Thread Number: 12748
GE Filter Flo Mini Wash-in
[Down to Last]

automaticwasher.org's exclusive eBay Watch:
scroll >>> for more items --- [As an eBay Partner, eBay may compensate automaticwasher.org if you make a purchase using any link to eBay on this page]
Post# 222111   7/12/2007 at 00:47 (6,132 days old) by gewa1054wguy ()        

Good day,

Rich, Scott and I will be meeting at my laundry room for a GE mini-wash in on Saturday, July 21st. We usually keep it simple, get together in the late afternoon, wash some clothes, order pizza, play the jukebox. If anyone is near Long Beach and would like to attend, please let me know.

We are all looking forward to getting our clothes dirty like Fred Mertz, then getting them lint free clean in the V-12, V-14, Versatronic or 1967 Lady Kenmore.

Mike





Post# 222145 , Reply# 1   7/12/2007 at 09:57 (6,132 days old) by manoravenue ()        
Fred Mertz getting dirty?

It would be nice to stop by to say HELLO, but I'll be up here in Fresno, dying of the heat in this miserable pit of a Valley and miserable excuse for a place to call "home." I'm just not recalling Fred Mertz being stereotypically known for getting his clothes dirty; what I think of immediately is his zingers about Ethel and some snappy comebacks to Ricky's mispronoucning of English words. In fact, most of ties he wore in the earlier episodes and a lot of the sport shirts in the later episodes would probably bring big bucks on Ebay or at a vintage shop today.

Post# 222156 , Reply# 2   7/12/2007 at 11:06 (6,132 days old) by filterflo (Chicago Area)        

Id love to stop by Ethel, but then its a little too far to walk for those of us that are not wound too tight, isnt it? Filter, going with the Flo........Sorry! Mike, I just couldnt resist! Ha

Post# 222167 , Reply# 3   7/12/2007 at 11:52 (6,132 days old) by gewa1054wguy ()        
Fred Gets Dirty

Hi,

In the infamous Epernay Washer episode on "I Love Lucy" (Never do business with friends episode), Lucy comes into the Mertz's kitchen with Little Ricky in a the baby carriage. Ethel is doing the wash and getting lunch ready. Lucy asks Ethel how HER washer is doing and Ethel replies, you mean MY washer. Lucy says, Oh yes, and then Ethel says it gets clothes clean so fast I sent Fred out to get dirty. That is where I took my reference from.

Of course, after some more dialogue, the washing machine begins to wobble/make noise, then spray water and throw clothes all over the kitchen.

Oh, and to save space, there is a previous thread all about the Epernay which pegs it as a Hamilton washer based on some careful research by Robert and Rich Maher.

If anyone would like to attend the GE Mini Wash-in, please post or email me (lbcarguy@aol.com). Lets make some suds cakes!

Mike


Post# 222194 , Reply# 4   7/12/2007 at 16:52 (6,132 days old) by laundryshark (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)        
Bring On Some Great Audio/Video!

Would like to collect some awesome clips *for those of us who are too far away for being there.*--Laundry Shark

Post# 222205 , Reply# 5   7/12/2007 at 18:42 (6,131 days old) by golittlesport (California)        

golittlesport's profile picture
I can't wait to see YOUR new washer, Ethyl May. (Well, "it's new to you," as Fred would say.) You can give your old one to the Smithsonian Institute.

Jimmy - come on, it's not that far. You could always share a ride with Mrs. Grundy. ("Didn't I tell you to pack a lunch??")


Post# 222207 , Reply# 6   7/12/2007 at 18:44 (6,131 days old) by golittlesport (California)        

golittlesport's profile picture
Oh...Lucy's washer that she sold to Ethyl was a Horton, not a Hamilton. The Horton was a rebadged Launderall.

