Mini Meets Are Great!!!


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Thread Number: 26972
Mini Meets Are Great!!!

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Post# 414498 2/11/2010 at 14:46 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes I wanted to share with all of you some of the fun that Rick Winkler (crevicetool) and I recently had on a trip to New Britain, Ct. This was a trip that we had been wanting to take for a long time and finally just decided to do it. Rick has a strong passion for anything made by Landers, Frary and Clark or better known as Universal! The home for Universal was in New Britain. He had been in contact with the Library there and learned that they had a large collection of paper work and pictures from the company. Universal had closed up shop in 1965 and many of their records were donated to the library. We also knew that there was an Industrial Museum there. So last Saturday I flew to Atlanta and met up with Rick and we were off for New Britain. Lucky for us there are AW members and Vacuumland members that live in that same general area. We flew into Hartford, Ct, which was fun in itself because Rick hadn't flown in many years, (I won't say just how many) but a long time.LOL We picked up a rental car and drove about 30 miles to New Britain. We got checked into our hotel and called Gary and Steve (Gadget Gary and ToggleSwitch) and Louis and Billy(LouVac). It was planned that we were to meet up with them for dinner. Gary is a waiter at a restaurant called The Silo. He had to work that night so we were able to have him as for our waiter. Rick, Steve, Louis, Billy and I had a wonderful dinner there. It was really neat the way everyone that worked there paid special attention to all of us. We had a wonderful dinner which Louis and Billy were so kind to treat us to. For some reason I didn't have my camera with me so hopefully one of the others can share some pictures. We had a great time catching up with what we had all been up to. On Sunday morning we arrived around 10 at Gary's house. He has a beautiful home and he and Steve were fantastic hosts for the day. Gary had made some delicious cinnamon bread that was just coming out of the oven so that along with other treats made for a great Sunday morning brunch. Then we were off to some thrift stores for some shopping. It was a treat for both Rick and I to visit some new places and we all came home with a few treasures. When we got back to Gary's Louis and Billy joined us. We spent the rest of the day and evening playing with Gary's Maytag collection, his vacuums, and his other fun things. Believe me Gadget Gary has the perfect screen name!! Steve and Gary fixed us a wonderful dinner that we all enjoyed together. Talk about a spread, we really had one!! The first set of pictures will show our get together at Gary's On Monday Rick and I were off to the library to learn as much as we could about Universal. They were in business for almost 120 years. We learned so much about the company. It was estimated at one time nearly 1 out of every 4 homes in America had at least one Universal product in it. That is very possible as they made 100's of things. They made products for the home and their success was due in part to their ability to change products with the changing times. One very interesting thing for me was to discover that Universal was the inventor of the percolator both stove top and electric. They also made major home appliances and we did learn some of that history as well. I had no idea that they made a twin tub machine much like an Easy but they did. We also learned that at one time an executive from Bendix came to work for them. They stopped making their own washers in 1941 and sold that division to a company in Ohio. Rick has the name of that he will have to fill us in on that. Universal had many factories in New Britain but sadly one one is left. We were able to stand in from of that building on Ellis Street. Interestingly too that is the one where the washers were made. Well enough of my rambling for now, I am sure that as time goes by all of us will have more to add. At the library we made right at 400 copies of things so we still have a lot of reading and learning to do!! We would both like to thank our fantastic hosts for such a fun weekend!!

