Vintage Automatic Washing Machine Lover

[jaylikethebird]

Hello! My name is Alexander, but most people know me by my middle name Jay, I'm new here and I'm a vintage appliance enthusiast (especially when it comes to automatic washers). My favorite washing machine of all time is the 1950's Westinghouse Laundromat. They look so cool to me and I really hope that I'll own one someday. This is a picture of my favorite model.

 

[appnut]

Jay, welcome. Glad you finally came forth.

 

[rp2813]

Welcome Jay!

The early '50s Westinghouse Laundromats were my favorite too, and that's the first vintage machine I ever owned.  Got it for free.  It leaked, but I used it on a patio or in a funky garage laundry area of a rental I lived in, so it didn't matter.

 

[jaylikethebird]

Thank you so much, Bob and Ralph (I clicked on both of your profiles)! You're right, Ralph! The early 1950's Westinghouse Laundromats were absolutely beautiful machines! I remember seeing a vintage 1951 commercial of them on Youtube and it was awesome! I also love how the door weighs the clothes!

 

[DADoES]

 
My dad's uncle had a 50s Westy in back of the garage in the mid-1960s into the 70s, with a 60s Whirlpool toploader in use at the laundry area.  I asked several times to see the Westy run but was never allowed, maybe it was no longer working.  Two households in town had SpaceMate stacked sets.  One I could see in the garage whenever we passed by.  The other was my private kindergarten teacher.  Her set was in the back of the garage behind the classroom.  It could be seen when going to the restroom out the back door of the classroom.  It may have been running a couple times but I didn't dare go after it for a look-see.

 

[rp2813]

I definitely think the windows in the various iterations of Westinghouse front loaders were the attraction, particularly considering I wasn't tall enough to see inside a top loader even if it did have a window in it.  There was something hypnotic about watching the the quiet tumbling action and all of that suds -- at just the right height for viewing.

 

So Jay, I can't help but wonder if a guy with a handle like yours has much clothing to wash. 

[this post was last edited: 6/21/2021-14:05]

 

[turquoisedude]

Welcome aboard, Jay!  I also love the Westinghouse 'slant-front' machines!  I am fortunate enough to have a Canadian 1953 set (fully restored and operational) and a 1958 L110 Laundromat from the US matched up with a D110 automatic dryer found near the Quebec/Ontario border.  I am still fighting with the washer to get it running correctly, though.     When the time comes, please note that a Westinghouse laundromat can't just be thrown onto the back of a truck for shipping - the tub requires bracing. My very first Laundromat, a 1950 L5 model, got good and messed up in transit.... 

 Please ask as many questions as you have here, there are lots of knowledgeable folk here!

 

[gelaundry4ever]

Welcome Jay!

My favorite vintage washer is by far the GE filter-flo. No need to explain what's been stated here.