Son who loves washers and dryers

[Unimatic1140]

I was the exact same way when I was a child, my fascination with washing machines started around age 3. It lead me into building this website and my own collection of vintage machines as shown in the picture below.

It took three years of begging my parents but they finally relented and got me a Suzy Homemaker Washer around 1971 when I was 7 or so. The link below shows a small washer I just found that I bet he would absolutely love to have as his own, I may break down and get one myself lol...

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[bradross]

Kudos to Debby!

I guess we have the Internet to thank for this "outreach"! Years ago - and I think I can speak for most everybody here - we thought we had a unique interest. We had no idea there were others sharing this interest, and there really wasn't a way to connect with others, especially as children or young people.

Who knows from where these interests originate - I can only speak for myself when I recall fond memories of time spent with my grandmother in the 1960s, watching her do the laundry in an old wringer washer. The memories are very poignant - the smell of the soap and bleach, the cozy wash-house on the farm with the fire in the old wood-stove, and above all, the time spent with my adored grandparent. She is responsible for getting me my first toy wringer washer at the age of 3. The fascination has continued to this day, and now I've become quite adept at restoring old Maytag wringer washers from the 1930s.

Here's photos of me at 3 years of age, and 50!

 

[wayupnorth]

Brad, your Kenmore is very similar to my '48 although mine has a timer. I did a load in it this morning and it took 30 minutes from start to on the clothesline.

 

[chachp]

Kudos To Debby!!

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier; font-size: 12pt; color: #800080;">Mine started when I was around 5 or so but mine was small kitchen appliances.  Back then my Dad was a Mechanical Engineer working for GE in Syracuse NY.  He was one of a group of engineers who developed these small appliances.  These engineers would bring them home for their wives to test and evaluate so you can imagine the plethora of do's and don'ts that passed through my Mom's kitchen.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier; font-size: 12pt; color: #800080;">Because I wanted to take them all apart my Dad would bring home those that were no longer needed but he would cut the cords off so I wouldn't take a screwdriver to a machine that was plugged in.  Of course, I would have nothing to do with those that had no cord.  My Mom will often mention the cabinet full of "toys" I had but she'd frequently find me in the kitchen, on the counter, going after one of her "real" ones.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier; font-size: 12pt; color: #800080;">That eventually transformed into a love of dishwashers and the rest is history.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier; font-size: 12pt; color: #800080;">I thought there was a collector in Akron which isn't too far away (compared to some) but I could be wrong.</span>

 

[evloveswashers]

Oh my goodness, thank you all so much for responding!! I was completely blown away by how many of you all took time to write and comment and give ideas. And all of your kind words were such a blessing to me today. As a young mom who is constantly comparing myself to everyone else and feeling unworthy as a parent...these kind words meant so SO much! Thank you! And for those of you who grew up not being supported....I am so sorry! That is so hard to hear and I just want to give your five year old selves a huge hug and tell you that it is okay and that you are great! But I am so glad to her that it didn't deter you from picking the hobby and fascination back up as you got older.
Thank you all so much for your ideas. I was checking out some of the little portable washers online, he would absolutely flip over these. We may take the plunge someday and get him one. He is also currently requesting a portable air conditioner and window air conditioner, so we will have to see! haha This kid loves all this stuff. At age 2 he was talking about the dehumidifier and at age 3 about how this tower fan oscillates and this one doesn't. Cracks me up!
I wish we loved closer to some of you because I would bring him over in a heartbeat. I will have to keep this in mind if we ever go on a trip somewhere, to see if anyone lives nearby.
Thanks again so much guys! So glad I was able to find you and get connected!

 

[evloveswashers]

Evan and his collection .

 

[chachp]

My take on all this...

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">How lucky we all are (including Evan) to have known early in life what our passions are.  How many of us know full grown adults who are still wandering around wondering,  never having really connected with anything?  Many of us are lucky to have been supported by those important to us?</span>

 

<span style="font-family: 'courier new', courier;">Cute kid by the way.  He sure looks happy.</span>

 

[vacerator]

Evan sure has it going on early.

