Thread Number: 23640
Collectors' Book
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Post# 264716   1/25/2014 at 12:33 (3,715 days old) by Paul (USA)        

Hello,

I am wondering if there is a collectors' book of maintenance machines & more (how's that for alliteration?) including residential and commercial vacuum cleaners, scrubber/polishers, carpet machines and their accessories and supplies that a person could use as a reference for models, styles, colors, et cetera. Many collectible items have such reference books (e.g. autos, Watt pottery), but I have never heard about one for cleaners.

While there are company history books, it seems from what I have read that they are largely written in paragraph form rather than in quick reference form; may not include detailed information about variances of colors, styles, and other trivia; and are not updated frequently to include later models and machines.

If such (a) reference(s) exist(s), please tell me its/their title(s) and where I might obtain it/them. If not, I would think that there are enough experts in Vacuumland to assemble the information and publish one. In fact, I am putting together information on Electroluxes in list form as I gather it.

Oftentimes eBay parts/attachments are listed as functional with a group of machines rather than specifying the original ones for which they were made. Moreover, one may pass on an item while shopping in person only to discover later that it was a rare part to one of his/her machines; then go back and find it had already been purchased by someone else. While it may be true that some groups of machines have/had identical parts/attachments, there are also sometimes minor characteristics such as with the Electrolux Model S and Electrolux Model R that might otherwise be mistaken for the wrong cleaner.

It would be beneficial to have a hard copy reference; in fact, a soft copy guide on the Vacuumland website would also be convenient.


Post# 264718 , Reply# 1   1/25/2014 at 12:51 (3,715 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi Paul.

caligula's profile picture

As far as I know there is no book of this type, though there are a few that deal with history. It's a great idea, and if you are interested in writing one, let me know, it's a project I'd love to work on.

 

Alex Taber.


Post# 264721 , Reply# 2   1/25/2014 at 13:36 (3,714 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        
ooo, what fun!

super-sweeper's profile picture

writing a book on maintaining machines? I'm all for it! I've cleaned, fixed and kept going many machines over the years, I can start compiling notes and illustrations, What fun!

 

I'll whip up a sample paper on one of America's finest and commonest, The Hoover Elite! See how you guys like the format I have in mind!


Post# 264724 , Reply# 3   1/25/2014 at 14:27 (3,714 days old) by Paul (USA)        
Hi, Alex and Alex,

Thanks for your responses. I will wait to see others' interests and thoughts before proceeding, but, yes, I would be interested in contributing to a book.

I wouldn't say that I am disinterested in other machines/companies, but I am most interested in Electrolux USA from 1952 to the end of Electrolux USA (before Aerus); although I am confused at all the different names/versions of the machines from the mid-1980s and on...apparently because there were some models that were only sold in stores and some that were only sold door to door. I'm no expert in any of the machines but am good at observing details. There seems to be plenty of detailed information on the vintage era (pre-1980), but less from that time forward.

So far I have put together a form of data (on an MS Word document) including: for vacuum cleaners--body, logo, bumpers, power switch, power cord, hose, dusting brush/upholstery tool, floor/rug tool, etc.; for shampooers/polishers--housing, handle grips, cord, handle adjusters, etc.

Alex (PA), I know you are quite knowledgable about the very first vacuum cleaners, so that might be the focal point of your possible contribution...or whatever you'd like to do. Since you are one of the founding members of the VCCC, you would have all sorts of information from a variety of brands, I'm sure!

Alex (FL), it sounds like you have a wealth of information on the Hoover Elite and all you need to do is organize it--great!

Colored photos would be super, but I'm not sure how much capital that would take--or who would provide them (consistent quality and form would be important). If this project is undertaken, it would be a good idea to first publish a more economical paperback version that would keep initial finances lower and allow readers to edit any erroneous information as well as providing additional information.


Post# 264769 , Reply# 4   1/25/2014 at 22:55 (3,714 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        
Thanks,

super-sweeper's profile picture

I'm sure Alex Tabber (Spelt correctly?) is the expert as to Electrolux, early models, etc. I know my fair share of more than just Elites, I was stating that as a prototype example. Color photos would take less effort than full-on illustrations, I'll see to it.


Post# 264779 , Reply# 5   1/25/2014 at 23:45 (3,714 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        
Meant to add,

super-sweeper's profile picture

I'll get some pictures ready when I have Sunlight again tomorrow, Yay!


