Question about POD 05/10/07

[lokringbob]

Was this the first Automatic Washer made by Frigidaire?
Did Frigidaire make any Washers before World War II?
Did they ever make a Wringer?
What was the first year for Frigidaire Automatic washers.
Just wondering I always find it interesting that a big Auto maker would jump into the household appliance business. Did they have an idle plant they wanted to put into production. Had they been doing research into the home laundry products or what. I know they had been into refrigerators, But when did they expand their product line to stoves and washer/dryers .
Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Unimatic1140]

Yes, the very first Frigidaire washer was the 1947 model WJ-60. They produced this washer before the war and had test models in homes around Dayton, OH in 1941. Frigidaire never produced a wringer washer (at least in the USA).

Here is my 1947 Frigidaire: