Time to Start all Over Again...

[washerlover]

Ah, life in California. If the floods and earthquakes don't get you, the wildfires will! We just finished remodeling our house we bought a year ago, and I was putting the final touches on my lovely laundry room when this happened. I couldn't even get into my former laundry room (or any of the rest of the house) as it was too dangerous, but was able to reach in and look at my melted Norge bakelite agitator in the '65 Norge. At least I have a photo of it as my avatar. Items lost in the fire: washers: '74 Wards, '65 Norge, '62 Maytag, '66 Whirlpool, '74 Frigidaire, '68 GE, '76 Whirlpool, '71 Lady Kenmore, '64 Kenmore, '66 Kenmore, '75 Frigidaire. Dryers: '62 Maytag, '66 Whirlpool, '64 Lady Kenmore, ''74 Frigidaire, '66 Kenmore. Needless to say, I'm devastated and angry. I feel responsible for losing these gems as they aren't as easy to come by anymore. I already got an offer for a wringer machine in St. Louis -- I'm going to need help rebuilding my collection. I am especially fond of Norge and Wards and am willing to pay and ship whatever anyone is willing to sell. We are in a house now until we either rebuild or buy another place -- and this temporary house has room for machines!

 

[appnut]

Todd, I had hoped what I wrote in the other thread had come true, but it's not.  But y'all are ok.  It's gut wrenching to look at the melted machines.  I deeply mourn with you as I was so looking forward to washing in both Norges, especially the 1965.  We will all move forward with both of you and help you get started again in many ways.  I wish I could give ya a hug and hold you both for a bit!!! 

 

[rp2813]

Oh Todd.

 

When I saw a post from you after the Valley Fire was well underway, I saw it as a good sign that you were out of harm's way and I felt relieved, so didn't bother to inquire.

 

Another friend of mine was burned out completely in the Lexington fire back in the mid '80s.  He ended up building a palatial replacement home all to his own specs, so that's the bright side.

 

I'm sure you'll get a new collection started, but given the circumstances, they'll likely be sourced outside of Lake County.

 

I'm glad you made it out safely, and I hope if you had any pets, they did too.  I know I'm a few hours away, but if there's anything I can do, like snag and hold a machine for you in the SJ area, let me know.  Even if it's -- cough -- a Norge!

 

Hugs,

 

Ralph

 

[gansky1]

Oh Todd, that's just heartbreaking. I'm glad everyone is OK, that's most important. In time, you'll replace your things and build a new (and better?) collection of machines. Best of luck to you.

 

[northwesty]

Just terrible

I am amazed at those two adirondack chairs just sitting there.

 

[pumper]

I was wondering if you had been affected by the fires. Sorry you lost all your machines and house, but I'm glad you're both ok.

 

[wayupnorth]

That ABSOLUTELY sucks Todd. We may get real bad weather here but I could not wish that on anyone I absolutely hated. There is no choice to start over and hope the insurance you pay for is there. If they give you shit, fight back.

 

[bigalsf]

Todd,  so sorry for the loss of your house and your collection.  Losing a collection you built up and loved  is like losing some good friends.  Most importantly, though,  you & your family are safe & OK. 

 

I'm sure you'll build up a great collection again.  Ill keep an eye out for rareness here in Salt Lake and let you know anything pops up at the ReStore.    

 

Best wishes to you & your family.   

 

 

[launderess]

I could die for you..

Am so sorry for your loss, but the important thing is you and yours are safe. Am sure in due time you'll rebuild and restock better and better.

Meanwhile you are in our prayers and thoughts.

L.

 

[super32]

I'm soo sorry to hear of your loss. Stay strong.

 

[toploadloyalist]

You have my dearest heartfelt sympathy!

 

[neptuneguy27]

I'm very sorry for your loss. Glad that you and your family are safe though. I am sure you'll get your collection rebuilt.

Chris

 

[a440]

So sorry you guys had to go through this!  I cannot even imagine.

Glad you are all safe and sound. 

