I Have Some automaticwasher.org History To Share

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Unimatic1140

Unimatic1140

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Questions have been brought up more than once regarding the history of automaticwasher.org and its membership.

The true history starts with a People Magazine story about Chuck (Laundromat here on aw) back around 1980. We will have to record that history from the guys who know more about that. At some point I would like to make a special page on the history of the club and the website.

So anyways, lets step back all the way to 1997. The very first wash-in occurred in Boston in July of '97, I attended that first wash-in and talk of the internet was non existant for something like this, at least as of yet. There were probably 8 or so of us there, we thought it was a huge gathering, LOL. At that point I had recently discovered the Aberdeen Farm. I had invited everyone to come to Minneapolis and take a drive to South Dakota to experience this wonderland of vintage appliances on the prarie.

We planned for the trip three months later. As the guys arrived we had our first Minneapolis Wash-in that evening and then got up at 6am and made the 6 hour trek west. Robert (syndets2000) had brought his HUGE and now vintage VHS-Camcorder and filmed the entire event. A big thank you goes out to Robert as now 14 years later we can relive this wonderful experience and have a record of our history.

I have two videos to share. I have better equipment and software now and was able to digitize these VHS video into as clear as possible recording. YouTube has also come along ways in allowing us to share such large video files. The first video is of the wash in and this is ready to go. I'm still working on the farm video, which hopefully will be done soon.

This first video is of the evening wash-in before our early morning trip to the Farm. I was living with my now x-partner at that time. I had about 14 or so machines in my collection. You'll see many of my washers running, you'll hear some playful ribbing (it was all in good fun) and the excitement of the prospect of going to the farm.

I was able to digitize the video in high definition. On YouTube you can set the video quality by selecting the setting as shown in the image below. For those with high speed broadband you can select 720p or 1080p. At 1080p you can full screen the video and it is still quite clear!



unimatic1140++9-28-2011-09-25-50.jpg
 
Fascinating

I do look forward to more history, it's strange to imagine things such as our hobby without the internet as we know it now with YouTube and such.

-Tim
 
This was so much fun Robert!
I watched it last night.
Amazing how your collection has grown over the years!
Thanks for posting this!
Brent
 
Awesome

video Robert!! I see some familiar machines and familiar faces too. Great document for the history of this club.

Hass,

American washers still are much bigger than European machines. Actually I think some of the modern ones are even bigger than the classics. I think a trip to the other side of the pond is in order! lol
 
Hehe Louis, reading back my message, I did sound pretty blond, so excuse the last message I wrote lol. Would love to go to the other side of the pond. Maybe one day, once we've all got to know each other properly, still trying to figure out who is who. Plus covering the expenses it's a bit poor at the moment, so in the mean time i'll have to keep dreaming until that day comes :) lol
 
This is indeed very cool and very special.  We all know what an incredible website Robert has built.  I totally think a "History of AW.org" page needs to be incorporated -- as history is an invaluable trait to many of us -- that's why we're here, preserving incredible machines and memories of the past. 

 

I got goosebumps just now, reading what Robert wrote above.  It was very cool watching this video on our 42" tv the other night -- it was absolutely adorable watching Robert react to the video -- he was in another world; it was almost like he was 6 years old, experiencing it all for the first time. 

 

I'm sure Robert couldn't have been much older than 23/24 when this video was made. 
smiley-cool.gif
 
Can't get over how everyone looks so young.
well, hmmmmmph! Good think I like you a lot Malcolm lol

I'm sure Robert couldn't have been much older than 23/24 when this video was made.

I'll admit up only to 24 lol. :-)  Frigidaire ***heart*** Hoover

 

 

The Aberdeen Farm Video is going up to YouTube now, it's only 2.5gb lol.  Its over an hour long.  It should be ready hopefully tonight!  Stay tuned.
 
