The first . . .
. . . GE filter-flo washer was in 1956. It had one round dial on the right of the backsplash. To the right of the dial were four buttons: Off, Hot, Warm, and Water Saver. The dial and buttons were light green in color.
The Water Saver was if you were washing a small load and wanted to use less water. As soon as the water level you wanted was reached, you pushed the button and the agitator would start. However, the filter-flo would not work because there would be no water spilling over the side of the tub through the holes at the top. AND, if you weren't there to monitor it, the rinse would be a full tub of water.
Jerry Gay