Thread Number: 43500  /  Tag: Conventions, Mini-Meets, Parties
V.C.C.C. Early History
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Post# 454266   6/30/2022 at 20:06 (636 days old) by electrolux137 (Los Angeles)        

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VACUUM CLEANER COLLECTOR’S CLUB
EARLY HISTORY

John Lucia and Alex (“Bob”) Taber, the VCCC co-founders, started corresponding with one another in 1981. They met in person in 1982 when, together, they made a pilgrimage to the Hoover Historical Center and factory. That was the first time they ever saw "The Vault" where Hoover kept the competitors' models and their own early machines.

After their meeting at Hoover in 1982, they decided to see if there were other people interested in vacuum cleaners. They officially founded the club in 1983.

Over the next five years or so, the Club grew to about 10 people through word of mouth: primarily via the Hoover Company. Eventually, however, John and Bob decided to let the club lapse. This was due mainly to inactivity, but also because of some embarrassing mishaps involving a couple of the more "colorful" club members.

When Charles Lester first met Stan Kann (R.I.P.) in 1991, Stan told him not only about George Bourhill (R.I.P.), but also Alex Taber, John Lucia, and Mike Pupek, all of whom he had known for several years.

Charles first met John and Alex in 1991 by telephone. Stan had given him their names and phone numbers along with George Bourhill's and Mike Pupek's info.

Charles heard the very thrilling news from John that there was a Vacuum Cleaner Collectors' Club. Then he heard the very disappointing news that the Club was "in limbo" as Alex Taber put it.

Charles suggested getting the Club going again! However, John and Bob both were rather lukewarm about the idea. (Well, that is, John was "rather lukewarm" but Bob was "vehemently opposed" to the idea!) However, after much prodding and urging by Charles, they finally agreed, albeit reluctantly, to do so.

So, the three them were the first members of the "NEW Vacuum Cleaner Collector's Club," with Charles serving as newsletter editor and publisher. They also invited Stan Kann to join, of course, which he did. George Bourhill (R.I.P.) joined soon thereafter.

Then, other collectors came out of the woodwork in 1992 and 1993. Folks who joined included Clay Floyd (R.I.P.), Tom Gasko, Billy Lipman, Don O'Connor, Roger Proehl (R.I.P.), Mike Pupek, and David Watters (R.I.P.).

Other members by 1993 included Chuck Diehl (R.I.P.), Don Emmite, Joe Ferrante, Peter Frei, Bill Voigt, and Gary Wahl ....... for a whopping total of eighteen - count - em - eighteen members!! Who would ever have imagined there were so many vacuum cleaner nuts loose on the earth!



Post# 454272 , Reply# 1   6/30/2022 at 20:44 (636 days old) by Kloveland (Tulsa)        

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Thanks for posting this. I’m sure not many know about the early history of the club or even that the club exists. I knew Alex Tabor and John Lucia were founding members. Both great guys!



Post# 454298 , Reply# 2   7/1/2022 at 11:04 (636 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

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The very first convention I attended, I think in 1995 (correct me if I'm wrong) was at Alex Taber's home in Illinois. We met in his garage where he had his display of vacuums. Charles Lester was there (he had a fantastic purple coat). Clay Floyd and I brought tons of vacuums for people to take free. There was one rug in the garage, it was vacuumed a thousand times that weekend.

Meeting Alex and everyone was the greatest feeling in the world. I wasn't the only one who liked these things.

BUT as vac shop owners Clay and I were looked at with raised brows. Many collectors were laughed at by local vac shops when they asked about old cleaners. Most vac shop owners were only looking to make money from collectors. Clay and I were different. We gave the stuff away. It all worked out.

Clay brought a model A Rexair, the first model. I loved sitting outside on Alex's porch with everyone. I don't remember any dinner parties, banquets, contests or prizes. That would all come later. My first convention was one of the best trips of my life.



Post# 454302 , Reply# 3   7/1/2022 at 11:14 (636 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
I'm so glad that

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I personally know both Alex and John, the co-founders of our VCCC. It's good to get the true history of it's origin.  I'm proud to have welcomed John into my home. He came home with me once after a convention. What times we had!

 It's a shame he couldn't have returned last week.

 But, another time.


Post# 454313 , Reply# 4   7/1/2022 at 15:04 (636 days old) by Air-WayCharlie (USA)        

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Thank you Charles Lester and Tom Gasko for the honest, complete history of the club. It's roots have been basterized over the years by many people with many agendas.

When I joined nearly 25 years ago, Tom Gasko had been president for several terms. By the time I became president, the size and scope of the club had changed---it was more like an organization and after we appeared on national television, (CBS Sunday Morning News), with Bill Geist, the membership was 100+ worldwide. Those were heady times!

Its nice to know it is still going strong and looks like it will continue with future generations of vacuum collectors. The history is now here and memorialized. I'm sure the young folks will talk about the conventions of the 2000's in the future.

Semper sursum et ultra!


Post# 454404 , Reply# 5   7/4/2022 at 11:30 (633 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
Charles (Lester)

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Both Alex and John were very glad to see such correct,accurate history oh this club.

I think I'll include this in our newsletter.
I'll now be able to include more name, too.
Thanks, again.


Post# 454422 , Reply# 6   7/4/2022 at 21:13 (632 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
I meant names.

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Stan, for one, plus many others.

Post# 454446 , Reply# 7   7/5/2022 at 15:52 (632 days old) by gottahaveahoove (Pittston, Pennsylvania, 18640)        
I'll have to also add

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Stan to our In memoriam book.  Should have done that earlier.

  Well, it'll be done now.

 



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