POD 10/23/14: 1960 Lady Kenmore Washer

[frigilux]

I grew up with the Model 80 which also featured the awesomely percussive rapid-advance 'one touch' cycle buttons. Although I grew weary of the machine as a teenager (see: Frigidaire Envy) I now appreciate what full-featured and cycle-flexible machines it and the step-up Lady K were.

Had it all: Timed dispensers; tub, console, and "sanitation" ultraviolet lights (the thing was lit up like a McDonald's); infinite water level; scrubber agitator cap for pretreating spots; heavy and light soil versions of most cycles; Hot, medium, warm, cold water temp; self-cleaning waterfall filter; slick styling and one-touch cycle selection.

Sears always made sure their TOL had a few more bells/whistles than parent company Whirlpool's machines.

 

[combo52]

1960 Lady Kenmore Washer

Was certainly the ultimate washer ever built up to this time, this washer also had reservoir type dispensers for liquid detergent and fabric softener where the user could select the quantity of either to be added to the machine at the correct time. These additives were added to a circulating water stream so they were completely diluted as they were added to the clothes load.

If you had this laundry pair [ and maybe a 1960 Crown Imperial with dual air-Conditioning ] in 1960 you were really living, unfortunately the country was coming out of an Eisenhower induced recession so these TOL items did not start selling well till the mid 60s, by which time some of the wildest appliances and cars were gone.

 

[mom11]

P.O.D. =

picture of the day, right? If it does, for some reason I can never see the picture somehow. Does it come up in this post because I'm not getting it. I see the other pics on other posts.

 

[DADoES]

 
mom11/Lisa, the Picture of the Day is viewed from the home page.  Place your mouse on "Daily Double" and then move down slightly to select "Today's Picture of the Day" from the choices that appear below it.

 

[mom11]

Ooohhhhh....

Now, I see it. And I'll take one in pink please. With the matching dryer, of course. These are my dream machines. I love those pastel buttons and the whole control panel.

Btw, is there a vintage appliance store that sells vintage washers and dryers like there are those that do ranges, ovens, and fridges?

 

[mrb627]

Super Wash (13/14)

Can someone explain the Superwash on this model? Is it a hidden cycle?

Malcolm

 

[DADoES]

 
There are three more lever controls at the right side of the console not shown, and a Cycle Hold function at the base, and a Hot Water Saver switch on the console endcap.

Liquid Detergent - sets the dispensing dosage at 8, 6, 4, 2, or 0 oz.  M for manual dispensing 2 oz. at a time.

Super Wash - runs a Warm or Cold Super Wash, either as a stand-alone treatment (4 mins warm wash or 6 mins cold, drain & spin) or as lead-in to a selected cycle.

Fabric Softener - dispensing dosage of 4, 2, or 0 oz.

Cycle Hold - pauses operation until moved back to run position.

Hot Water Saver -
Auto = programmed temps
Save = Medium wash reduced to Warm, Warm wash reduced to Cold, Warm rinses reduced to Cold.

 

[twintubdexter]

I remember seeing a few of these. Like most Lady Kenmores they had a one-way ticket to the scrap guy's truck regardless of their condition. The store guaranteed all the used appliances for 90 days and if one of those complex timers went out they'd lose their shirt replacing it, especially since even though they carried Whirlpool, at that time only Sears could sell a replacement. It always seemed like such a tragedy. I did manage to give a few their "last hurrah" using an extension cord plugged into the base of one of the parking lot lamps, but without water half the fun was missing. At least the consoles still lit up.

 

[mrb627]

Ah...

That makes more sense. Thanks for the explanation.

Malcolm