a differance. it has just a few scratches on it but other then that it's mint.
Well hoping all of You who are attending have the time of your life.
Happy vacuuming Skip...
Skip Aultman
Lafayette, LA USA - Friday, June 09, 2006 at 18:06:36 (MDT)
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Hello Everyone:
Just wanted to say I will not be seeing all of you in St Louis as Planned. Everything changes,
so I will not be there to share in all the fun.
Enjoy, until the next time.
Norm
Norm Brown
Columbus, OHio USA - Thursday, June 08, 2006 at 21:03:33 (MDT)
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Hi all!
Clay, that is a great idea! I could use many Lux pieces. For example, (though I am not expecting miracles here,)I am lookin for an AE original hose, complete attachement set for a model XXX, the filter (in the back) for the model XXX, hoses that work; straight suction and electrified, and whatever else you are able to bring for us to pick over. I am also looking for a Rainbow model D3C (the brown model with what I call "hat rings" around the top) machine only, since mine was trashed by FedEx when I sent it home from my first convention in 2002, Kirby 500 series good used cords, and whatever other good stuff you want to unload! Lookin forward to seeing you next week!
Louis R
Madison, CT USA - Thursday, June 08, 2006 at 18:36:58 (MDT)
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At long last!!!!
I finally found a Hoover model 33!!! I decided to brave the 105 degree heat and go shopping and i am so glad i did! It has a gray bag on it though so that is what my shout out is for. At first i thought is was the tan colored bag of the 1070 but upon taking it outside into the sunlight it looked gray to me. I'm sort of color blind anyway so who knows what color it is? LOL!! So if anyone has an extra purple bag i will buy it!!! Thanks! Marty
Martin Rocha
Palm Springs, Ca USA - Wednesday, June 07, 2006 at 21:16:16 (MDT)
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Clay,
What a great Idea, I would love to have in my collection any one of the Eureka tear drop canisiters. I will be bringing some vacuums for the free pile as well. Some newer and older vacuums.
Charlie, I can totally understand how hard it is to find an organist. I am lucky as there are two women that play the piano in my Church and they are good about covering while I am gone. I find though that they really appreciate the organ when I return.
Looking forward to seeing everyone!!!
Morgan
Morgan T. Frazer
Dubuque, IA USA - Monday, June 05, 2006 at 05:59:23 (MDT)
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Hi All,
Yes, definitely feeling the excitement in the air about the upcoming convention. I wish I could make it but it's just too great an economic burden for me.
Not only are there the expenses of attending the convention, but also the loss of income as I would have to take time off from two church jobs without pay.
Not to mention that church organists are as scarce as Model O Hoovers -- try finding ONE when you need one, let alone TWO of 'em....
Hope you all have lots of fun and PLEASE ... EVERYONE ... give my dear friend STAN KANN a BIG HUG and KISS and tell him it is f