Post# 264780 , Reply# 6   1/25/2014 at 23:53 (3,714 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi super-sweeper

caligula's profile picture

The correct spelling is, Taber, and I'm NOT the expert on early Electrolux's, I simply share the facts I've read through various sourced over the last 55 years.

 

Most of my 'facts' come from a publication 'Electrolux the past 40 years, 1924 - 1964,'which was not available to people outside Electrolux personnel.  I've also done extensive patent research and acquired various articles such as 'The Electrolux News.' What is true is that I wrote several biographies on the company for my own use, the first in 1979, and an update in 1982. A few years later I published these in the early issues of the V.C.C.C. newsletter.

 

In the fall of 1994 I turned this information over to Charles Richard Lester, who I'd appointed to replace me as the club editor. Charles took those basic facts, researched them in far greater detail and embellished it into a fantastic Electrolux site. Another expert, if you want to use the term, is my friend, Tom Gasko. Through his museum, he's able to provide a wealth of information.

 

I can only talk about the models I've owned, the facts in the instruction books, and other data I've acquired. However, if the facts are incorrect, I pass on wrong information. However, what I will admit to is becoming aware of the model LX at the tender age of 2, and I've loved that model ever since.

 

 


Post# 264781 , Reply# 7   1/26/2014 at 00:01 (3,714 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        
Electrolux Experts,

super-sweeper's profile picture

We'll leave that to another individual, then. But even then, with all your years of research and experience, you're still a VERY vital member of this "project"!Laughing 


Post# 264782 , Reply# 8   1/26/2014 at 00:38 (3,714 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi super-sweeper

caligula's profile picture

The idea of a book on the history of the vacuum cleaner is not new, the origin goes back to the first meeting of the Vacuum Cleaner Collector's Club in May of 1985. (See picture.) It was first proposed by Mike Pupek as a club project. The problem facing us back then was that while we had  information on Electrolux, Hoover, Kirby, the early years of Rexair (pre-Rainbow) and extensive data on the non electric pumpers of the late 1800's, it was not enough for a book. But our biggest stumbling block was that the V.C.C.C, while recognized by the Hoover company, was brand new, and we had no pull with the vacuum cleaner industry. Fact is, Air-Way, Electrolux, Kirby, and all the other's wanted nothing to do with us, so we hit that proverbial brick wall, and the idea died on the vine!

 

Over the years, I used the newsletter to share information to our limited membership, but without internet, which didn't exist back then that was all we had. In addition, antique guides, and other 'collectable' magazines didn't give a damn about the vacuum cleaner, neither did insurance companies, so our alternate idea of a vacuum cleaner blue-book also died on the vine!

 

Today, the club John and I started is international, the meetings have become conventions, and the internet is teaming with information. What six people could not do, those in Vacuumland can! I'd love to help a project like this get started, and share whatever information I have, be that patent books, or back issues of the newsletters I published.

 

Please feel free to contact me so we can pursue this.

 

Alex Taber


Post# 264783 , Reply# 9   1/26/2014 at 01:13 (3,714 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi Paul, hi super-sweeper.

caligula's profile picture

One of the things I'd like to see covered in this book is a step by step repair of the Electrolux model LX ejection system so I don't have to keep re-writing it each time somebody gets a machine that won't eject, and asks for help. I'd also love to have a section on patents to give a visual idea of what a device looked like. As patents tend to be long, wordy things, I'd do just the drawings, and let the reader look up the text to the patent on his own.

 

As I mentioned before, in the early days, our collections were not insurable. Why? because the vacuum cleaner was not a recognized collectable like lets say depression glass. My insurance agent told me it had to be a rider on  the basic home insurance, but not my non electrics. True, this was in 1985, and I never followed up on it. I'm sure with eBay, Craigslist and others this is no longer true, or is it?

 

While we could have repair data, there could also be a section on the history of the company, and perhaps something like blue book value. There's a lot to think about, but I agree, this should be available to those of us here at Vacuumland.

 

Alex Taber.   

