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Thread Number: 40536
/ Tag: Pre-1950 Vacuum Cleaners
Alex Taber..Electrolux history |
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Post# 430603 8/25/2020 at 11:05 (1,333 days old) by gottahaveahoove  (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640) |
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Post# 430604 , Reply# 1 8/25/2020 at 11:43 (1,333 days old) by Thevacomaticiec (Bathurst New Brunswick Canada ) |
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Ooooh nice  | ||
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Post# 430607 , Reply# 2 8/25/2020 at 12:07 (1,333 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640) |
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Well, SURE!
This article will go in the next "newsletter",, shhhhh don't want to cause a riot. We're spotlighting a major company each time. I'll do all of the major ones. We started with Hoover, naturally. Next, I think, will be Electrolux. We can certainly look into Compact. It will be great, fun, and informative to learn how these industry giants began...and what's become of them.
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Post# 430608 , Reply# 3 8/25/2020 at 12:08 (1,333 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640) |
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Which is why | ||
| Post# 430610 , Reply# 4 8/25/2020 at 13:19 (1,333 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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| Post# 430611 , Reply# 5 8/25/2020 at 13:21 (1,333 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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Post# 430616 , Reply# 6 8/25/2020 at 15:02 (1,333 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640) |
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I will | ||
| Post# 430629 , Reply# 7 8/25/2020 at 16:29 (1,333 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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John:
The data I compiled goes back before there ever was a V.C.C.C., it came about in September of 1979 when I was compiling data for my Electrolux patent book. And while Electrolux was reluctant to give data, there was a letter from Charlie McKee who provided a tidbit of info on the model V, and importing it to America in 1924. He followed that with the statement. "Electrolux is interested in tomorrows sales, not yesterday's history!" He forgot that it was the history that made the company and their reputation of excellence that made those sales. But I had one more card to play. In 1968/69 I was a salesman for Electrolux and as such got a copy of the book 'ELECTROLUX THE FIRST 40 YEARS 1924-1964.' and it was through that book where I obtained my data. Others have claimed that Axel L. Wenner-Gren started in 1910 with a canister, and I do not dispute that, but my data starts in 1919 with what would become the model V (5) and introduce Electrolux to America. Keep in mind, vacuum cleaner collecting was for me, just a hobby. I will provide all I have and you can use it as you see fit. Alex. | ||
| Post# 430630 , Reply# 8 8/25/2020 at 16:56 (1,333 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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Hi John:
True, factual data is hard to find. Our friend Stacy Krammes gave my tons of data on my first trip to the Historical Center in 1980, that she, and The Hoover Company all thought was accurate. Over the years I published this and not until Wikipedia was I able to see some of these were wrong. Even the best companies can get it wrong, but with your attention to detail, I'm sure the newsletters will continue to be a source of information. And I'll be glad to help whenever you need me. | ||
| Post# 430633 , Reply# 10 8/25/2020 at 17:36 (1,333 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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Hi Electroluxxxx:
You must be talking about the Lux Company of Stockholm, Sweden, which figures into my history. And your information is 100% accurate. However, I'd prefer to talk to you about this privately. In 1979, I had limited data, and that was why the patent books were so vital. Basically, these were a collection of patents on vacuum cleaner prototypes, and parts, from motors to attachments that I acquired from the Research department of the Chicago Public Library. Through these I saw parts and could build the history of the machines. A patent search was like a crossword puzzle. Somebody working for Electrolux may show up in Kirby, or Hoover. Far too complicated to go into here. The Electrolux model LX was years in development, and the prototypes were quite amusing. As I've said repeatedly, I first watched the model LX eject when I was between two and three years old, and it made a lasting impression. The rest, as they say, is history. | ||
| Post# 430636 , Reply# 12 8/25/2020 at 18:30 (1,333 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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I want to talk privately so I don't give away too much data. I'll be sharing this in the Christmas issue. As for Charles Richard Lester, he is a personal friend of mine and I've known Tom Gasko since 1993, in fact I met both Charles and Tom the same weekend. Charles read what I intend to share at Christmas, and delved deeper into the research, uncovering the canister of I think 1910. He also gave me the background on the Lux Company. But that is his info not mine and I will not undercut his research. Mine will be the early data I acquired long before there was a V.C.C.C. So if you have questions, please keep them between us.
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| Post# 430638 , Reply# 13 8/25/2020 at 18:51 (1,333 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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Understand this loud and clear. I do not want any part of the newsletter war that has been on previous threads. Nor will I post any of my Electrolux material prior to the Christmas issue of the newsletter. Understand too that I support John Long all the way, but it is his project not mine. Anything he uses will be what he sees fit. What I will provide was published in the newsletters back in the 1980's, and reprinted in the 1990's. Both Tom Gasko, and Charles Richard Lester have read it. What I'll be presenting is for those here at Vacuumland who have no idea of the history of Electrolux.