It's Therapy

I have to admit that when i first found the site i was "leary" but decided to join.  As Robert stated the internet was a baby and there was concern about viral sites etc.  The first time i  "logged"  in and got the general gist of the site, and how to maneuver around, I was right at home.   I will admit to reading for hours and hours the archived posts. The histories of GM Frigidaire  trasmissions and the engineers that designed them.  It is amazing how much you retain if you are interested in a topic. I do realize some of us are old enough to remember b&w television and games shows and fabulous "appliance showcases".   Nowdays everything is so generic and politically correct.  I continue to be grateful to Robert and Fred, and all the members that contribute their thoughts and idea's. Most everyone keeps the common thread of interest in laundry and dishwashing.  The addition of ATTT, and Dirty Laundry, keeps so  much of our personal trials and tribulations out of general public site.  Household problems, deaths of parents and s/o, pets, Bridge collapses, 9/11, disease and medical advice, cooking, music, tempered with hearty debates on politics, religion, unions. It's all here.  I know my association with AW.org has enriched my personal life . Arthur
 
Thanks!

I watched your great video and it's was great to see where it all started, I joined about 2002 looking for advice on my new purchase (bendix lt) as I was renovating my first home, Automatic washer .org has become a website I visit daily, a source of endless information and enjoyment and a place where I have met several friends (although a lot not yet in the flesh!) its also a place where enjoying my hobby has felt perfectly normal and enjoyable ( it's like coming "out" again ! )

Thank you for all your hard work, I think it was Greg nunn ?? That sent my first help on my machine ( appologies if if was someone else but thank you anyway who ever you were )

Ps ( block your ears Fred), Robert you were very cute then and even more so now !!!

Well done and thank you your work is appreciated and I know you may be a wee bit down now so just to let you know you're helping a great deal of people all over the world by bringing like minded people together with their love of old appliances .

Here's to another 14 years!!!

Love peace happiness

Richard (ricky5050)
 
The Early Days

I couldn't imagine what things would have been like for me if I had known about such a group 10-12 years ago. I like the VHS video, so cool to see things so early on. We look back now from a point of view of an established club, but back then nobody knew what it would become and what would happen, and I think the camera captures that freshness of things. I love old home movies for that reason, it's even more cool that it's AW.org's start essentially. I am REALLY looking forward to the Aberdeen video. I feel like I know a lot of these people when I watch and luckily I've had the real pleasure of meeting people through this site, which I really enjoy.

-Tim
 
So Thankful

Wow! I'm in awe of how the common interests of a group of individuals has grown from humble beginnings to such a strong organization today. Unimatic 1140 and the other contributors of content - are to be commended for your diligence, hard work, and labor that has documented the history of this great organization. While only being a member for a short time, I greatly appreciate all of the valuable information I've learned and am grateful for the very existence of AW. I too share the feelings that this forum has allowed me to feel "okay" about my fanatical interest in older appliances and now realize there are others who similarly are thrilled. For years, I thought I was some kind of oddball, (guess I still am), but it sure feels good to know, I'm not alone in this interest. Thanks, thanks, thanks! I believe in AW and plan to remain a contributing member for years to come!
 
And just think... Fred was a 15 maybe 16 years old. :)

Wish I had been into collecting longer! Would have joined this sight and vacuumland long before!
 
This is so cool!  I thoroughly enjoyed getting to see this and I can't wait for the Aberdeen video.  I've always been intrigued by what I have read and viewed about the place.  Thanks for sharing this Robert.  History is very important!
 
Precious Memories

Robert, you seem to have found very "medicine" we all needed to move through the grief and shock we all experienced.  It was like a tonic to recapture the freshness and allure of this site through the captures of where it was all beginning.  I can never lose sight of all you have done to provide this amazing group and so freely share it will of all of us ragged vagabonds.  For me it began with the machines and very quickly shifted gears into wonderful friendships and connections with the mighty men from all over the world who are the heart of AWorg.  It seems odd that in all these years you haven't changed a bit while I seem to spend as much time pressing my wrinkles as I do the laundry.  I was interested to see which machines have made the cut though the years and I am still drawn to the Hotpoint and loved the spectacular action of the Easy Spiralator.  The washers aren't the only thing that's over flowing, my heart does to with love and gratitude to you for being the catalyst to bring us all together.  A million thank yous.

Kelly
 
Our Trek to the Aberdeen Farm...

Thank you so much everyone for your kind comments. I'm glad you are all enjoying these.

I believe I also set up a video camera during the 2001 convention and just let it roll during the start of the Convention. I'll have to see if I can find that VHS video as well.