 

 

 


Post# 264784 , Reply# 10   1/26/2014 at 01:41 (3,714 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        
If I can find an LX,

super-sweeper's profile picture

I'll be sure to look into the ejection system.Laughing


Post# 264834 , Reply# 11   1/26/2014 at 15:00 (3,713 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi super-sweeper

caligula's profile picture

I've walked so many collectors through the basic repair of the model LX/LXI, that I think I could write in my sleep! Now, however, I simply refer them to the thread Lux XXX/30 tools, posted by powermate1970. To access this, go to archives 1/3/2013, and simply scroll down. That is an awesome thread, with a lot of great information, and wonderful pictures.

 

Alex Taber.


Post# 264835 , Reply# 12   1/26/2014 at 15:14 (3,713 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi super-sweeper

caligula's profile picture

Unfortunately this was only available to Electrolux employees, I got mine in 1968 when I was selling the 1205. That was an interesting year, I was only 17, and just old enough to know that I wanted a career in the vacuum cleaner industry. Back then I was green as grass as far as research was concerned, but this book has been my reference guide over the years.


Post# 265119 , Reply# 13   1/28/2014 at 19:53 (3,711 days old) by Paul (USA)        

Alex and Alex,

Looks like the book idea isn't garnering much interest at this point, so let's let it "cook" for a while. One thing I did think about was that collectors' books I've seen have been paperback, because they are updated frequently. That should be a consideration, so that any errors or oversights are corrected annually or at least bienially; and additions can be made frequently to include the latest models and versions.

I hope at least one person in our midst has had publishing experience. I have no idea of the process of publishing a book.

Alex (FL), Thanks for the clarification about your knowledge base.

Alex (PA), Good idea about the "How To..." section. I, for one, would appreciate that.


Post# 265124 , Reply# 14   1/28/2014 at 20:10 (3,711 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi Paul.

caligula's profile picture

I have considerable experience publishing newsletters, I written several of them, and in different genre's. My first was for the V.C.C.C. from January 1983 to March 1995. I've also published pamphlets on assorted subjects. Another way to go is self publishing, and I can do that too.

 

I could type up a pamphlet, 'Repairing the Electrolux model LX ejection system,' and go from there. As I'm retired and love to write, this could be my next project. If you and others get me the data, I'll transform it into a book.

 

Alex Taber.

 

 


Post# 265285 , Reply# 15   1/29/2014 at 21:26 (3,710 days old) by Paul (USA)        

Sounds good, Alex (PA). I'll keep researching the Electrolux line. In the meantime, maybe you or Alex (FL) could create a complete list of floor machine brands and create a sign-up thread of persons who would like to be responsible for their research--including photos.

Also, before we get too far we'll want to discuss and formalize how to create a budget, how to secure copyrights, how to register for an ISBN and how the profits will be used. That's taking for granted we'd want to go that route. Maybe the consensus will be just a scaled down pamphlet that is printed upon request.


Post# 265453 , Reply# 16   1/30/2014 at 18:49 (3,709 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        
I'd go for the pamphlet,

super-sweeper's profile picture

I don't see people rushing to their local bookstore in search of a book on all things vacuums! It would only appeal to collectors, publishes would likely not see fit in publishing. I could care less of earning profits, this is a fun project!

 

A list of floor machines, I'm on it! I'm working on a Hoover Qwik-Broom, I'll use it as the prototype template model for the pamphlet page.

 

And yes, we could use more people to help out on this project, all they'll need to do is when servicing a machine, take some notes, pictures, and send them to us for writing! hooray!


Post# 266178 , Reply# 17   2/4/2014 at 17:35 (3,704 days old) by Paul (USA)        

Your list of floor machines and prototype of the front page ounds great, Alex (FL). Looking forward to seeing them when you get them done!

As for the particulars, I just think that we should look into our options--including researching what other collectors books are like and if they've been registered somehow.

Regarding profits, I think we would do well to decide ahead of time how they should be spent in order to avoid conflicts later on. I wouldn't mind having them go to purchase parts for repairing machines to be donated to those who require financial assistance. Another consideration would be putting funds in reserve for future publications--which would include appointing someone to manage them. Correspondingly, I think anyone contributing should know beforehand what our plans are; so it doesn't appear that it's a half-baked plan.

I wonder if this idea should be brought to the business meeting at the annual convention? That may be a better platform for organizing our idea and getting more persons on board. The other option would be for you, Alex (PA), and me to just assemble a small pamphlet/book of information we have and add to it as we research more information. Copies could be printed as persons purchased them rather than printing, say 50 at one time. The second plan would be very informal as opposed to the first which would attempt to be more complete and available to those that do not use the internet and do not have membership in the VCCC (perhaps available at select antique stores).

