If memory serves me right John, weren't these the pair that was on the cake for the 2002 covention in Washington DC/MD? Just think, took 10 years for the Washer Gods' karma to come around!!!
The 1959 Westinghouse L-1000 and D-1000 Come to Maryland
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Only ten years ago, I carried the picture of this pair to the bakery in Rockville, MD to have the picture transferred to the icing on the sheet cake we had at the 2002 Wash-In, little suspecting that this beautiful pair would be found. The cabinets are totally unlike any other Westinghouse cabinet we've seen with texturized steel, similar to, but not the same as, what manufacturers used for refrigerator doors. There must have been a special coating under the paint or a special type of paint because there is no rust around the door opening on the washer or anywhere on the door and anyone who has any experience with Laundromats knows they are very vulnerable to rust in those areas.
John lifted the top and we got to see how the softener drains down into a small hose connected to the plastic fill flume. At the last rinse, a solenoid lowers the hose so that the softener drains into the flume as the water flys past. None of it looked used. I had not touched the dispenser since 1959 in the Davison's store in Atlanta. It is hard to imagine filling it and then turning it over to place in the machine without wiping up softener on the bottom plug. It is definitely not something that could be filled from a gallon or maybe even a full quart jug unless you rested the jug on something and poured very carefully & slowly. You have to hold the spring-loaded plug down to pour in the softener. Once the clear container is placed into the little black plastic box in the machine, the softener would immediately drain out of the clear plastic holder into the black plastic box in which it sits and then into the hose through an opening in one corner. It is a dispenser system that would take a lot of not-so-easy-to-do cleaning to keep from being gunked up, even with non-concentrated softeners like Sta-Puf, let alone concentrated types like Nu-Soft. There is no way of drying the inside of the clear plastic so the absence of water spots probably means it was never used. There is nothing, however, preventing the user from removing the clear reservoir, pouring softener directly into the black box and then flushing it with hot water during the last rinse fill if using the dispensing system and keeping it clean was a priority.
The washer has bad bearings and some other issues to be fixed. If anyone has replaced bearings in a Laundromat, you know it is a loud procedure to bang out old bearings and bang in new ones. John said that if it is needed, he still had a tub shaft which, in these machines just screws onto the back of the tub since they only turn in one direction.
John lifted the top and we got to see how the softener drains down into a small hose connected to the plastic fill flume. At the last rinse, a solenoid lowers the hose so that the softener drains into the flume as the water flys past. None of it looked used. I had not touched the dispenser since 1959 in the Davison's store in Atlanta. It is hard to imagine filling it and then turning it over to place in the machine without wiping up softener on the bottom plug. It is definitely not something that could be filled from a gallon or maybe even a full quart jug unless you rested the jug on something and poured very carefully & slowly. You have to hold the spring-loaded plug down to pour in the softener. Once the clear container is placed into the little black plastic box in the machine, the softener would immediately drain out of the clear plastic holder into the black plastic box in which it sits and then into the hose through an opening in one corner. It is a dispenser system that would take a lot of not-so-easy-to-do cleaning to keep from being gunked up, even with non-concentrated softeners like Sta-Puf, let alone concentrated types like Nu-Soft. There is no way of drying the inside of the clear plastic so the absence of water spots probably means it was never used. There is nothing, however, preventing the user from removing the clear reservoir, pouring softener directly into the black box and then flushing it with hot water during the last rinse fill if using the dispensing system and keeping it clean was a priority.
The washer has bad bearings and some other issues to be fixed. If anyone has replaced bearings in a Laundromat, you know it is a loud procedure to bang out old bearings and bang in new ones. John said that if it is needed, he still had a tub shaft which, in these machines just screws onto the back of the tub since they only turn in one direction.
ovrphil
Well-known member
Adding to the above expletives of amazement: Wow-Wow-Wow!
Were they used? Answer: "yes, once and remained in a museum thereafter".
I'd roll around in the dirt to have some clothes to wash - makes the task FUN!
I can feel the layers of jealousy mounting.
Were they used? Answer: "yes, once and remained in a museum thereafter".
I'd roll around in the dirt to have some clothes to wash - makes the task FUN!