There is or was a toy LG working he top load washer model. I saw it on youtube.
I bet that most innovators were interested in mechanical and or electrical machines as children. Something sparks the imagination, and gets those wheels turning early.
Seeing how current machines worked inspired them to innovate.
None of Leonardo DaVinci's concepts flew, but he was on the right track.
I am also an ho scale model railroader. This winter, I am going to add a Laundromat to my lay out. It will have at least two spinning machines in it. I've saved small dc motors from inoperable cd and dvd players. They opened and closed the trays. I will use a spare 12 volt transformer to control the voltage and speed.
I'll use spare plastic parts from kits to make the tub drums, and cabinets. I'll affix small fins to spin small pieces of fabric.
If Miniature Wonderland in Hamburg can build an airport with planes that take off and land, I can do this.

 

[appnut]

Aww Debby, thank you for sharing.  Evan's pic could be anyone of us at that same age who were fortunate to have even one toy washer.  And you can see his inner joy radiating throughout his face and eyes. 

 

[washerlover]

Hi Debby, I echo everyone's comments to you -- I've had the same fascination for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid and we would visit other friends and family, I would whisper into my Mom or Dad's ear to ask if the friends/family had any laundry to do so I could watch their machine!

Keep up supporting Evan, he'll turn out fine like the rest of us! I'm 52 years old and this is my 41-year old set I use for the weekly laundry...

 

[streakers]

Interesting...

Well...

Debby, I'm in Columbus (well, just south of Grove city off 104 in Orient), originally from Australia, so my collection only consists of three machines, not including the 'daily drivers' as the collectors call them.

But my collectables are all in fact brand spanking new machines, a Speed Queen Washer and Dryer, a Dexter Twin Tub and an Easy Spin Dryer. But you're most welcome to bring the young fella down some time and see them...

They're possibly not all that fascinating - but we can always arrange a time for you to come down and have a look! Let me know what you think...

Cheers
Steve.

 

[danelto]

Enjoy the Journey, Debbie

Hi Debbie--

My name is Dan.

Although I'm not a regular contributor to the threads on this site, I do frequent it every day.

When I read your recent post, I couldn't help but to log on and chime in with a few accolades and suggestions.

First: GOOD FOR YOU for recognizing and accepting the fact that your son has an interest that completely captivates him. You are to be commended for allowing him to explore this fascination.

Do encourage his curiosity.

Don't try to stifle it, control it, or (God forbid) embarrass him with it.

It's cute when he's five; it's awkward when he's fourteen; it's bizarre when he's forty.

If you poll the membership of this group, most of us fell in love with washers and dryers at an early age and that connection never left us.

Honest to God, my mother rues the day when my grandmother took me into her basement to wash on her Whirlpool Imperial belt drive suds saver that drained into a Speed Queen wringer washer.

I was smitten at three years of age.

The first time I got to pull that timer knob out, turn it to the correct cycle, and push it in. . .I was hooked.

My folks didn't know what to do with this peculiar interest.

It was something we didn't talk about--like the one-eyed step mother that's locked in the attic, my "interest" wasn't encouraged; it was tolerated.

Do let him experiment and learn and interact with others who share this like.

Debbie, you don't know what's going on in his little mind.

What interests him so much? Try to find this out.

For me, it was the sounds of the machine; the rotating of the dials and of the wash tub; the water spilling out. . .

Looking back, I think I would've gone wild to see a machine pulled apart and put back together.

Is your son a nascent mechanic (?), a scientist (?), an engineer (?). . .or does he just like to wash clothes?

You don't know, Debbie--and perhaps your son isn't able to articulate what's driving this obsession. But one thing's for sure: something in his mind is engaged.

As for where to take your son to see a roomful of machines. . .that's easy.

Go to Robert's house--Unimatic--but check with him first.

