1957 Blackstone Washer

[Unimatic1140]

Just added the owners manual to the 1957 Blackstone washer model 350 to the Ephemera Washer! First time I've seen this manual.

Thanks to Fred(Blackstone) in Mass who was kind enough to send it to me for the library.

 

[johnrk]

Great!

Just bought it--fantastic!

It's interesting how the water temperature was apparently infinitely adjustable, as it states that one can choose hot, cold or medium, or anything in between. It's kind of neat, also, showing various servicing options.

 

[appnut]

Robert, thank you.  I look forward to read through this.  I got to play with this washer at both Tucson Wash ins. 

 

[blackstone]

That's right: water temperature was infinitely adjustable; and if you didn't get enough water (or wanted to stop the fill), you could just move the timer knob in either direction at any time.

 

[johnrk]

Blackstone (or anyone else)

I've never seen a Blackstone washer. I notice on this owner's manual I bought that the company says it's "America's Oldest Washer Manufacturer" in Jamestown, New York.

Can someone on here fill me in a little on this company? Was it basically regional, is that why I never saw one down here in the Houston area? Why did they cease manufacture? Were they bought out or did they just close down?

I think the fascinating thing about this owner's manual is those huge dials on the front of the machine, like owl's eyes. So many washers from the period have fairly small dials, if any at all. This machine has dials that look like saucers!

 

[blackstone]

Blackstone stopped manufacturing laundry appliances in the mid-1970s. They then concentrated on industrial products, in particular, ultrasonic cleaning. It was a private company, not bought out.

They claim to have been making laundry appliances since 1874. Probably just advertising on their part.

I have some company history publications that I could scan and post.

Other members here can post about where they have seen/found/used Blackstones. It was definitely not a nationally-distributed product. However, Australian members have Hoover-branded machines that were very closely based on Blackstone's design.

 

[revvinkevin]

A video

Thank you both to Fred and Robert for giving us access to this owners manual for such a beautiful machine!

 

Here's a video of a 1955 Blackstone I shot a few years ago while visiting Roger in Tucson, AZ.

 

Kevin

 



[this post was last edited: 12/8/2017-08:17]

http://https//m.youtube.com/watch?v=oBK8MVIjc1s

 

[turquoisedude]

I may sound like a broken record about this, but I was surprised to find that Blackstone washers and dryers were sold in Canada!  The first Eaton Viking brand laundry appliances in the mid to late 50s were Blackstone machines and in the early 60s, the Beatty company must have reached an agreement use the Blackstone designs under license.

The only Blackstone I own is a US machine and it's doing fine filling in for the 65 Lady K!

 

[DADoES]

 
As mentioned in a few previous discussions, early 1970s models (last production) were featured in a local butane/propane company's display at a county fair.  The brand was a new thing to me so I was fascinated by the brochure (very similar to one in available in Ephemera).  I convinced dad to take me by the butane outfit for another look at them but I failed at convincing him that we needed a set.

 

[tazz]

Hey Fred

Hi Fred, geeze I was born in Springfield, lived off of Berkshire Ave the later on behind O'Brians corner now I've settled here in Ludlow.

 

[blackstone]

Tazz

Check your email.