"Ya know, Every Now and Then"....(in my best Tina Turner Voice)

[frigilux]

Keith-- I always replaced the tub light with what was called an 'appliance bulb' made for use in washers, dryers, refrigeration and ovens; never with a common household incandescent. Don't know whether those were the 'hard glass' bulbs you referred to.

Putting our Kenmore experts to work: What features did the '58 Lady Kenmore have that the 'Four Star' model did not? Bleach and fabric softener dispensers? Self-cleaning lint filter? Ultraviolet 'hygiene' light? Scrubber cap on agitator? Thanks in advance for any light you can shed. The 1959 Lady K I had briefly back in the mid 90s featured all of the above. Would be interesting to find out which of those features were held over from '58 and which were new for '59.

 

[amyofescobar]

@sears9000 I was thinking about this too.
In times past, homemaking was a much more visible aspect in one's life. People just have very different lifestyles now, because there is a freedom of sorts thanks to various technology. Plus some social revolutions.
And... maybe some politics and wars have had a say too. ;-)

My hope is that in the future, we'll really see great things happen that bring us full circle, especially in the realm of technology, because so much is happening right now. For example, the invention of the automobile is seen by many as something that has disrupted the vital "town square" feeling to many cities around the world. Roads must be bigger, parking lots emerge, buildings and homes are farther apart now.

However, with the ever evolving technologies, tech that has matured or "fermented" if you will, we might start seeing some smarter solutions (self driving cars, electric batteries, various public transport endeavors). We can bring things into balance again by making the technology work for us instead of against us, which cuts costs and makes new options possible. I'm hoping it will be able to change our culture too.

 

[toploader55]

@ amyofescobar... Love your Avitar

 

[frigilux]

Technology: Many here long for the return of the 1950s and 1960s--primarily for the appliances, I suppose--but without the internet, the AW family would be far smaller. We'd probably exist via newsletter. Members rely on craigslist, eBay, etc. to find vintage appliances and the parts to keep them working.

Me, I'm glad to be a part of the 21st century, warts and all. Was there ever really a time when everything was hunky dory? I think not.

 

[jetaction]

amyofescobar

Absolutely, use all the pictures you want!

 

[realvanman]

Frigilux

I agree. There never has been, nor ever will be a time that was or is perfect. As much as I long for the past, when quality and style were king, I begrudgingly admit that I am better off in the present, for many of the reasons you site, but other reasons as well.

The most important reason for me, my Beloved is a stunningly beautiful dark brown, and I am a pasty beige. It is a pathetic truth that this would have been tremendously more difficult in decades past!

 

[kenmoreman]

Dryer lubrication

I was a Sears technician in 1970 and saw quit a few of these machines. They were beautiful!!! I noticed you were doing a bit of lubrication on the washer and rightfully so. There are so many replys on this thread I hope I am not repeating one. The dryer was so over engineered! The blower assembly has an oil wick as did later designs. If you pull it out you will see it. You should Soak it with turbine oil and let it set in before you use it. I envy your aquisition! They are museun quality. Great post!!!