POD 7/28/2017

[brucelucenta]

For 1938, this was a tremendous innovation! Even as poorly as these may have washed, rinsed and spun out, it was a BIG step up from using a wringer washer. It definitely was the first step toward automatic washers, slowed down by WWII of course. The future held many many different automatic washing machines that accomplished their task in many different ways starting in the late 40's. I know of no other time and energy saving appliance that gained such popularity as the automatic washer. By the 1970's, nearly everyone that would have one did. It still seems amazing to me that all the machines of the 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's are but a memory, save a few. There were just so many in the 70's, I thought they would always be around.

 

[frigilux]

Can you imagine showing off your spiffy new fully automatic washing machine to friends in 1938? Revolutionary, indeed.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Even then, women cared more about the convenience than the results with the Bendix, according to a pinched face, pursed lipped comment in Consumer Reports. The automatic washer also revolutionized home construction because space no longer needed to be given to laundry rooms. In the south, an area with a lot of construction without basements, that was a big deal for the post-war housing boom.

 

It is so funny to look back at this from today where, after barely managing to hold on for several decades in domestic production after the bad mouthing from Consumer's Union, the tumbler washer is the victor.

 

[brucelucenta]

Front loaders

Yes! It does seem bizarre that now front load washers have virtually taken over and do a much better job of washing, rinsing and extracting with less water than ever before. The old front loaders just didn't do that great a job though at any of it.

 

[hilovane]

Unfortunately, I don't have a screen grab, but next time TCM shows the Cary Grant movie "ROOM FOR ONE MORE," there are scenes where the same Bendix machine in today's POD can be seen.
Interesting, since this movie was from 1952.

 

[brucelucenta]

And there is another movie with Joan Blondell and Eleanor Parker called "Lizzie" that has an old Bendix in it too.

 

[speedqueen]

Bendix in pop culture,

In "Mouse Cleaning," an epsiode of 'Tom and Jerry,' A Bendix Deluxe was shown as part of the kitchen. Funnily enough, in the same episode Tom uses a wringer washer that the house also apparently has.