And the Farm Video is now ready, it took six hours to get it up to YouTube, but it's all there now.

Enjoy...

 
Great video, and I really enjoy learning about the early days of AW. I still recall being completely amazed when I found this site. That was years ago, and it's still one of my favorite sites. Time flies when you're washing clothes, LOL!
 
Great video! Must be really great for those who were actually there to relive it : D

I'm trying to remember when the first time I came across AW.ORG

As I watched this video I found myself wondering what I was doing at the moment this was going on. (weird)

I was probably at work as a telephone operator taking calls for GTE.

I know I had AOL dial up in 1997 (LOL)
 
Robert the Aberdeen Farm video was great to see, I have looked through the snapshots several times and always spot something new.  Thank You for taking the time to upload this for everyone to enjoy.   arthur 
 
Aberdeen Farm Classics

Great to see both vids and familiar faces, cant believe its all those years ago, I bet you could have spent a week & more on The Farm...

Would love to know how many machines in your collections guys came from the farm??

And Quotes From The Aberdeen Vid: Lol
We Did Lasagne & Laundry
Guardian Doggy of the Appliances
Its a Beautiful Day for Collecting Washers
And No Tornadoes
I Do Not Need This Today
We Need Water
I`m Hungry & Thirsty
Its The Only Way To Get Washers
I Wanna Sack
I`m Gonna Get A Sack
I Got My Sack
John Just Loves Those Maytags
Oh, Look At That
I`m Having That
He`s Taking That
Its Not Gonna Come Off
Whose Humpy Bumpy
26 Machines - And They`re Gonna Fit On That??
I Need Another One Of Those Like a Hole in The head
Can Everbody Push
Can Everbody PLEEESSSE Push
Its Like Giving Birth
Our Stopping Distance will Be Considerably Reduced
We got Them
AND YOU DID ...Yay!!!

And Robert The look on your face when you first put your prized washers on the Bobcat -you look terrified running along side in case they fell off...Lol - actually I would be as well!!! And a big thanks to Robert the Cameraman who managed to give us the Whole Picture and MORE!!! Ta...

[this post was last edited: 9/29/2011-05:25]
 
Hey Robert,

Thanks for mentioning me as well as the March, 1989 anniversary issue of People Magazine article they came and wrote about my collection. I'm not really as well off as most here because they have more space and mechanical knowledge about appliances and can go pick up, have shipped and tare apart appliances to restore,rebuild,and use.I guess one can say I was just at the right place at the right time.

What had actually happened was I went to visit a close friend,who is excentric? and collects lots of stuff including Halloween costumes, Lynn Williams, a writer at that time for the Baltimore Sunpapers,was there interviewing him and writing an article about his collecting. She claimed that his hobby was a bit off and just as I was entering his studio, he was saying to Lynn " You think my collecting is weird? you need to go see my friend, Chuck,this weekend because he collects washing machines and has dirty laundry parties every weekend right in his own apartment!" I walked in to bring him a lunch I got for us both and swapped phone numbers and addresses with Lynn. She came during the week and fell in love with my cat, Teddy who was a full black Manx that did many strange things like fetching, answering the phone, drinking out of the toilet and wrestling.I had received two gifts from John LeFever, A gorgeous 40 inch wide GE Americana electric range(1966) and a fabulous Westinghouse roaster with the base.I also had the Laundromat twins and an older Philco frig in the kitchen.There were different washers that went in the kitchen over the years there and I had numerous FRIGIDAIRE washers from 1954 to 1974. The one used most was the 1973 WC6. A 2 speed 1-18 in Harvest gold. The last time I saw it was back around '85 when John LeFever and I drove up to meet Jon Charles in Boston. Jon said that,when he saw me in PM, he took my picture from there and made it a dartboard because he thought he was the only washer collector. I was glad we met to resolve that and, Jon,you and everyone else here,especially Robert,should have been the ones in People.