I can feel the layers of jealousy mounting.
Wow Stunning design
these are 1959? Love the light gray tub and red baffle!! Can't wait to see them up close!!
Nothing better than genuine simulated rosewood, can't get more mid century than that!
Nice save John and All!
How does the "computer" work, can you select pre-wash and then add any other cycle and hit the start button?
these are 1959? Love the light gray tub and red baffle!! Can't wait to see them up close!!
Nothing better than genuine simulated rosewood, can't get more mid century than that!
Nice save John and All!
How does the "computer" work, can you select pre-wash and then add any other cycle and hit the start button?
randycmaynard
Well-known member
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Tremondous........
A tremondously beautiful set that looks like it came right out of the box brand new! Bob you're right on the dryer - my grandmother had a 1956 Laundromat Deluxe and matching dryer and she didn't use the dryer much at all - mostly the cold winter months and I don't remember her dryer looking that good. It was the same as this one just a different cabinet design.
This is a major good find and congrats - hope you have much enjoyment from their use. Still looking for the elusive 1956 Deluxe Laundromat and Clothes Dryer - my dream machines..... sigh.
A tremondously beautiful set that looks like it came right out of the box brand new! Bob you're right on the dryer - my grandmother had a 1956 Laundromat Deluxe and matching dryer and she didn't use the dryer much at all - mostly the cold winter months and I don't remember her dryer looking that good. It was the same as this one just a different cabinet design.
This is a major good find and congrats - hope you have much enjoyment from their use. Still looking for the elusive 1956 Deluxe Laundromat and Clothes Dryer - my dream machines..... sigh.
Jaw Droppers
Amazing.
These beauties are in amazing condition for being such a significant find for the hobby. Congrats guys!
Ben
Amazing.
These beauties are in amazing condition for being such a significant find for the hobby. Congrats guys!
Ben
Wow John, they are just amazing. I can't wait to see them in person sometime. I had no idea it had a fabric softener reservoir, that is just wonderful. Congratulations! Another beautiful set saved from the crusher, hopefully for further generations to experience forever.
Westinghouse
Congratulations on finding them and enjoy!!
Congratulations on finding them and enjoy!!
mrlavadoro
New member
I love that washer and that dryer !
Story behind These Cool Machines
First of all a big THANK YOU to Brain [ Northwesty ] for spotting these on Craigslist and posting them on AW,org and a big THANK YOU to Tom [ Turbomatic ] for paying the shipping cost for getting them to our Museum Project, the shipping cost as much as the machines.
And a Big Thank You to Heidi , the nice lady who posted these on Craigslist and whose three teenaged sons helped load them on the moving van for shipment. I also not only want to thank but wholeheartedly want to recommend Jackie who has now carefully moved four appliances for Tom and I from the far corners of the United States, if anyone wants something moved you can contact her at her Email address [ [email protected] ] or call her @ 206-433-8539, she is terrific.
I really don't know much of the history of these particular machines, I know they were installed in a custom built home in 1959a nd remained there till the owner died. I do find it had to believe that someone could actually use a washer and dryer for over 50 years and keep them in such good shape, the machine tops and dryer drum [ all just painted surfaces ] show absolutely no sign that anything ever touched them.
This washer & dryer have long been a dream of my brother Jeff and I, and as Tom mentioned we even selected a picture of these machines to feature on a custom decorated cake that we served at the 2002 Wash-in. The 1959 Westinghouse washers were completely redesigned to have a non-slanted wash tub and these were the first use of the potato pulley that caused the speed of each rotation to vary, this coupled with two baffles in the tub not evenly spaced gave a very good washing action that eliminated the tangling problem of their earlier machines.
First of all a big THANK YOU to Brain [ Northwesty ] for spotting these on Craigslist and posting them on AW,org and a big THANK YOU to Tom [ Turbomatic ] for paying the shipping cost for getting them to our Museum Project, the shipping cost as much as the machines.
And a Big Thank You to Heidi , the nice lady who posted these on Craigslist and whose three teenaged sons helped load them on the moving van for shipment. I also not only want to thank but wholeheartedly want to recommend Jackie who has now carefully moved four appliances for Tom and I from the far corners of the United States, if anyone wants something moved you can contact her at her Email address [ [email protected] ] or call her @ 206-433-8539, she is terrific.
