Thread Number: 25491
Universal POD
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Post# 392408   11/11/2009 at 05:51 (5,250 days old) by wilkinsservis (Melbourne Australia)        

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The name wasnt familiar to me. Who were they? Did they manufacture in their own right or were they rebadged products?




Post# 392409 , Reply# 1   11/11/2009 at 06:13 (5,250 days old) by hilovane (Columbus OH)        

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.

Post# 392410 , Reply# 2   11/11/2009 at 06:26 (5,250 days old) by easyspindry (Winston-Salem, NC)        
Apex

must have had something to do with the washer/dryer. I never heard of them. Very interesting.

Jerry Gay


Post# 392426 , Reply# 3   11/11/2009 at 07:46 (5,250 days old) by tlee618 ()        
Universal

I am sure that Rick, (crevicetool) will have something to add here. Universal is his all time favorite and he knows a lot about the company. Loved the picture of that electric range!!

Post# 392437 , Reply# 4   11/11/2009 at 08:28 (5,250 days old) by bajaespuma (Connecticut)        

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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.

Post# 392450 , Reply# 5   11/11/2009 at 09:47 (5,250 days old) by lesto (Atlanta)        

My elementary school had that Universal air conditioner in the window. It was a 1947 or 48 model I believe. I also remember a club member finding that same model a few years back.

Post# 392459 , Reply# 6   11/11/2009 at 10:29 (5,250 days old) by ingliscanada ()        
My Guess

The washer and dryer seems to match the description of Apex.

Post# 393084 , Reply# 7   11/13/2009 at 20:40 (5,248 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)        
Ah, yes Universal!

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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




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