Anyway, Lynn was told by the editor of the Sun that he was not that impressed with my story. She said that she wanted to make a wajor on his decision and bet him a dinner at a restaurant in Baltimore's "Little Italy"that the response to the article would be unbelievable.On Christmas day of 1988, the Baltimore Sun had the article and my phone was ringing off the hook. I was offered so many washers that people there had in their basements, garages, backyards, barns and the like.Because of Lynn's bet, the article went to the subsidiaries across the country and around the world and kept coming up in different papers. I was getting calls from radio and tv stations and received a call from Dr. Bronwynn Jones who is a radiology Xray doctor at Johns Hopkins where I worked at that time.She was calling from Sydney Australia on her cell car phone! She and her husband were there on their way to the theatre and heard me on the radio! I was being interviewed live on one of their local news radio stations she just happened to be listening to. She said she almost had an accident when she heard me. She still to this day has a bd Whirlpool washer and dryer I sold her back in '82.

I was scheduled for major brain surgery (experimental left temporolobectomy)the third week of April'89 and received a call on March 20th from Dallas ,Texas. A writer for People Magazine who was reading the article about my passion for appliances and wanted to fly up and see my works.He was so disbelieving,especially when he went into the spare bedroom full of different models and adds regarding them.So, he recorded our 4 hour visit and edited it. It was published in the March,1989 Anniversary Issue of people Magazine (collectors)where I was called " Amana for all seasons" and photoed popping out of a 50's Kitchen Aid top loading dishwasher.

It wasn't long after that that my entire life fell apart.Lost my job,lost everything I owned and died a few times due to thyroid cancer.Not much has changed since and,even though the brain surgery was successful and is now a common procedure for epileptics who are candidates,my life is not that great now. I try to look at the bright side of things but am scheduled this following Monday for a visit to see my surgeon who is concerned about another growth on my right leg behind my shin.I was just there a few weeks ago because my cat scratched my right wrist while jumping out of my lap and swelled my hand up 5 times bigger. I was septic and had to be admitted and put on severe anti biodics. That visit lasted two weeks.

Don't get me wrong guys and gals, let's face it, WHERE AM I NOW??? What? Hawaii??? What? way up in the mountains there?? What? off the grid?? What? paddle surfing? Yea, it sounds like paradise but,trust me folks, "It ain't all that!"I'm called a "Howley" every single day and treated like a white slave here. Everyone else who lives here smokes tobacco,drinks hard liquor and has sex with anything that can walk.Hens included! hippies seam to get drawn to our place and come in pennyless to try and stay a while. Al and I just got rid of 4 of them and 3 more showed up yesterday.They claim they want to "earn their stay" but get involved in those here who are useless but have money to pay for their stay here.Then, they just hang out, get stoned,use the bathroom facilities but never clean up after themselves and don't shower. they stink! The girls do not shave and have enough hair under their arms, on their legs and some even have beards and mustaches. You could make dredlocks on their armpits!We'll see waht happens. I filed a year ago this month for Social Security and in December,there's a trial I have to attend to see a judge and have him/her decide my eligeability.If so, I'll receive a check that will be retroactive from 9/4/10 to current. The decided amount is now $1650/month.If the judge decides (my lawyer is pretty sure they will now everything's documented)I'm eledgeable,the first check will be more than enough for me to put a nice downpayment on a house in Hilo Bay which is where I'd want to spend the rest of my time here.
 
I so wish I had been here from the beginning

How many of us have told you that we thought we were the only humans on the planet with passion for appliances? I myself was notorious in my own family for having a "fixation" with washing machines. It's like coming out all over again only better.

 

I first heard of the Aberdeen farm from a wonderful local appliance dealer, Andrew Page, 3rd generation proprietor of Page's Hardware and Appliance Store in Guilford CT. I have told Andrew that when I die, I'm leaving instructions to my executor/trix, to make sure some of my ashes are spread in his store. We were talking sometime in the late nineties about old appliances and Andrew said that he had heard that there was this farm somewhere in the Dakotas...

 

I believed him but heard nothing about it until I gave up AOL dial-up and manned up to high speed Internet and I think this was the result of my very first Google search. It was sort of like that dream we all had as children where we open a strange door and there, inside, is every candy (or young hottie, or 77 virgins, you get the idea) in the world and it's all yours.I keep praying that somewhere there's another similar appliance graveyard just waiting to be discovered.

 

Can't wait for the next convention. BTW, how did the Vacuum convention go?
 

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