Post# 222208 , Reply# 7   7/12/2007 at 18:47 (6,131 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        
Horton

unimatic1140's profile picture
Yes it was a Horton, here is that thread that Mike is referring to, gosh thread #308, the Discuss-o-Mat was just a little baby back then LOL.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO unimatic1140's LINK


Post# 222216 , Reply# 8   7/12/2007 at 19:13 (6,131 days old) by gewa1054wguy ()        
OOoops

Hi,

I knew I should have looked it up. I am so bad with names ever since I have been prep 4 my Pitt Prem.

Mike


Post# 222292 , Reply# 9   7/13/2007 at 05:10 (6,131 days old) by jons1077 (Vancouver, Washington, USA)        

jons1077's profile picture
OOOH!!! I sure wish I could go to your get-together! I love the GE Filter Flos! I'm gonna get me one one of these days.

Post# 222307 , Reply# 10   7/13/2007 at 07:59 (6,131 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
It's good to see you posting again, Mike. You'll have to take some pictures of the GE in it's new home flo-ing away with the admiring guests around it - we'd all love some more shots of the beautiful washer. It's great that our little group here is saving all these classics!

Post# 222347 , Reply# 11   7/13/2007 at 10:05 (6,131 days old) by manoravenue ()        
Fred Mertz

I'm jealous; I thought I had ALL the dialogue of ALL the episodes memorized, and that bit about Ethel sending Fred out to get dirty slipped by me until it was mentioned here. I recall it now. And I never knew exactly what brand of machine it was, that "lemon," as the Mertzes called it after it became a fountain and doused the kitchen. Apparently the Ricardos went through washing machines like crazy because even in their Connecticut home, it seems that one year they had a Philco Duomatic and the next they had a Frigidaire pair. Sheeze, there were only THREE of them, how were they wearing out these sturdy workhorse machines so fast? I know, it was the manufacturers jockeying to have their products visible on a popular show, indirect advertising.

Post# 222355 , Reply# 12   7/13/2007 at 11:04 (6,131 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
Ah life, always a surprize: Attention GARY, GEOFF, ROBERT

mickeyd's profile picture
Thought I had seen ever Lucy episode, was often sad about NY kitchens' lack of washing machines. Never new the washer episode existed. But even more astonishing in Robert's link is the machine on the left. The agitate arm, the indented upper tub both suggest a Lady Kenmore Visamatic. Is a full view of this machine visible in the DVD? Then endless shocks and joys at AW.org!!!!

Post# 222378 , Reply# 13   7/13/2007 at 13:14 (6,131 days old) by golittlesport (California)        

golittlesport's profile picture
I don't recall Lucy ever having a Frigidaire washer. My Three Sons and Leave it to Beaver had Frigidaire washers.

In the original Lucy/Desi Comedy Hour, "The Star Next Door" featuring Tallulah Bankhead, both the Ricardos and "Miss Bankhead" have Hotpoint washers and dryers...the Ricardos'set clearly seen in the laundry room off the kitchen and "Miss Bankheads" in her garage. Imagine a star like that having to cart laundry out to the unattached garage...in Conneticut yet. I guess that little inconsistency was a tip off they were actually filming in California. People back east don't have laundries out back in a separate garage, do they?


Post# 222443 , Reply# 14   7/13/2007 at 20:05 (6,130 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
And let's not forget the Ford station wagon she had, Richard Deacon was the butler, and what appeared to be stainless Hotpoint appliances in the kitchen.

Post# 223329 , Reply# 15   7/17/2007 at 13:20 (6,127 days old) by revvinkevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        

revvinkevin's profile picture
You know... it's funny how this thread started out as an open invitation for a mini GE/Kenmore wash-in in Long Beach, CA... but then somehow morphed into a discussion about TV shows from the 50's and 60's.

So who else will be attending Mike's mini wash-in to help him celebrate arrival of the newest additions to his "family"?????


Post# 224221 , Reply# 16   7/21/2007 at 12:22 (6,123 days old) by gewa1054wguy ()        
Suds Cakes at 4

Hey,

The group is meeting around 4 today. If anyone would like to attend, post a message and I will get back to you.