Post# 414501 , Reply# 1 2/11/2010 at 14:52 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes New Britain

Post# 414502 , Reply# 2 2/11/2010 at 14:53 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes New Britain

Post# 414503 , Reply# 3 2/11/2010 at 14:54 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes New Britain

Post# 414504 , Reply# 4 2/11/2010 at 14:55 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
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Post# 414506 , Reply# 5 2/11/2010 at 14:56 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes New Britain

Post# 414507 , Reply# 6 2/11/2010 at 14:57 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes New Britain

Post# 414508 , Reply# 7 2/11/2010 at 14:58 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes Our host for Sunday

Post# 414510 , Reply# 8 2/11/2010 at 14:59 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes New Britain

Post# 414511 , Reply# 9 2/11/2010 at 15:00 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes New Britain

Post# 414512 , Reply# 10 2/11/2010 at 15:01 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes New Britain

Post# 414513 , Reply# 11 2/11/2010 at 15:01 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes New Britain

Post# 414514 , Reply# 12 2/11/2010 at 15:03 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes New Britain

Post# 414515 , Reply# 13 2/11/2010 at 15:03 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes New Britain

Post# 414516 , Reply# 14 2/11/2010 at 15:05 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes Museum

Post# 414517 , Reply# 15 2/11/2010 at 15:06 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes New Britain

Post# 414518 , Reply# 16 2/11/2010 at 15:06 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes New Britain

Post# 414519 , Reply# 17 2/11/2010 at 15:07 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes New Britain

Post# 414520 , Reply# 18 2/11/2010 at 15:08 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes NB

Post# 414521 , Reply# 19 2/11/2010 at 15:08 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
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Post# 414522 , Reply# 20 2/11/2010 at 15:09 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
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Post# 414523 , Reply# 21 2/11/2010 at 15:09 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes NB

Post# 414524 , Reply# 22 2/11/2010 at 15:10 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes NB

Post# 414525 , Reply# 23 2/11/2010 at 15:11 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes NB

Post# 414526 , Reply# 24 2/11/2010 at 15:11 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes NB

Post# 414529 , Reply# 25 2/11/2010 at 15:35 (5,197 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)
Checkrate/Likes Great pictures, guys! Looks like you had a good time at Gary's, hope he didn't mind having the house cleaned ;-) When I saw all those shelves of Universal/LF&C appliances, I was kind of hoping for a picture of Rick on the floor catatonic! Can't wait to see you next weekend, Terry - and hear more about this trip!

Post# 414530 , Reply# 26 2/11/2010 at 15:56 (5,197 days old) by petek (Ontari ari ari O )
Checkrate/Likes Thanks for all the pics Terry. I'm surprised Steve managed to keep his pi umm lips sealed all this time about the visit LOL. What's that white thingy beside the white stove.. a tabletop oven?

Post# 414537 , Reply# 27 2/11/2010 at 16:30 (5,197 days old) by toggleswitch2 ()
Checkrate/Likes *I TOLD you Gary's place was very PANK!* Oh Pete, remind me to SMACK you senseless. LOL Boys, it was great to see everyone and to get together and have a faulous day. We did coffee-makers, vacuum-cleaners, washers and dryers. I learned so much about vacuum cleaners from everyone and Rick said the same of my knowledge of washers. It was a pleasure to see everyone again and to meet Rick! So, all said and told, the hours FLEW by and we all had a very memorable day. It was our pleasure to break bread with such a great crowd! Greg, be sure to ask Terry OFFLINE about why I had to take my pants off, and why he partially undressed too. LOL Thanks again for a great weekend and for looking us up! I am so glad that, by all appearances, your trip was a huge success.

Post# 414539 , Reply# 28 2/11/2010 at 16:34 (5,197 days old) by toggleswitch2 ()
Checkrate/Likes *Toggle Treats and Gary Breads for everyone!* oh and I wanted to thank everyone for bringing gifts and desserts and a great attitude. Gary made two fabulous fresh breads and together we cooked up a storm!

Post# 414545 , Reply# 29 2/11/2010 at 17:08 (5,197 days old) by perc-o-prince (Southboro, Mass)
Checkrate/Likes *Looks like a great time was had by all!!* Nice pics!! I'm a big Universal fan :-) Rich

Post# 414556 , Reply# 30 2/11/2010 at 18:09 (5,197 days old) by rickr (.)
Checkrate/Likes Looks like everyone had a great time! Thanks for sharing the pixs. BTW: Gary, my house has a lot of pank in it too!

