Lawn Boy &c. weekend

[gansky1]

My son wanted to mow the grass the other day when we were working in the yard and couldn't understand when I tried to tell him we don't own a lawn mower. I've had a lawn service for quite a few years now but there have been times when having a mower would be nice. Those Lawn Boys are wonderful - I saw a very old model at a sale not long ago and couldn't for life of me understand why the thing was in the house and not in the garage or shed out in the back yard...well who knew they had a following too?

Looks like you had a lot of fun guys, loved the pics!

 

[dalangdon]

Vintage mowers

I had a little blue electric Sunbeam twin blade mower that was a real cute little thing. I saw an ad for it in an old Sunset Magazine that billed it as "the first mower that even your wife can use!" (or something like that)

When we moved into our new house I put it on craigslist, and a lawn mower collector contacted me right away. Apparently, it is quite a catch. I was happy to see it going to a good home.

 

[helicaldrive]

Hi Jason

Yes, it had at least one motor with pulleys and belts in the back. A motor-operated bellows produces the air for the organ pipes. I only saw wooden, reed type organ pipes behind the swell shutters. I'm not sure if the xylophone, drums and snares are operated by vacuum or otherwise. And then it is operated by paper rolls, just like player pianos are. John, the owner, mentioned that this was a top of the line model because it is capable of playing a roll while simultaneously rewinding the previous roll. In case you aren't familiar with how the roll works... First, the paper glides over a bar with holes. When perforations in the paper match up with one of the holes in the bar, it creates a vacuum which in turn causes the machine to play a chord or note. The entire thing is very mechanical, which makes sense, because after all that was the machine age.

 

[helicaldrive]

Hi Steve

How are you dawlin'? Here are the pictures you requested. This Whirlpool pair could change the mind of any Whirlpool-hater. You push the lighted marquee on the front and then the lid opens.

 

[helicaldrive]

This is what

the control panel looks like when the fluorescent light is turned off. The dial is lit separately with incandescent light. Too wild. The water temperature and load size indicators light up in different colors.

 

[helicaldrive]

The turquoise Kenmores

could also change the mind of any Whirlpool hater. Notice the light reflecting on the top of the machines. That's not a flash photo effect. They actually look like that all the time when the fluorescent light is on! The paint finish is that rich, smooth and lustrous. They were repainted by Tim, who restores cars. I've never seen anything like it. Rick says Tim is straight, but the other guys in the shop call him "Rick's boyfriend" and razz him because he does such good work for Rick.

 

[helicaldrive]

The GE

presumably top of the line too, happily making a sudscake.

 

[helicaldrive]

And the pink Maytags

also in perfect, pristine condition. Rick said Tim used Mary Kay pink Cadillac paint, and tinkered with it to match the pink porcelain tops. If I ever need an appliance painted, I'd seriously consider driving it out there and plying Tim with whatever it would take to get him to do it for me.

 

[tlee618]

Oh those lighted consoles!!!!!They really do it for me. Rich as always your collection is just beautiful. Thanks Steve for sharing the pictures..

 

[sheerlookhomes]

Love the Lawn-boys and the organ..in the house!! and your laundry machines are beautiful..just how many lights are on that Whirlpool Imperial!!! Just looking at these beauties makes it all the more sad that they just don't make them like this any more..pity

 

[rickr]

Thanks u guys! The Whirlpools have eight lights total each. Two lights are in the drum/tub. One ozone lamp and one tube/drum light each.

The other six lights for each are: one "top" light, one light per each slide control, two lights on each side of the timer, and one light behind the lighted "W" pushbutton logos. And that makes eight lights for the dryer, and eight lights for the washer.
Anyone know what manufacturer started putting lights in their machines first? (i do not)

 

[sheerlookhomes]

Thanks rickr....that's GLAMOUR!!