why is the whirlpool surgomatic so hard to find?

[mickeyd]

Lol on the pic, Glenn ~

This is the only one I’ve ever seen and was lucky enough to find it locally. Sold by her grandson, he claimed that she used it for blankets and quilts. Aren’t these machines the forerunners of them direct drive ? The tubs are large, and they seem to be able to wash anything forever. Here’s a giant washer broom for you.

 

[mickeyd]

T-H-E-E direct drive

'

 

[waterdrama]

Basement Research circa 1960

Oak Park, Michigan was an early Detroit ring-suburb built up primarily in the early to mid 1950's with a few exceptions. Plenty of 1100 square foot, three-bedroom ranch-style homes. Most new home buyers were newlyweds planning on raising a family. Ten minutes away was J.L. Hudson Company in the new Northland Shopping Center. Hudson's sold Whirlpool, GE, Frigidaire, Speed Queen, and Westinghouse as far as I can remember. Twenty minutes away was the old Sears store in Highland Park.
Playing downstairs with friends, I always got a sneak peek at the laundry system and took mental notes LOL. Keep in mind that most of these homes were built and occupied 1953 - 1955, Here is what I noticed for the washers:
1) 30% Whirlpool Washers with the lid buttons.
2) 30% Kenmore
3) 20% Norge Timeline
4) 20% Other Brands.
For the dryers, Hamilton dominated the brand choice. Most likely because the local gas company sold Hamilton exclusively and was probably the best, most reliable choice for installation. The newest Hamiltons always stood lonely and proud in the Gas Company window...next to a water heater!!!

For our family, Sears always was the choice. After all, they serviced what they sold and their trucks were everywhere.

 

[thedrycleaner]

thanks for the great info gang!!!

hello washer friends, and thanks for everything. I wish the surgo in michigan wasnt so far away for me. please forgive an old drycleaner for not replying to all the great threads, I am very poor with computers and didnt really know what to do. thanks Bill