 

[jetaction]

Add my name to the list

I am so sorry to hear this, check your email!

 

[hippiedoll]

Todd...

Chiming in here, with disappointment & sadness over reading the devastating news & seeing the upsetting pictures. I am so sorry for your loss of the house & your laundry room collection. My heart & prayers go out to you. I know it's hard to see the silver-lining when dealing with such a big dark cloud. Keep us updated on your situation. I will also try to keep an eye out for you, to help you rebuild your collection.
Keep strong & try to stay positive my friend.

 

[turquoisedude]

Todd, I am so sorry to hear about what happened to your collection.   Those photos made me wince...    Please know my thoughts are with you at this time.    On a positive note, I am looking forward to seeing what will make its way into your new collection!

 

[mayken4now]

With understanding

Todd:

It's like death almost. You don't know how others feel until it happens to you. Well guess what. When I lived in Pennsylvania going to college, my house burnt. I did not have a total loss like you, but it was very disturbing. I Was angry as well. Replacing stuff is one thing, but to not be hurt and all of the many blessings hence forth, is the most important thing! It was for me anyway. Keep the head up!

 

[electron1100]

:-(

This is terrible news, I am so so sorry for both of you and your machines and anyone else who got caught up in this terrible event.

I am glad you two have survived I can only wish you both well for the future

Gary

 

[toploader55]

Horrible, Just Horrible

But Thank God you are OK.

 

The Appliance Apostles will be meeting soon and sending positive vibrations and you will have another beautiful collection again.

 

Again, Glad you're safe.

 

[mrb627]

Shocking

Just beyond words! Glad you're okay, though.

Malcolm

 

[goatfarmer]

I'm glad that you're OK. Things can be replaced, lives can't.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Todd, I am sorry for your great loss. Words do not come to mind to deal with your heartache. Again, I am very sorry for your great loss. Tom

 

[whirlaway]

Material Items can be Replaced!!!!!!!

YOU CANNOT BE REPLACED!!!!!!! How devastating! I feel so sad for you,at least here on the East Coast,we can plan when a hurricane comes,but fire is scarey!!!!! Good luck in getting your life back together again!!!! Bobby

 

[maytagmike]

Todd, so sorry for your loss, Thank God you and your loved ones are ok. You will get through this, and you will start to rebuild your life and your collection. I'll keep an eye out for you since I know what your collection was. Thoughts and prayers for you, Hang in there. Mike

 

[alr2903]

Todd, all Positive Energy  Your Way!  I know what it is to go home to a "soggy" unlivable house.  We were able to make shift and get by.  I am very sorry for your loss and the total disruption of your routine.  Take care of  you  and yours.  The stress of an event like this can be detrimental to your health.  I wish you the very best. I hope your insurance company is fair with you,  be firm with them.  I am glad you escaped the disaster. -A

 

[jons1077]

So sorry...

I wouldn't even know where to begin so I'd like to make a very small contribution. I noticed one of the machines on your list was a 70's Frigidaire. I have a '76 model 1-18 that I'd like to place your name on. When you get back on your feet and have a place for a washer then just know you have at least one to start with. Hope you like goldenrod!

Jon

 

[DADoES]

 
Oh my gosh ... what a tragic situation.  Those fires are awful.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

How sad

What a horrific loss. Very glad you are OK The washer gods will smile again for you though. I'll keep an eye out around the Minneapolis area for you. I do know of 1 1980's WP around here now.
WK78

 

[rapidry1000]

Sorry about your loss. Thank goodness you were not hurt. I will keep an eye out for any Montgomery Ward or Norge machines in the San Francisco area.

 

[washerlover]

Thank You

Thank you all for your kindness and support. We are all safe -- my heart also goes out for the other many displaced people affected by the fire. As a County employee, I have been working in disaster recovery operations and have met so many resilient people here. My husband and I will rebuild, and hope to have an even better appliance collection when it's all said and done. I can already see the Norge phoenix rising!! (no coughing, please!)