Atwood central vac

I don't have any leads on a hose, but I wanted to bump this thread up just in case someone might. I included some links that I've bookmarked over the years about older central vacs, if you're interested.

After years of being on this site and activity reading about antique central vacs, here's what I can remember. A large number of these early systems used braided hoses, which lost their seal after a number of years. The air-flow of these vacuums, even with a new hose, was pretty weak. By the 30s, Electrolux and Hoover had inexpensive portable vacuums with suction that was significantly better than any of the old centrals, and many were retired. I would be very very surprised if even one hose from 110 years ago is still in existence, and I can't find any proof of a known example in recent years.

There's been some recent discussion on antique central vacs on here since someone is currently trying to sell a TUEC from a now-renovated basement, however there are no attachments. From what I can gather, there are a few antique central vacs known to be still installed in their original home. Not all are functional. One of them is the Pittock Mansion, and another is the St. Louis Fox Theater. See this thread:

www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bi...

Old central vacs had a small diameter inlet to increase suction, since the original machines produced so little. I have this video bookmarked of someone converting an old Arco Wand set up in a mansion to an MD System.

Here is the best link I could find on Atwood, but no mention of central vacs. But it appears to be the same company in Illinois:
www.facebook.com/lostilli...

Here are some good links about antique central vacs, mostly about Spencer and TUEC:

forgottengalicia.com/combating-d...

www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bi...

TLDR: Antique central vacs are rare, even rarer to be still installed, and the hoses may be literally non-existent. But don't give up hope! There are many collectors still very interested in these machines, and it is very very cool and appreciated that you have kept yours installed. We're all waiting for a hose to come along, but in the mean time, there are some old pictures of some that are still posted online.


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Post# 446420 9/23/2021 at 13:45 (937 days old) by LCHS (LA CROSSE)
Checkrate/Likes Our house museum has an early unit and we are looking for hose and accessories as close to 1909 as possible.

Post# 446847 , Reply# 1 10/6/2021 at 19:45 (924 days old) by bagintheback (Flagstaff, Arizona)
Checkrate/Likes I don't have any leads on a hose, but I wanted to bump this thread up just in case someone might. I included some links that I've bookmarked over the years about older central vacs, if you're interested. After years of being on this site and activity reading about antique central vacs, here's what I can remember. A large number of these early systems used braided hoses, which lost their seal after a number of years. The air-flow of these vacuums, even with a new hose, was pretty weak. By the 30s, Electrolux and Hoover had inexpensive portable vacuums with suction that was significantly better than any of the old centrals, and many were retired. I would be very very surprised if even one hose from 110 years ago is still in existence, and I can't find any proof of a known example in recent years. There's been some recent discussion on antique central vacs on here since someone is currently trying to sell a TUEC from a now-renovated basement, however there are no attachments. From what I can gather, there are a few antique central vacs known to be still installed in their original home. Not all are functional. One of them is the Pittock Mansion, and another is the St. Louis Fox Theater. See this thread: www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bi... Old central vacs had a small diameter inlet to increase suction, since the original machines produced so little. I have this video bookmarked of someone converting an old Arco Wand set up in a mansion to an MD System. Here is the best link I could find on Atwood, but no mention of central vacs. But it appears to be the same company in Illinois: www.facebook.com/lostilli... Here are some good links about antique central vacs, mostly about Spencer and TUEC: forgottengalicia.com/combating-d... www.vacuumland.org/cgi-bi... TLDR: Antique central vacs are rare, even rarer to be still installed, and the hoses may be literally non-existent. But don't give up hope! There are many collectors still very interested in these machines, and it is very very cool and appreciated that you have kept yours installed. We're all waiting for a hose to come along, but in the mean time, there are some old pictures of some that are still posted online.

Post# 446849 , Reply# 2 10/6/2021 at 19:48 (924 days old) by bagintheback (Flagstaff, Arizona)
Checkrate/Likes *P.S* Oh, and if you don't mind, I would love to see some pictures of what you have. The inlets would be fun to see. I'm sure other collectors would also be interested.

Post# 446853 , Reply# 3 10/6/2021 at 20:49 (924 days old) by MadMan (Chicago, IL, USA)
Checkrate/Likes Well, I found a patent. The only one I can find for a James Thomas Atwood of Rockford, IL. It's a central vacuum, of the roots type of air pump, like a supercharger. I also got several hits on google books. Search for "Atwood stationary vacuum cleaner" CLICK HERE TO GO TO MadMan's LINK

Post# 446910 , Reply# 4 10/7/2021 at 23:10 (923 days old) by Caligula (Wallingford, Connecticut)
Checkrate/Likes *Atwood stationary vacuum cleaner.* Hi MadMan: James Thomas Atwood was indeed from Rockford, Illinois, but his interest with vacuum cleaners didn't last long. He switched to automobiles, and introduced several features. There's extensive data on Wikipedia on the Atwood cars and a long history of him and his family on Ancestry.com., Check it out if you can, it's a great read. By the way, for those who don't know me, Caligula, refers to the cream colored cat in my photo. Alex Taber.