I'm still working on my Electrolux machine information. It's challenging to find information from the 1980s to the present, so that information may have to be added as research reveals more data down the road.

Hope things are going well for you!



Post# 266179 , Reply# 18   2/4/2014 at 17:45 (3,704 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        
That's an idea,

super-sweeper's profile picture

A pamphlet for each individual machine could work, I've been taking photos to compile into a prototype of a page set-up, hopefully will be done this weekend.


Post# 266198 , Reply# 19   2/4/2014 at 19:17 (3,704 days old) by Paul (USA)        

You may be on to something, too, about an individual pamphlet for each brand. Then if others decided to do their particular favorites, we could eventually combine them.

Best on doing your prototype.


Post# 266692 , Reply# 20   2/8/2014 at 13:18 (3,701 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        
Well,

super-sweeper's profile picture

I whipped this together this morning, a cover page for the Hoover Kwik-Broom pamphlet. The Vacuumland logo seems very fitting there, but I would like Robert to be o.k with the use of the logo on the page, and, if not, it will be promptly removed.

I would've changed the background color, but that would've messed up all the pictures and text boxes.

Again, just a quick MS Word thing, thoughts? comments? concerns?

 

P.S- I screenshot the document so I would not have to do links and stuff like that.

Another note- I would've put both the manual picture and the picture of the Hoover in question, but I did not have a picture on hand of it.


Post# 266773 , Reply# 21   2/8/2014 at 17:35 (3,700 days old) by Paul (USA)        

Looks great, Alex! I don't have any suggestions.

Post# 266812 , Reply# 22   2/8/2014 at 23:40 (3,700 days old) by super-sweeper (KSSRC Refurbishment Center)        
Hooray!

super-sweeper's profile picture

I just hope the other Alex (Taber) Likes it too!


Post# 266852 , Reply# 23   2/9/2014 at 09:47 (3,700 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi super-sweeper

caligula's profile picture

Yes I do like this. However, you guys need to understand, I'm not computer savvy!! All I know how to do is write stories, send email and do other basic tasks. 

 

Posting those pictures from the Electrolux museum last week was a real chore, it took me an hour just to learn how to rotate those pictures. As for the above format, it looks fantastic, but I'll need to learn how to operate it.  As a dinosaur, (age 63) I don't text, am not on Face book (and don't want to be!) If I can type it, I can do it, but beyond that, I'm a fish out of water. So tell me what you need from me, and I'll get the material to the right people via email. Also, a lot of my historic information is in the early V.C.C.C. newsletters, which I wrote and publisher from 1983 to 95.

 

Alex Taber.


Post# 266870 , Reply# 24   2/9/2014 at 15:30 (3,699 days old) by tig21er (Indiana)        
Alex,

I am the same way and I am going on 67. You and I seem to have similar memories when it comes to Electrolux. I have had Kirby, Rainbow, Tristar, and Filter Queen all wanting me to sell for them but I couldn't get behind the product. Rainbow offered State Sales Manager job. The distributor and not the company. I to have that same 40 year book on Electrolux. Isn't it interesting? This sight and talking the old stuff and new is fantastic. I hate it when one person thinks everyone should think their way or you are wrong.
I hope to post more stuff from my Electrolux papers that were collected by my Father, Mother and I. It was and is a family affair.


Post# 266881 , Reply# 25   2/9/2014 at 17:57 (3,699 days old) by caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)        
Hi tig21er.

caligula's profile picture

Since you're a few years older than me, I'd love to hear your memories.

 

As I was born in September of 1950, I was 2 when the Electrolux LX was introduced. My memory of the ejection process is crystal clear, and plays like a movie in my mind, (I have a photographic memory) but beyond that I don't recall a lot. As the demo of the LX tossing the bag was common in homes around the country from 1952 to 1955, did you see it, and if so, remember it?

 

I believed in both Electrolux and Kirby as a 2 year old, see picture, and when I was old enough, went to work for Electrolux. Then in 1975, went to work for Kirby. However, my first love is history.

 

Please send me a private email, we need to get to know each other better.

Alex Taber.



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