If you have any data, keep it, I have more than I need. My knowledge is extensive. I started acquiring it when I worked for a branch office in Hamden, Connecticut after school when I was 18, I'm about to turn 70. I have books on Electrolux that only employees were given, and as an employee, got to tour the factory in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, twenty miles from my home. I picked the brains of three salesmen who were family friends. Yes, I know Electrolux. But as I said, this project will be John Long's and I'm not talking about it till after the Christmas issue is out there. This post was last edited 08/25/2020 at 21:36 | ||
| Post# 430640 , Reply# 15 8/25/2020 at 18:58 (1,333 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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| Post# 430642 , Reply# 17 8/25/2020 at 19:08 (1,333 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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| Post# 430657 , Reply# 19 8/25/2020 at 22:02 (1,332 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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| Post# 430678 , Reply# 21 8/26/2020 at 09:40 (1,332 days old) by electroluxxxx (……) | ||
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So I was talking with a past VCCC member from years and years ago and apparently there was a newsletter for electrolux. Here are some pics that were shared with me. How cool is it to see a newsletter of yesteryear?! Enjoy 😊 | ||
| Post# 430680 , Reply# 22 8/26/2020 at 10:48 (1,332 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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Nice newsletter, that was the last one I helped to design. But that is not the article I will be sharing, mine goes back about ten years prior. In this case, Charles Richard Lester and I pooled our knowledge and this was the result. I believe it was the Fall issue of 1995.
Nice to take a walk down memory lane. Alex. | ||
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Post# 430694 , Reply# 23 8/26/2020 at 13:54 (1,332 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640) |
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Alex, many thanks. | ||
| Post# 430723 , Reply# 24 8/26/2020 at 21:44 (1,331 days old) by electroluxxxx (……) | ||
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Who is Bob Taber???
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| Post# 430728 , Reply# 25 8/26/2020 at 22:20 (1,331 days old) by Real1shep (Walla Walla, WA) | ||
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Robert Alexander Taber/'Caligula' Kevin | ||
| Post# 430749 , Reply# 26 8/27/2020 at 09:26 (1,331 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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| Post# 430750 , Reply# 27 8/27/2020 at 09:35 (1,331 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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Caligula.
He was the cream colored cat resting on the chair pictured in my avatar. Caligula means little boots in Latin. I named him that for the gold markings on his paws. He was the only mascot the V.C.C.C. ever had. He was a great favorite of the members of the club at the meetings between 1986 and 93. | ||
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Post# 430757 , Reply# 29 8/27/2020 at 10:12 (1,331 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640) |
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Yes, Alex | ||
| Post# 430760 , Reply# 31 8/27/2020 at 10:32 (1,331 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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I'm named after both my grandfathers paternal, Robert, maternal, Alexander. My dad's father was never there, and my mom's dad raised me. The afternoon I was in the office of my realtor in 1995, signing papers for the new house, I made the change. Why honor the man who was never there, and ignore the man who was? I made the switch, and am glad I did.
This post was last edited 08/27/2020 at 12:24 | ||
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Post# 430761 , Reply# 32 8/27/2020 at 10:39 (1,331 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640) |
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I always put E. John...
My students were always intrigued. Some like to use E.J. a co-worker, for example.
This post was last edited 08/27/2020 at 14:58 | ||
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Post# 430763 , Reply# 33 8/27/2020 at 10:53 (1,331 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640) |
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Well, ALEX...................
the history will be written very well. It will have stunning images, correct facts, etc. Decency demands true details about ALL of these vacuum companies. We plan to highlight a different company in each issue.
But.. enough of that in here. First, Hoover, then Electrolux, then..... who knows? Kirby, Compact. Singer...Tacony might even get a spotlight... why not,right??? | ||
| Post# 430764 , Reply# 34 8/27/2020 at 10:57 (1,331 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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Post# 430767 , Reply# 35 8/27/2020 at 11:34 (1,331 days old) by kloveland (Tulsa) |
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I haven't said very much because I don't want to be a part of the drama. I'm tired of reading the original VCCC, the old VCCC, or the "new" VCCC. It's all the same club! The VCCC Vacuum Cleaner Collectors Club (period). We are incorporated as a nonprofit. Members change over the years that is normal for any club.
