Old Whirlpool washer discovered

[kevin313]

I was touring an incredible mid-mod home in Dearborn, Michigan last night that was built on a heated slab. Since there was no basement, I was wondering where the washer and utilities were located. We discovered, after opening a wall that had a couple of hidden panels on it, that the washer (no dryer) and hot water tank were located behind it. There was this old Whirlpool there - obviously hadn't been touched in many years. The house was built in 1950, so I'm suspecting the washer is of that vintage? I thought I'd leave that to you experts.

 

[kevin313]

here's another photo

This sticker was on the front of the washer. There is also a button in the center of the front panel that releases to the top lid. Very cool looking machine.

 

[washernoob]

Wow!

Looks neat. I like the low profile design, and curved edges. Really streamlined!

Any vacuums in that house?

 

[rollermatic]

looks great!

how bout some pics of it's tub and agitator. hopefully it will be saved by someone~

 

[appliguy]

That is Whirlpools second generation design of automatic was

The first generation had the controls on the front of the cabinet and was introduced in 1948. The second generation shown here was introduced circa 1951and was produced until the 1954 models came out.....PAT COFFEY

 

[turquoisedude]

Wow, talk about finding 'buried treasure'!! Do you know if the current owners might be considering selling this??

 

[lebron]

Someone needs to save this washer

Here is the orignial version that Pat mentioned

 

[lebron]

[No message]

 

[mickeyd]

Nice discovery, Kevin

Jed, your machine is pure mint. The guy across the street from where I grew up had one. He did the wash on Thursday night and when I was a youngun' maybe 10, he'd let me watch. Never forgotten how it buzzes loud and the lid flies up when washing's done. Is it a suds? His was. What fun! How lucky!

 

[lebron]

Mike

Yes this a Suds-saver model, comeplete with an electronic pump! The diverter vavle solenoid on this girl is LOOOUDDD, loudest solenoid I think I've ever heard... such a satisfying WHAM!

 

[kevin313]

To answer some of the questions asked:

Yes- I'm sure if someone wanted this washer the owner would sell it. She is selling everything in the place.

There were no vacuums there - there may have been earlier, much of the stuff was already sold including a set of 1951 Hotpoint fridge and 40 inch range. I managed to pick up a Ward's Airline Hi-Fi in working order and an old Remington typewriter and some other odds and ends.

The man who lived there was 90 and worked for Ford. The place was filled with a lot of Danish modern and mid-century furniture, much of it walnut. It was a fun house to go through.

I figured you guys would be able to tell me more about this old beauty - I hope it ends up in a good home.