I made the trek with my family, and a visit to the Twin Cities may be the perfect way to quench his curiosity.

Best of Luck.

Welcome to the group.

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

Hoo-boy! Did I need a Website like THIS ONE back in my day, let alone the invention of THE INTERNET!

The closest I had were cardboard boxes cut up to be appliances, but surely never painted, though I put in my own tinker toy knobs--and still never matched the real thing--that could go on & on with, too...

 

Welcome to The Forum--and may we get input from your li'l lad, here, too!

 

 

-- Dave

 

[newvista58]

DEBBIE & EVAN.....

Both of you are Awesome! It's great Evan has a true
interest in Washer/Dryers. Like others said, some
people never find a passion for anything in their
whole life. Debbie you are a great Mom.

Since I was 2 I was fascinated by anything/everything
mechanical. I was able to operate my father's Radio
station transcription turntable, at that age, and my
parent's knew they "had a live one"....LOL. I love
all vintage appliances, small gas powered tools, cars,
audio equipment etc. I was fortunate in that my parents
never discouraged my interests. They still support me
in all my interests, and I love them for it. They would
go to estate sales, car shows, and antique fairs with
me.

You and Evan are doing what's important...Marching
to the beat of your own drums. Never compare yourself
to other mothers. From what it sounds like.....they
Can't hold a candle to you : )

Thanks for sharing and Good Luck. Tell Evan I'm rooting
for him / LOL.

Best washes,

Louis

 

[abcomatic]

Debbie and Evan

Yea! Good for you. When I was a kid in the 50's. we would go and visit friends and I would go to the basement to see what kind of washing equipment they had. We lived on a farm so we used a wringer washer. The water that we had was salt water and my dad would buy used machines because the water was very caustic. Mom had a Maytag, Speed Queen, Montgomery Wards and a Thor. When I was in 5th. grade, I was in charge of doing the family laundry. Mom worked outside of the home then so I would do the wash when she was cleaning the house. Have fun Evan and welcome. Gary

 

[tomturbomatic]

Please let us know when and if you are planning a trip and perhaps we can put together an appliance itinerary for you.

 

[neptunebob]

I don't have a collection...

But I just want to say, thank you for not sending your son to the psychiatrist because he is interested in washers and dryers.

 

[imperial70]

You have to remember that a washing machine is a device with much to be fascinated with. It makes sounds and motions which are fascinating to those that want to know what makes things work. He will also have interest in other mechanical devices around the home and in the driveway through the years.

 

[mayken4now]

Good Job Debby

honoring your sons enjoyment with washers! I could repeat all the other memebers words of wisdom and experiences, but no need. It's all the same.

What about Evan's Dad? Is he supporting as your are?

--Steven

 

[warmsecondrinse]

Hello and welcome to you both!

I spent a number of years teaching English and American Sign Language to Deaf and hard-of-hearing kids, PreK-5. In my book you've already demonstrated yourself more tuned into your son than most parents are to their kids. Please, no more of that 'unworthy as a parent' stuff!

My story is similar to the others. My interest in appliances was just one of a long list of idiosyncrasies my parents tolerated. Lucky for me my maternal grandparents gave unconditional acceptance. Looking back, I suspect they were a bit amused by my interests but indulged them. I even had my own set of nesting boxes I stacked to stand on so I could get close enough to the washer or whatever else enthralled me. Trust me, your son WILL remember the support & encouragement you give him at this age

He's old enough to start reading and there's no shortage of washer-related reading material in the Ephemera section of this website or on the internet in general. Old advertisements with plenty of illustrations abound.

Evan will probably start wanting to do your laundry soon. If you'd like him to do your dishes as well may I suggest you introduce him to the Thor automatic combination washer and dishwasher! These machines hold endless fascination for me and I could do laundry and wash dishes for hours if you give me one of these. I'm 52 and I bounce around (albeit more slowly) like a 5-year-old whenever I get near one.

Welcome again to the group!

Jim