The name wasnt familiar to me. Who were they? Did they manufacture in their own right or were they rebadged products?
Universal POD
- Thread starter wilkinsservis
- Start date
Help Support :
hilovane
Well-known member
From what I gather, the washer and dryer were manufactured for them by Apex. I can't speak for the other applicances, or the TV's. My grandmother had that Universal Stove pictured.
easyspindry
Well-known member
Apex
must have had something to do with the washer/dryer. I never heard of them. Very interesting.
Jerry Gay
must have had something to do with the washer/dryer. I never heard of them. Very interesting.
Jerry Gay
Universal made amazing stoves and were, I believe, later assimilated by GE. I love that "Manor House" washer; reminds me of those old 72" wide stoves.
ingliscanada
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2009
- Messages
- 338
My Guess
The washer and dryer seems to match the description of Apex.
The washer and dryer seems to match the description of Apex.
crevicetool
Well-known member
Ah, yes Universal!
A trip is in the works!!! An excursion to the birthplace of Universal is being planned for early 2010. Landers Frary & Clark was one of this county's oldest manufacturing firms, dating back to the very early 1800's. Originally a hardware manufacturer, LF&C constantly added new products to satisfy this nations ever increasing demands. Universal was their most famous trade name, which was attached to virtually EVERY household/farm implement imaginable. My Dad's hardware store in central Illinois was an authorised dealer of LF&C products which included the famous food grinders on up to milking machines. The household electric appliance division made all of the components for the manufacture of waffle irons, percolators, (famous for)toasters, etc., and vacuum cleaners (that's were I come in - sorta)! You name it - Universal had their name on it.
Large appliances, I'm a little sketchy on...I think what has been said above about Apex is true. However, I do know that they made their own wringer washer, so where the break between LF&C and re-badged products occurs, is beyond me for now. We hope to clear up a lot of this on the trip. I've been in touch with the manager/curator of all the company literature donated to the New Britain Library from LF&C. She said that sadly no "official" company history was ever published. Maybe it's time that was done! We'll keep you posted as to when this journey will be taking place. I think a lot of us will be amazed at what all this once proud company did and how they did it! War efforts included.
Did I mention that the Universal name appeared on soldier's canteens? They pop up on EBay all the time!
Rick
A trip is in the works!!! An excursion to the birthplace of Universal is being planned for early 2010. Landers Frary & Clark was one of this county's oldest manufacturing firms, dating back to the very early 1800's. Originally a hardware manufacturer, LF&C constantly added new products to satisfy this nations ever increasing demands. Universal was their most famous trade name, which was attached to virtually EVERY household/farm implement imaginable. My Dad's hardware store in central Illinois was an authorised dealer of LF&C products which included the famous food grinders on up to milking machines. The household electric appliance division made all of the components for the manufacture of waffle irons, percolators, (famous for)toasters, etc., and vacuum cleaners (that's were I come in - sorta)! You name it - Universal had their name on it.
Large appliances, I'm a little sketchy on...I think what has been said above about Apex is true. However, I do know that they made their own wringer washer, so where the break between LF&C and re-badged products occurs, is beyond me for now. We hope to clear up a lot of this on the trip. I've been in touch with the manager/curator of all the company literature donated to the New Britain Library from LF&C. She said that sadly no "official" company history was ever published. Maybe it's time that was done! We'll keep you posted as to when this journey will be taking place. I think a lot of us will be amazed at what all this once proud company did and how they did it! War efforts included.
Did I mention that the Universal name appeared on soldier's canteens? They pop up on EBay all the time!
Rick
