This is turning into a cool thread...
Sandy - The 1965 Kenmore BOL, if it was a 29-inch machine, was most likely a 400 series, is that right? They were pretty cool - One full automatic normal cycle, a supplemental temp switch for Hot, Warm, or Cold wash, with H or W yielding warm rinse, and cold wash with a cold rinse. If you could deal with just a normal wash cycle, they were probably a fine choice. I would be fine with that. The diecast console panels were what most all Kenmores had at the time -- as you said, a function of available technology I think. Plastic and aluminum on panels were not far away however. I believe there are a few pics in the archives of that machine if you're interested.
Tom - I thought the same thing you did as soon as I heard the guy's voice in the video...just another kid who has no clue whatsoever how to do laundry or how to take care of things, let alone appreciate them. Its how his generation was brought up I think. As to the temperature - in this model, the temperature is set at whatever the incoming water is. It very well may be connected to cold water only. When I considered buying one of these, I was going to get a Y-connector in-line before the single hose, and control the temp at the faucets, but I bet there are a lot of folks who didn't do that.
Also Tom, I liked your comment about the Sears semi-automatic washers. They are actually numbered in a different series of model numbers than those with two separate water inlets. The single coil models, where temps are moderated at the faucets were numbered as 110.xx03xxx models (such as 110.6703300 for example) where the 3 was in position number four. A 4 there meant non-suds automatic, and a 5 meant suds-saver. Most 3-numbered semi autos were not feature laden machines, but some were two speed, multi-cycle models. They just required the user to manipulate incoming temps. I have seen these in photos here on the site, but only one ever in person. I do not believe that line made it into the 70s very far, if at all.
Andy - I never paid attention to much Capri stuff except the laundry, which was just rebadged Kenmores and not of lower quality, at least I didn't perceive this. Capri hasn't been around in a good while, and later on it seemed to morph into the Galaxy name, and they seem to be scarce if not gone as well. Sears hasn't had a BOL washer, not like this anyway, in quite some time. The BOLiest of the recent DD days was a two cycle, 300 series Kenmore with separate water level and temp switches, and a DA agitator, which is considerably more machine than this one. In fact, I think Roper may have been the last maker of a true one-knob wonder?
Gordon