Post# 414557 , Reply# 31 2/11/2010 at 18:13 (5,197 days old) by mixfinder ()
Checkrate/Likes *Relief* I am so relieved and pleased to see the tile floor in front of Gadget's dishwasher. True class act.

Post# 414561 , Reply# 32 2/11/2010 at 18:19 (5,197 days old) by crevicetool (Snellville Ga.)
Checkrate/Likes *You can say it Terry.......* It's been forty-two years since I've been on a plane. LAND!!!! SWEET, NON-FLOATING, SHOE POUNDING LAND!!!!!

Post# 414562 , Reply# 33 2/11/2010 at 18:21 (5,197 days old) by 112561 (River Park, in Port St. Lucie, Florida)
Checkrate/Likes I'm glad it was as successful and fun as it turned out to be. What did Rick say or do when he saw all that loot?

Post# 414581 , Reply# 34 2/11/2010 at 19:07 (5,197 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia)
Checkrate/Likes *WOW....* I'm more than a little jealous of all those toasters.....

Post# 414592 , Reply# 35 2/11/2010 at 19:41 (5,197 days old) by supersuds (Knoxville, Tenn.)
Checkrate/Likes Are the Universal vacuums any good? Love all the coffeemakers!

Post# 414605 , Reply# 36 2/11/2010 at 21:03 (5,197 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)
Checkrate/Likes *I did not mind having the house cleaned but....* Someone left their socks behind.

Post# 414606 , Reply# 37 2/11/2010 at 21:06 (5,197 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)
Checkrate/Likes *The day started out* 'Universally' Coffee, cinnamon raisin bread, bagels, english muffins and of course, 'Pank' cream cheese(thank you very much rickr).

Post# 414607 , Reply# 38 2/11/2010 at 21:09 (5,197 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)
Checkrate/Likes *After some thrifting* Billy and Louis joined for some 'Spanakopita'. Of course, a Kirby had to be part of those festivities.

Post# 414608 , Reply# 39 2/11/2010 at 21:10 (5,197 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)
Checkrate/Likes *Looks like* An Oreck lurking in the background

Post# 414609 , Reply# 40 2/11/2010 at 21:13 (5,197 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)
Checkrate/Likes *Food* Friends, Vacuums, Coffeemakers and Gadgets What a great day!

Post# 414610 , Reply# 41 2/11/2010 at 21:18 (5,197 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)
Checkrate/Likes *After a nice relaxing dinner* We retired to the lower level for some VacuumLand activities. I had an Orkeck, Electrolux upright, Fantom, Miele, Hoover Constellation...just to name a few. Terry played the salesman trying to find dirt in my carpet that was left behind by my old vacuum. We laughed when he found nothing.

Post# 414611 , Reply# 42 2/11/2010 at 21:20 (5,197 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)
Checkrate/Likes *Louis and Billy* In a mini vacuum heaven

Post# 414612 , Reply# 43 2/11/2010 at 21:23 (5,197 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)
Checkrate/Likes *The mini gang* After all that food and vacuuming, it was time to relax. Rick, Louis, Steve, Terry, myself and Gabriella....

Post# 414613 , Reply# 44 2/11/2010 at 21:26 (5,197 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)
Checkrate/Likes *Of course* We had to do laundry. After all, this is the Automatic Washer site. Hmm....What Maytag should we use? Terry decided on the HA806....Lights and all.

Post# 414615 , Reply# 45 2/11/2010 at 21:34 (5,197 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)
Checkrate/Likes *Gather round the Maytag* Yeah, which one? I only have 10 to choose from. I have been told, no more Maytags. rickr- Please Help! Those pink walls have the same chance of staying as another Maytag has of coming in to my house.

