Here is a discussion on vacuumland i started when i found mine, linked below.
Fred also posted a great schematic and other useful info which i will now finally thank him for, thank you Fred!
I was born in Minneapolis btw, Golden Valley, is it still there?
Anyhow, the low speed is for when too much suction hinders cleaning, like on drapes.
Those Hoover tool sets show up in garage sales and ebay, you'll get one soon enough.
Good luck with your new situation, adios for now..