There are 3 different mini baskets to use at this mini wash-in.

Pix of the event to post soon after....


Post# 224386 , Reply# 17   7/22/2007 at 00:29 (6,122 days old) by gewa1054wguy ()        
Washin Pix

Hi,

Here is the Washin Group for 7/21/07. Mike, Sanford, Rich, Kevin and Scott. We all had a great time. Rich, thanks for mac and cheeze, Scott for the great dessert, and Sanford for the water and donating your socks as a Nuisance load so we could use the super mini-basket!

We did 7 loads total, 4 full and 3 mini basket loads. It was a great evening!

Here are pics to share.


Post# 224387 , Reply# 18   7/22/2007 at 00:31 (6,122 days old) by gewa1054wguy ()        
Kenmore

While it was a GE night, the Kenmore did a great load of whites. We all just love the medium speed agitation at the 6 minutes to go mark, and of course the timed bleach dispensing at the 4 minutes to go mark.



Post# 224388 , Reply# 19   7/22/2007 at 00:33 (6,122 days old) by gewa1054wguy ()        
Mini baskets

Here are the mini baskets:

V12, V14 and Versatronic. They got bigger and bigger. Was a lot of fun to watch these do their thing.


Post# 224390 , Reply# 20   7/22/2007 at 00:35 (6,122 days old) by gewa1054wguy ()        
V12 Mini Basket Sock Donation

This was funny. We had to find something to wash for each mini basket. Rich asked Sanford to take off his socks. Sanford thought Rich was kidding, but said its your socks or your underwear, you chose. The socks ended up in the mini basket. Sanford was still laughing about this when we all closed out the night....

Post# 224391 , Reply# 21   7/22/2007 at 00:36 (6,122 days old) by gewa1054wguy ()        
Sockless Sanford

Here are the bare feet, lol...

Post# 224392 , Reply# 22   7/22/2007 at 00:37 (6,122 days old) by gewa1054wguy ()        
V12 Mini Wash

First, set the water level....

Post# 224393 , Reply# 23   7/22/2007 at 00:37 (6,122 days old) by gewa1054wguy ()        
V12 Mini Load

Then, watch it do a mini load....

Post# 224394 , Reply# 24   7/22/2007 at 00:38 (6,122 days old) by gewa1054wguy ()        
V14 Mini Wash

We did a towel in the V14 mini basket....

Post# 224395 , Reply# 25   7/22/2007 at 00:40 (6,122 days old) by gewa1054wguy ()        
Versatronic Mini Wash

And we did a pair of dockers in the Versatronic mini basket.

Was lots of fun. We will do this again soon, at Rich's for Frigidaire night!

Thanks guys. I had a great time.

Mike


Post# 224415 , Reply# 26   7/22/2007 at 07:26 (6,122 days old) by toggleswitch (New York City, NY)        

toggleswitch's profile picture
Looks like "loads" of fun!

Post# 224426 , Reply# 27   7/22/2007 at 08:18 (6,122 days old) by tlee618 ()        

So good to see all of you again!! Looks like you had lots of fun!!

Post# 224434 , Reply# 28   7/22/2007 at 09:09 (6,122 days old) by washertalk ()        

AHH, WOW, I missed another one. Love your GEs... and the rug on the floor... and the mustang pillow... and the ads on the wall... You really know how to decorate!

Looks like fun. Enjoyed those minibasket display. I didn't realize there were so many kinds. There is at least one more to add to the collection. That is the one for the 18lb washer with straight sides and requiring the large filter-flo pan. Also there is the stright-vane vs. ramped agitators. Nice collection.
Looks like everyone had fun.


Post# 224436 , Reply# 29   7/22/2007 at 09:30 (6,122 days old) by jons1077 (Vancouver, Washington, USA)        

jons1077's profile picture
MORE PICTURES!!! I wanna see the versatronic!!! I'm so sorry I missed that. It looked like so much fun!!!

