Fancy Maytag Set on Bewitched

[charco68]

Hi all-

Laying around watching Bewitched season 1 episodes today, and noticed something I hadn't before: A Maytag set in the Kravitz' kitchen! In this episode, Gladys (played by Alice "The Chinless Wonder" Pearce--my favorite of the two Gladyses) is convinced she has "The Power," and tries to turn on the stove by command. Abner is so frustrated from waiting for breakfast he pleads for her to turn it on manually. Abner: "I never thought I would beg to eat her cooking."

Not sure what the stovetop and oven are, but TOL Maytag in the back round, yes? Experts, please chime in.

Happy Sunday...

 

[danemodsandy]

Gladys Had.....

....A TOL Maytag pair from the early '60s, probably an A900 washer and a DE750 dryer.

The TOL pushbutton washer went through some changes and was known by more than one model number, but given the 1964 or so time frame of early Bewitched episodes, I'm guessing an A900, which was the last iteration before the A906.

Very upscale and pricey set for the era.

 

[e2l-arry]

The Beverly Hilbillies

Had the same TOL Maytag pair off the kitchen through out the series 9 (1962-1971) year run. They're probably still working somewhere!

 

[revvinkevin]

 

 

The first generation of the all push-button models came out in '59 (or '58?) as a 160.   If I have my facts right, the model number then progressed to the A900 in '61 and the A902 in '64.   Cosmetically they're pretty much the same.    The suspension and control systems (timer / timer drive, etc) are what changed as the model numbers did.   The A902 also added the agitator mounted fabric softener cup.

 

John Lefever told me the first model (1959?) had black control buttons but were changed to gray the following year.   The photo above looks like the black buttons.

 

I have a 160 and an A902 and except for the color, they look identical.

 

This is the 1964 A902 / DE750 pair the night I brought them home a couple months ago.

 

Kevin

 

[danemodsandy]

Wha Hoppened?

What I've never been able to figure out is why the all-pushbutton 'Tags disappeared so quickly after the introduction of the "New Generation" 906 pair. They lasted a mere four years, and don't seem to be represented out in the field to anything like the extent of the earlier all-pushbutton machines.

What happened, I wonder?

 

[danemodsandy]

Could Be....

"The photo above looks like the black buttons."

Could be, but that's also a pretty contrasty shot.

 

[qsd-dan]

What I've never been able to figure out is why the all-pushbutton 'Tags disappeared so quickly after the introduction of the "New Generation" 906 pair. They lasted a mere four years, and don't seem to be represented out in the field to anything like the extent of the earlier all-pushbutton machines.

906's were around from 1966-1973. I have a pair of '72s

What happened, I wonder?

Personally, I think that 806's are much more flexible and have more options. A 906 washer is great if one always has a half or full load and doesn't want to be bothered with cycle times, temperature options (both wash and rinse), agitation speed options, ect. Just throw the clothes in, push a single button, and walk away. It's great for those that are ignorant or don't care about laundry habits, but not too engaging for people like us. The rapid advance timer is fun to watch in action though

 

[danemodsandy]

Green-Eyed Monster:

"906's were around from 1966-1973. I have a pair of '72s"

OY, do I envy you!

I agree totally that 806s were (and are) more flexible - my own 'Tags are an 806 pair.

But the 906s are my dream machines. The lure of those pushbuttons and all that automation is just too strong to resist. And I wash full loads anyway.

 

[revvinkevin]

806's are much more flexible and have more options...

 

 

That is exactly why pairings like this TOL dryer (DE750) with the next model down washer (A702) were quite common.  

Kevin 

 

[beekeyknee]

Another monster

I may have used the low setting on my 806 once. Who cares if it fills to half once in a blue moon? The instructions say it's better to use a little more water than not enough. For a 906, something that will or can last 50 to 100 years if properly cared for, just pay the money and shut-up.

 

[gansky1]

IIRC, the 160 was introduced with only gray buttons and was the first machine to appear on the Beverly Hillbillies set along with a DG700 dryer. The set later was updated in '64 with the 902 & DG750 set, all button controls like Gladys has.

In 2005, the day our Omaha convention was to begin, we found a 160 washer with gray buttons and a 741c gas dryer with black dial and buttons. This was a timed cycle dryer. I converted the gas dryer to electric, but the standing pilot damage had been done and it was never as 'pristine' as the washer (pictured).

I still have the washer as well as my yellow, 160 & DE700 set.

 

[gansky1]

Here is the yellow set -

 

[revvinkevin]

 

 

Oooh Greg...... Soooo pretty!