Old Washing Machines Show A Bit Of History

Old Washing Machines Show A Bit Of History AG WORLD 28-2-22 Collectors of old washing machines say it's not just the thrill of finding as many different models as possible. They also like getting a glimpse of history. Eighteen years ago, Lee Maxwell, Eaton, Colorado, started collecting old washing machines. He now has 975 of them. It is the most comprehensive collection of antique washing machines anywhere, according to the Guinness World Records. His "hobby museum" graphically portrays the vast variety of laundry devices that were used from 1840 until about 1950, when he feels equipment finally became more standardized. According to Maxwell, in 1920 there were more than 1,300 companies producing washers. Maxwell's museum is a 300 by 40-ft. building packed full of restored units. A separate barn houses the other 250 he is still restoring. He says it has been his experience that most antique dealers "avoid washing machines like the plague," because they are usually rusted and contain decades of dirt and hardened grease. Only about a dozen of Maxwell's machines were in premium shape when he found them, but all but a few of his restored machines are in working condition. He says he enjoys all aspects of the hobby, including the hunt, the fixing, and the showing. "The machines of today don't have nearly the charm or character of the older machines, but they are a lot safer," he says. "Many of the most elegant washing machines were powered either by gasoline engines or electric motors. Almost any æold timer' can remember getting a hand, a hunk of hair or some other part of the anatomy caught in the wringer. Many have scars to prove it. Not only were the wringers dangerous, most of the early machines had open or unshielded gearing. Early electric machines had no grounding, and many had open terminals so you could get shocked even when the machine was not running. Maxwell doesn't do appraisals, and the value of washing machines has been, and remains, elusive, he says. "There is no æBlue Book' or comprehensive price guide for washers, as there is for many other collectibles. There are extremely few serious collectors and as of yet, there is no club or group of such people, with the exception of the Maytag Club that deals only with Maytag machines." Maxwell doesn't sell any of his machines or the parts. The average price is $65. The most he has ever paid for a machine is $350. He says he would like to trade duplicate machines for other machines or items associated with washing, but the lack of a collector's club makes that difficult. In an effort to share his love of old washing machines (and vast knowledge) with others, this avid collector set up a website. "Lee Maxwell's Antique Washing Machines" site has a searchable database of pictures and video clips of every single machine in his collection, as well as articles, links, a museum tour and a patent database for visitors to check out. He also offers for sale, a 127-page, hardcover book called "History of Washing Machines," that he authored. It sells for $33 plus shipping. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Lee Maxwell, 35901 WCR 31, Eaton, Colorado 80615 (ph 970 454-1856; email: oldewash@aol.com; website: www.oldwash.com).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.