1922 Laundry Instructions by Home Economist, For Thor Cylinder Washer

[vintagekitchen]

Found this and had to share. Seems the writer was one of the most famous home economists of her time, writing many pamphlets detailing how to make your life easier with modern methods and products. This one was sponsored by the company which produced Thor washing machines, hence, the references to the "Thor Cylinder Washer" throughout..

The "One Best Way" to Wash: A Home Economist Explains

 

[cehalstead]

interesting reading.

Thanks for posting. I have a similar manual from GE in 1932.

 

[jeff_adelphi]

Cover scan--

Here's the cover of the 1922 pamphlet.

 

[jeff_adelphi]

Another photo--

The Thor Cylinder washer

 

[jeff_adelphi]

Another photo--

The Thor exhibition model, I want one of these!

 

[jeff_adelphi]

Another photo--

Showing the Thor shaft drive system.

 

[launderess]

That "Pony Washer" Model Type

Was in use for commercial laundries since about the early part of the last century IIRC. This design influenced the patented but never released top loading H-axis machine from Whirlpool.

Early pony washers were just that, laundry was tumbled about for washing and rinsing but not extracted. For removing water there was either a mangle/wringer or items were moved to a separate extractor.

Can see one problem at once for bringing such a machine to market today for domestic use; it would have to fit the standard top loader cabinet dimensions for easy installation. This would probably mean a smaller capacity than a center post top loader for the same space.

Have seen that Thor book and it often cracked me up!

IIRC it informs the housewife of all manner and tricks to persuade His Nibbs to pony up the funds for a washing machine. A housewive was supposed to compare the costs of a laundress or sending wash out to a commercial laundry versus the ease and cost savings of doing the wash at home. Not to mention safe guarding the family's health from possible disease caused by intermingling their wash with others at a commercial laundry.

 

[vintagekitchen]

Lol, I love the "tips and tricks". Households were run so differently back then. I still remember my aunts being horrified when my grandmother finally got exasperated with her 20 year old washer and dryer breaking down so often, and ordered a brand new TOL Kenmore set from Sears while my grampa was at work, *WITHOUT CONSULTING HIS NIBBS* the horror... lol... Seriously though, while I've never had my hands on a Thor washing machine, the Thor Glad Iron is possibly the best peice of laundry equipment I have ever owned, and I use it every week.

 

[dryclean1]

the elusive h axis....

my holy grail machine, or one of the same type. I had a deal in place for one by gainaday. but the guy flaked. everyone please keep an eye out for me. thanks Bill

 

[launderess]

my holy grail machine, or one of the same type.

Have been searching for a Thor "Cylinder" washer in vain for years. Every single one found was a rusted out heap like this: http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?21790

Only ones have found in remotely decent condition are in museums or private collections.

Think much as to do with the metal Hurley Machine Company used for most of those H-Axis washers; unpainted galvanized for the outer tub, and a type of aluminum for inner.

 

[stan]

Did

These machines have a pump, or gravity drain?

 

[launderess]

Ones have seen

All had gravity drains. You opened a spigot to drain water.

Model shown in picture above however *may* have a pump. Say this because the spigot is horizontal versus pointing straight down.