Washers I recall and more
Hey, interesting topic! I guess I'm not the only one to be fascinated by washers, dishwashers and vacs too.
I recall being very fascinated with my mom's original washer. I wish I knew what brand and model it was, I think it was a Kenmore from about 1953-1954. It had interesting lights, the temp buttons glowed red yellow and green. The tub was lighted and it had a germicidal light too. The dial was black and off to the right side and was also back lit. It was a suds saver too and had an army green discharge hose. In going through the pictures posted in another section of this site I saw a very similar looking Kenmore dryer about the same vintage. I would love to know the model and see a picture but so far that has eluded me.
Unfortunately it was replaced about 1962 with a generic Hamilton pair, but the dryer did have a window in the door which was a plus. The pair had a nondescript console with a tan- brown painted area behind the control knobs and it had a red lint filer the agitator pumped the water in. I recall it making a sound like "ha wow e" as it agitated.
It only lasted 10 years and in 1973 I replaced it with the top of the line Kenmore pair, the one with all the selection buttons and the lighted console. Since I was always fascinated with electric things and did quite a bit of research on the topic at the age of 17 I was making the purchasing decisions.
I loved the lighted console and the white interior and the pent-a-vane agitator that had adjustable fins, the top of the agitator had a gold sunburst type of cap that reflected the light and had Lady Kenmore printed on it. I kept it going for over 20 years, with a few repairs. I recall replacing the timer once and the lint filter many times. Late in it's life I replaced the agitator when the original stripped out. The dryer held up well and my cousin has it still, I wonder what it is worth, it's in fairly good condition.
I replaced it with the electronic top of the line Kenmore about 1996 and it's going strong, but the Off button does not work, not a problem worth worrying about. Of course it has a lighted console, kind of a must for me. I hope it last for years too.
I feel the same way about dishwashers and my favorite was a top of the line GE with all the sensors and lots of cycles. I hated to see it go but all the seals deteriorated and everything was covered in black sticky stuff. I replaced it wiht a sort of generic GE that lasted only 6 years. At first I replaced it with a Whirlpool but really hated it and paid Sears to take it back. My current dishwasher is another GE. It has a gently curved front and a tall tub with extremely flexible racks. I opted for the white plastic interior rather than the stainless option because I like a light interior.
So I guess I fit in here, though I don't have the area, or skills for the matter, to collect and restore machines. I really like looking at the pictures.
BTW, I do have 1958 Frigidaire Custom Imperial stove, it's built like a tank and most of the features work. Now this is something I'd like to restore at some point, just need a few controls. The unit is still in mint condition and I use the rotisery quite often...
Hey, interesting topic! I guess I'm not the only one to be fascinated by washers, dishwashers and vacs too.
I recall being very fascinated with my mom's original washer. I wish I knew what brand and model it was, I think it was a Kenmore from about 1953-1954. It had interesting lights, the temp buttons glowed red yellow and green. The tub was lighted and it had a germicidal light too. The dial was black and off to the right side and was also back lit. It was a suds saver too and had an army green discharge hose. In going through the pictures posted in another section of this site I saw a very similar looking Kenmore dryer about the same vintage. I would love to know the model and see a picture but so far that has eluded me.
Unfortunately it was replaced about 1962 with a generic Hamilton pair, but the dryer did have a window in the door which was a plus. The pair had a nondescript console with a tan- brown painted area behind the control knobs and it had a red lint filer the agitator pumped the water in. I recall it making a sound like "ha wow e" as it agitated.
It only lasted 10 years and in 1973 I replaced it with the top of the line Kenmore pair, the one with all the selection buttons and the lighted console. Since I was always fascinated with electric things and did quite a bit of research on the topic at the age of 17 I was making the purchasing decisions.
I loved the lighted console and the white interior and the pent-a-vane agitator that had adjustable fins, the top of the agitator had a gold sunburst type of cap that reflected the light and had Lady Kenmore printed on it. I kept it going for over 20 years, with a few repairs. I recall replacing the timer once and the lint filter many times. Late in it's life I replaced the agitator when the original stripped out. The dryer held up well and my cousin has it still, I wonder what it is worth, it's in fairly good condition.
I replaced it with the electronic top of the line Kenmore about 1996 and it's going strong, but the Off button does not work, not a problem worth worrying about. Of course it has a lighted console, kind of a must for me. I hope it last for years too.
I feel the same way about dishwashers and my favorite was a top of the line GE with all the sensors and lots of cycles. I hated to see it go but all the seals deteriorated and everything was covered in black sticky stuff. I replaced it wiht a sort of generic GE that lasted only 6 years. At first I replaced it with a Whirlpool but really hated it and paid Sears to take it back. My current dishwasher is another GE. It has a gently curved front and a tall tub with extremely flexible racks. I opted for the white plastic interior rather than the stainless option because I like a light interior.
So I guess I fit in here, though I don't have the area, or skills for the matter, to collect and restore machines. I really like looking at the pictures.
BTW, I do have 1958 Frigidaire Custom Imperial stove, it's built like a tank and most of the features work. Now this is something I'd like to restore at some point, just need a few controls. The unit is still in mint condition and I use the rotisery quite often...