I really don't know much of the history of these particular machines, I know they were installed in a custom built home in 1959a nd remained there till the owner died. I do find it had to believe that someone could actually use a washer and dryer for over 50 years and keep them in such good shape, the machine tops and dryer drum [ all just painted surfaces ] show absolutely no sign that anything ever touched them.
This washer & dryer have long been a dream of my brother Jeff and I, and as Tom mentioned we even selected a picture of these machines to feature on a custom decorated cake that we served at the 2002 Wash-in. The 1959 Westinghouse washers were completely redesigned to have a non-slanted wash tub and these were the first use of the potato pulley that caused the speed of each rotation to vary, this coupled with two baffles in the tub not evenly spaced gave a very good washing action that eliminated the tangling problem of their earlier machines.
wireman
Well-known member
John,
Simply GAWJUS!! Really love the Westie Laundromats, esp. the late 50's early 60's. Very cool that you found them and retrieved them. Such a modern look; back when DESIGNERS actually had some input. Great that some pics were posted of other year's models, too. Amazing that they would redesign practically every year... Good luck with the restoration.
Duane
Simply GAWJUS!! Really love the Westie Laundromats, esp. the late 50's early 60's. Very cool that you found them and retrieved them. Such a modern look; back when DESIGNERS actually had some input. Great that some pics were posted of other year's models, too. Amazing that they would redesign practically every year... Good luck with the restoration.
Duane
mickeyd
Well-known member
Dryer people and radio heads will go gaga and apopleptic
when they see # 2. It looks so much like a car radio from way back when. Amazing. I marveled after your call about how you love Westinghouse so much. Didn't know that. You were so excited--elated, even. Is there any brand you don't appreciate?
"COMPUTER"~ love it. John, are any machines safe from the Museum Acquisition Team?
when they see # 2. It looks so much like a car radio from way back when. Amazing. I marveled after your call about how you love Westinghouse so much. Didn't know that. You were so excited--elated, even. Is there any brand you don't appreciate?
"COMPUTER"~ love it. John, are any machines safe from the Museum Acquisition Team?
kevin313
Well-known member
Just incredible!! Congrats on finding these mint survivors! The design and colors are wonderful. The "computer" must have made the owner feel that they were indeed in the "space age."
These are just beautiful!!
These are just beautiful!!
WOW
COngrats John----These have to be the most futuristic Atomic Age models I've seen! Please give us a picture show of those controls. I see #7 in the window in picture 2. Does the PROGRAM dial have 7 or more cycles to choose? Do the 5 heat lights go on to show what temp was chosen? Does the "COMPUTER" dial set the length of time? I'm guessing it really isn't at all computerized, simply very advanced and high tech and great.
Thanks in advance for more pics, and an explanation of the controls for both machines, very cool.
If they were mine Id' be torn betwwen showing them off unused and keeping them pristine versus showing them off and washing everything under the sun, using every COMPUTER PROGRAM 21st centruy cycle it has.
Congratulations!
Keep your camera handy, next I'll ask all about the washer.
COngrats John----These have to be the most futuristic Atomic Age models I've seen! Please give us a picture show of those controls. I see #7 in the window in picture 2. Does the PROGRAM dial have 7 or more cycles to choose? Do the 5 heat lights go on to show what temp was chosen? Does the "COMPUTER" dial set the length of time? I'm guessing it really isn't at all computerized, simply very advanced and high tech and great.
Thanks in advance for more pics, and an explanation of the controls for both machines, very cool.
If they were mine Id' be torn betwwen showing them off unused and keeping them pristine versus showing them off and washing everything under the sun, using every COMPUTER PROGRAM 21st centruy cycle it has.
Congratulations!
Keep your camera handy, next I'll ask all about the washer.
I believe the dryer has the same cycles as Moparwash's 1962 dryer.
The washer uses a rapid advance timer.
The pink GE undercounter dryer arrived with these machines and it was drying clothes on Sunday so pictures of it with the lights on should be appearing soon.