It's still the same club Alex Tabor and John Lucia founded. Some may disagree. However, the VCCC is still the only official club for vacuum cleaner collectors. Some do not want to be a part and I fully understand that is a personal choice. The "controversial" newsletter is being sent to over 70 members. I would know this I keep the membership records as the treasurer. | ||
| Post# 430768 , Reply# 36 8/27/2020 at 12:17 (1,331 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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Post# 430776 , Reply# 37 8/27/2020 at 15:43 (1,331 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640) |
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And, many thanks to you, Kenny | ||
| Post# 430797 , Reply# 39 8/27/2020 at 19:57 (1,330 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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Hi Watsonw:
You are talking about the time period I love best. My research was just prior to the introduction of the model V (5) which was introduced in Sweden around 1923, or perhaps earlier. I understand it went through a number of changes involving the runners. I happen to own a model V and the runners are detachable. Mine is original down to the cord (flex) which is so cracked I can't run it. I also have the models XI, (11) XII, (12) and a XX, (20) which is also rare. You are right, in those days, Electrolux vacuum was the Rolls Royce vacuun cleaners. Please post pictures of these models as I'd love to see them, Mine have seen better days, but altering them by changing cords and so on would decrease their value. As to my model V, the only thing I don't have is the metal hose and wands. Any information you have I'd love to hear about. I know the American Electrolux's and was lucky enough to have lived twenty miles from the factory in Connecticut. But I would love to know the history of the European models. They must have been truly amazing. Thank you for sharing. | ||
| Post# 430875 , Reply# 40 8/28/2020 at 22:42 (1,329 days old) by electromatik (Taylorsville, North Carolina, U.S.A.) | ||
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Electrolux does not own Huebsch Huebsch is owned by Alliance Laundry Systems of Ripon, Wisconsin. PS I did not know that Electrolux owned Viking. Learn something new every day. | ||
| Post# 430911 , Reply# 42 8/29/2020 at 09:15 (1,329 days old) by electromatik (Taylorsville, North Carolina, U.S.A.) | ||
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Ohhhh, Viking VACS I totally thought you meant Viking Range. Jeezus. lol I forget about the Viking vacuums. European only I believe? Yes, Wascomat is Lux. But now they seem to be changing to LaundryLux. Gotta get "lux" on there somehow it seems. Alliance also owns UniMac and Speed Queen. | ||
| Post# 430983 , Reply# 44 8/30/2020 at 08:31 (1,328 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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Hi Real1shep:
Personally I don't concern myself with all this. I'm a historian, my only interest are the models on sled runners, beginning with the ones made in Sweden, and imported to America, and then the history of the factory in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. For me, the interest was the design of these machines and the development of the tools. It's no secret that my favorite of them is the model LX, as it started the interest, or what some might call a fascination. It's also no secret that my interest in the model LX is the development of the ejection system. But for me it stops there. And let me add, the only interest is vacuum cleaner, washing machines, etc. do nothing for me. Being a kid who grew up in Wallingford, Connecticut, and having a grandfather who took interest in my hobby, was a great way to grow up. Add to the fact that he worked for a school and bought numerous Electrolux's over the years. But, as I say, this is where it ends. I have no knowledge of Electrolux today, and my only interest of Electrolux in the early 1920's was the creation of a product that could be sold in every home. Alex Taber. | ||
| Post# 431005 , Reply# 46 8/30/2020 at 17:02 (1,328 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada) | ||
Just a note about the brandname Viking: In Canada, this was the store brandname for a line of home appliances sold in our T. Eaton department stores. Starting in the 1960’s (maybe even earlier) Eaton’s sold their own line of Viking vacuums made by the Canadian division of Eureka Williams in Kitchener, Ontario. Eureka had a long historical connection to Ontario: Fred Wardell (the founder) was a Canadian from Toronto, the first plant was across the Canada-US border in Detroit, and Eureka vacuums were well-known from coast-to-coast in Canada - though they were branded Viking and sold by the Toronto-based T. Eaton Company. In Canada, our annual Eaton’s catalogue was as popular as the Sears catalogue in the USA.
Things get complicated when Sweden’s Electrolux bought Eureka in 1974. Those European-made Electroluxes may have been labelled Viking due to some corporate agreement with Eaton’s after the takeover. Unless Viking was already being used by another division of Electrolux in Europe. But in the 1970’s and 1980’s, the two different lines of Viking vacuums (one in Canada and one in the USA) had different logos and typefaces. Those that were branded Viking in the USA, had to be labelled “Dometic” in Canada. | ||
| Post# 431048 , Reply# 48 8/31/2020 at 12:06 (1,327 days old) by eurekaprince (Montreal, Canada) | ||
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Regarding the Canadian division of Electrolux USA: Before the United States and Canada signed our "Free Trade Agreement" in the 1980's, most American manufacturers were required to open a branch plant or factory in Canada in order to sell their products north of the border. This was done for a variety of reasons, most importantly to provide work for Canadians and to provide work places that followed Canadian standards and labor laws. That's why Hoover, Eureka, GE and Electrolux all had Canadian factories. Some Canadian models differed slightly from American counterparts, but for some reason, the Electrolux plant in Montreal was given the freedom to design cleaners that were very different from those made in the US.
