This story actually originated as a book. The novel was written by Thomas M. Disch, whom was a science fiction author. The story was originally intended to not be a kids book, or story because the initial idea of appliances, seemed absurd to his publisher. So in 1978, a short version was published in a science fiction magazine, after it gained interest, then it was published as a novel in 1980, then from there, it indecently appealed to the younger audience.

In the book, he was not Kirby, he was referenced as, either "the old Hoover", or just Hoover. On the cover he was made to look like a model 115 junior, that was produced in 1946. There is a passage in the first book, about the time period that this story takes place. The alarm clock (he was a clock radio, not just radio on the book), was part of a discussion about how long the appliances had been abandoned. The clock said the master left on Sep 26th 1973, and it is now March 8th 1976. So with that being said, it is still a summer cottage, but the Master was not a kid, he is a grown married man, and the reason for the cottage being deserted in the book, is because his wife suffers from hay fever.

Now in the second book, which is The Brave Little Toaster Goes To Mars. Its actually discussed exactly how old the Old Hoover is.  That book is sooo much different to the movie, that I wont go into hard details on here, you will just have to get a copy of it and read it....lol...But Hoover is, according to the book, from 1940. In the first book he is also mentioned as the oldest of the group.  There is also a great passage in the first book about meeting the new vacuum cleaner at the city apartment. Keep in mind, the time period is 1976.

I personally think anyone who sees the movie needs to read both books. They are VERY well written, and include things that should have been in the films. Not to mention they are full of meanings, and irony's too that makes one think.