The washer uses a rapid advance timer.
The pink GE undercounter dryer arrived with these machines and it was drying clothes on Sunday so pictures of it with the lights on should be appearing soon.
Absolutely Fantastic.......can't wait to visit and see them in person....WOW! just doesn't describe them....
customline
Well-known member
Well......
Your machines are beautiful !!!!!!
Your machines are beautiful !!!!!!
Wow guys -
Interest of more than 10 years in the making is really something. To put a picture of a similar set on a cake, then eventually for such a pristine set to come along, it must have been 'meant to be'! Its great that these will be around for years for people to appreciate.
Congratulations on your find.
Gordon
Interest of more than 10 years in the making is really something. To put a picture of a similar set on a cake, then eventually for such a pristine set to come along, it must have been 'meant to be'! Its great that these will be around for years for people to appreciate.
Congratulations on your find.
Gordon
seeitrun2006
Well-known member
White wash tub?
Is the tub in the L-1000 washer white? From looking at it thru the window in the picture it appears to be white. Most of the washers from that era were dark blue with specks of white. My Mom worked in the lunch room in the Ele. School I attended. They had the same type of washer except it was bottm of the line model. They used to wash their towels in it. The school got rid of it because it started to give an electric shock when touched. Per the school it became a safety hazard.
After all these years did the tub seal hold up?
Congrats on your find!
David
Is the tub in the L-1000 washer white? From looking at it thru the window in the picture it appears to be white. Most of the washers from that era were dark blue with specks of white. My Mom worked in the lunch room in the Ele. School I attended. They had the same type of washer except it was bottm of the line model. They used to wash their towels in it. The school got rid of it because it started to give an electric shock when touched. Per the school it became a safety hazard.
After all these years did the tub seal hold up?
Congrats on your find!
David
1959 Westinghouse Washer and Dryer
David the washer tub while not completely white does have more white coating than I have ever seen on a WH FL washer, I suspect that they did give the L-1000s tub a second coat. The rubber door boot is still in good condition, but I will change it to an even more minty one when we do the rebuild on the machine [ the same door boot was used till 1993 on WCI built FL washers ].
One of the other reasons I have long considered the 1959-1963 WH FL washers their best effort was the combination of a 30" wide cabinet and two automobile style oil filled shock absorbers instead of the friction dampers that were used in the earlier and later machines. The first Slant Front machines had 5 damper pads and in 1964 when they went to the 27" cabinet design they used 8 friction pads.
David the washer tub while not completely white does have more white coating than I have ever seen on a WH FL washer, I suspect that they did give the L-1000s tub a second coat. The rubber door boot is still in good condition, but I will change it to an even more minty one when we do the rebuild on the machine [ the same door boot was used till 1993 on WCI built FL washers ].
One of the other reasons I have long considered the 1959-1963 WH FL washers their best effort was the combination of a 30" wide cabinet and two automobile style oil filled shock absorbers instead of the friction dampers that were used in the earlier and later machines. The first Slant Front machines had 5 damper pads and in 1964 when they went to the 27" cabinet design they used 8 friction pads.
Uh oh
I see deadly Westinghouse floppulation there at the tub core, is it stable??
I see deadly Westinghouse floppulation there at the tub core, is it stable??
Jon, that is almost universal for those tubs and does not result from or in flopulation.
Great machines!
So happy to see the up close pictures of these. What a great find and glad they have landed where they will be well taken care of and can be seen by many.
Looking forward to more!
Patrick
So happy to see the up close pictures of these. What a great find and glad they have landed where they will be well taken care of and can be seen by many.
Looking forward to more!
Patrick
re563
Well-known member
Hope you make a full cycle video of these !!
Floppulation . . .
All I can say is that I damned near floppulated when I first saw the pics of these machines . . . sigh . . .
All I can say is that I damned near floppulated when I first saw the pics of these machines . . . sigh . . .
philr
Well-known member
John, these are really nice machines!
Congrats!
Thanks for showing the pics!
Congrats!
Thanks for showing the pics!
classiccaprice
Well-known member
I think I have new dream machines. I'm so happy they have found a good home.
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