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| Post# 431073 , Reply# 49 8/31/2020 at 22:15 (1,326 days old) by Lesinutah (Utah) | ||
Wow
Isn't this inside information available only through the newsletter.
You won't tell others about the history it's only available via newsletter. Now this thread your posting what was suppose to be. Newsletter content. What would you call it. Come at me trying to discredit what I post. I retact if I'm wrong I admit it. Les | ||
| Post# 431089 , Reply# 51 9/1/2020 at 06:53 (1,326 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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Hi Les:
As far as I know there is no 'inside information,' I certainly can't speak for John Long, but what I intend to contribute is older than the hills. I'm merely going to upgrade and update things I didn't have access to. @eurekaprince: I can't address the topic now as I don't have access to the source material, but I know exactly when and why the split between Electrolux AB, and The Electrolux Corporation came about. In 1932 the model XII (12) was being imported from Sweden, and while I don't know the details, one of these ships was lost at sea. That prompted those in charge of selling Electrolux vacuum cleaners and floor polishers here in the United States, (I believe the headquarters was Dover, Delaware,) to act quickly and find a location for a factory. What they found was in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, and it was perfect for their needs. So from 1933 to 1937 the model XII was manufactured in Connecticut, and the model XXX followed in December of 37, making it the first American made Electrolux. As I said, I don't have access to the book at the moment, but it was one given exclusively to Electrolux employees, of which I was one. That book is 'ELECTROLUX the first forty years, 1924-1964.'I hope this clears up some of the confusion. | ||
| Post# 431091 , Reply# 53 9/1/2020 at 07:34 (1,326 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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Hi Les:
As long as I'm here there won't be any 'inside information,' and it certainly will not be exclusively for the newsletter. I'm a historian, and Electrolux is my favorite vacuum cleaner. As I mentioned in the post above I was an employee of Electrolux, and had access to inside information. What I learned I share freely, problem is that information only covers the models on sled runners, ending, of course with the model LXI. My material has been published since December of 1983 and has been revised several times. The problem was that there was no Wikipedia in 1983, in fact there were no computers, so there was no way to check facts. I wrote the data I was given, and at times some of this was wrong. Today, I can verify material and update it, and hopefully convey correct info. 99% of what I learned came from top brass at Electrolux in 1968 and 69, as well as from salesmen who I knew in the mid to late 1950's. So if it's Electrolux related, I'll respond to a post, and if there is a question I can respond to I will do so freely. As far as the newsletter, I'm leaving that in he hands of John Long, as I have no say in the publication. I hope this clears up any problems you have. Alex Taber. | ||
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Post# 431113 , Reply# 54 9/1/2020 at 14:18 (1,326 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640) |
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Dear friends,
Please let's not start a new 'thing'. Alex is just providing me w/ tons of info, which I will add to my contacts with Electrolux.
The entire newsletter is not dedicated to this. We're just going to do a focus/history of a different cleaner company in each issue. Upon becoming interested in Lux... I discovered that it is, indeed, a complicated and fascinating history. It will be concise, clear, factual, and hopefully, interesting. I just got the latest one mailed. This will take time. So, thanks, everyone, for you interest AND input. I do appreciate it a lot. | ||
| Post# 431115 , Reply# 55 9/1/2020 at 14:29 (1,326 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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Post# 431116 , Reply# 56 9/1/2020 at 14:38 (1,326 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640) |
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That's why I | ||
| Post# 431117 , Reply# 57 9/1/2020 at 15:05 (1,326 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut) | ||
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Hi John:
I fully agree, but as it's been pointed out before, not everybody here gets the newsletter, only those of us who are members of the V.C.C.C. and those at Vacuumland are entitled to knowledge of a given topic. My experience is Electrolux from 1924-1955, so when a question is asked, if I can respond I will. Also keep in mind that my responses have been in numerous posts and are readily available in the archives. As to the newsletter, that is 3+ months away, and I will provide you with the material I already have so you can use it as you see fit. At present I don't even know what I intend to contribute. I'll cross that bridge when the time comes. At this moment in my life I have other issues to deal with, not related to either V.C.C.C. or Vacuumland, but I'll address that later in the month. And let me hasten to add, medically, my life has never been better. Alex Taber. This post was last edited 09/01/2020 at 15:33 | ||
| Post# 459548 , Reply# 58 1/18/2023 at 14:07 (457 days old) by Paul (USA) | ||
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