Post# 414616 , Reply# 46 2/11/2010 at 21:37 (5,197 days old) by toggleswitch2 ()
Checkrate/Likes . NO MORE PANK! LOL CLICK HERE TO GO TO toggleswitch2's LINK

Post# 414617 , Reply# 47 2/11/2010 at 21:38 (5,197 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)
Checkrate/Likes *Thanks for the plug Terry* Here is the restaurant where I work. The owner has had it for 49 years. There is a lot of history in that building in 'FAHMINGTON'(home to Miss Porter's finishing school for girls). ESPN is right down the street from me. CLICK HERE TO GO TO gadgetgary's LINK

Post# 414622 , Reply# 48 2/11/2010 at 22:22 (5,197 days old) by rickr (.)
Checkrate/Likes Gary, when Steve finds the next Maytag, and tries to haul it into your house, tell him to take it to the body shop and have it painted Pank first! (or turquoise for the contrast) <: Your home looks beautiful, btw!

Post# 414625 , Reply# 49 2/11/2010 at 22:25 (5,197 days old) by gadgetgary (Bristol,CT)
Checkrate/Likes *OMG!!!* Rick Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU! The 'pink palace' lives on.....

Post# 414627 , Reply# 50 2/11/2010 at 22:44 (5,197 days old) by tlee618 ()
Checkrate/Likes *Greg, be sure to ask Terry OFFLINE about why I had to take m* Too funny Steve, you know all about the problems I have losing my clothes. Funny too that it seems to happen most often when we are together!! !LOL Thanks to everyone for checking out all of our fun. Gary and Steve thanks too for adding the great pictures. Pete, that box thing next to the stove was Universals answer for an electric roaster. You opened it up and it had different shelves and pans inside to bake in, Really a neat idea with a great storage cabinet below.

Post# 414696 , Reply# 51 2/12/2010 at 06:49 (5,196 days old) by toggleswitch2 ()
Checkrate/Likes *Whose panties are these?* ~I did not mind having the house cleaned but.... Someone left their socks behind. ~Too funny Steve, you know all about the problems I have losing my clothes. Funny too that it seems to happen most often when we are together!! !LOL Do I have the effect on people? NEVERMIND! LOL the explanation is very innocent, but the FUN we have! planting seeds for gossip to grow! Still shaking my head in disbelief at what a great day it was!

Post# 414700 , Reply# 52 2/12/2010 at 07:00 (5,196 days old) by aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa)
Checkrate/Likes You guy's are looking fantastic ! Gary i always admired your collection you must feel good about that. Terry & Toggles you guy's are getting around. Does anybody have a inside shoot of the ROTO-VERSO washer or agitator shoot ? Thanks Guy's Darren k.

Post# 414711 , Reply# 53 2/12/2010 at 08:37 (5,196 days old) by toggleswitch2 ()
Checkrate/Likes ~Terry & Toggles you guys are getting around. I'm sure we'd both deny any such thing! LOL :-)

Post# 414728 , Reply# 54 2/12/2010 at 10:16 (5,196 days old) by mistereric (New Jersey (Taylor Ham))
Checkrate/Likes Mini Meets all around! Looks like you fellows had fun!

Post# 414757 , Reply# 55 2/12/2010 at 13:19 (5,196 days old) by petek (Ontari ari ari O )
Checkrate/Likes Stripey shirts must be the rage... I'll have to go get one

Post# 414852 , Reply# 56 2/12/2010 at 21:35 (5,196 days old) by toggleswitch2 ()
Checkrate/Likes more over there! CLICK HERE TO GO TO toggleswitch2's LINK

Post# 415361 , Reply# 57 2/14/2010 at 13:02 (5,194 days old) by gfm8959 (Long Island, NY)
Checkrate/Likes *Universal Mixer* ...actually a Dormeyer clone- very rare model.

Post# 415374 , Reply# 58 2/14/2010 at 14:09 (5,194 days old) by jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)
Checkrate/Likes *Looks like the mini meet was a success* and thanks for all the great pcitures too. I didn't know there was an Industrial Museum there, must put that on my list Gary! BTW was the cinnamon bread mixed in a Universal??

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