Jon


Post# 224441 , Reply# 30   7/22/2007 at 10:28 (6,122 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY)        
So funny and cool. Thank You

mickeyd's profile picture
--from a fellow mini-basket lover. Here's a treat for you. Use the mini-basket setting, but leave the basket out and watch the fun, especially if you have a ramp agitator.

And I thought I washed small loads--one pair of socks--what a riot!


Post# 224485 , Reply# 31   7/22/2007 at 14:21 (6,122 days old) by unimatic1140 (Minneapolis)        

unimatic1140's profile picture
What a treat you guys, I love the 3 different Mini-baskets, who knew?

Post# 224554 , Reply# 32   7/22/2007 at 17:33 (6,122 days old) by filterflo (Chicago Area)        

Save some dirty laundry, I will be out there soon! Love those MiniBaskets, especially that Versatronic. It sure looks kind of familiar. Glad you got all your washers working safe and sound. Nothing like having them all working and hooked up. What a great time Im sure you all had Mike. Wish I could have been there............

Post# 225173 , Reply# 33   7/25/2007 at 14:48 (6,119 days old) by golittlesport (California)        

golittlesport's profile picture
Thanks, Mike, for a wonderful time. Your new V-12's are beautiful and just purr when running. The washer is the quietest Filter Flo I've ever heard and the mini-mini basket is cute....just perfect for a pair of socks!

Post# 225827 , Reply# 34   7/28/2007 at 19:06 (6,115 days old) by geextrarinse (Hudson Valley, New York )        
WOW!

geextrarinse's profile picture
Hi Guys!

This is Matthew formerly of the East coast and now living in L.A. As some of you already know I'M A HUGE GE FAN! I was out of town last wekend or I would loved to have joined you guys. It looked like alot of fun. Please let me know if you'll be doing it again anytime soon.

Matthew


Post# 226210 , Reply# 35   7/30/2007 at 14:24 (6,114 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California)        

sudsmaster's profile picture
It's too late at this point, but after work today I'll go into the garage and lift the lid of the (not hooked up) '78 Filter Flo in honor of your mini wash-in. I *think* the mini wash basket is in there, too!


Post# 226365 , Reply# 36   7/30/2007 at 23:08 (6,113 days old) by revvinkevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land)        
Better late then never.......

revvinkevin's profile picture
Yes, THANKS MIKE for a fun afternoon!!! Next time I'll be able to stay for all of the mini-baskets!! Promise!!! It was great to see all of you again.... and THANKS for the great pix Mike!!! I wait for the next L.B. wash-in!!!

Post# 226451 , Reply# 37   7/31/2007 at 08:02 (6,113 days old) by gewa1054wguy ()        
Filter Flo may be heading West

I talked with Filter Flo and he may be heading to California soon for a visit. If he does, we will have another wash-in. This would be in early September. If his plans firm up, I will set a date and post for those who want to join us.

Coincidentally, I think Filter Flo's visit occurs the same week Cynthia Harcourt does her annual charity drive. I already told Cynthia she can put me down for 5.

Mike


Post# 226454 , Reply# 38   7/31/2007 at 08:25 (6,113 days old) by jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
Cool Mike

jetcone's profile picture
I never knew GE made 3 sizes of mini baskets!! And I grew up in GE Town to boot!

What year is that Versatronic it looks like nancy smiths new washer she got around 1962 ish.
I was wowed when I first saw it because it had the higher panel controls on the left side and if I remember correctly there were two rows of flip toggles?? I was also wowed by the fact that the whole panel lit up with light!!
Is that right that they made a model with two rows of toggles?
I even remember the smell of the new tub!!


jon



Forum Index:       Other Forums:                      



Comes to the Rescue!

The Discuss-o-Mat has stopped, buzzer is sounding!!!
If you would like to reply to this thread please log-in...

Discuss-O-MAT Log-In



New Members
Click Here To Sign Up.



                     


automaticwasher.org home
Discuss-o-Mat Forums
Vintage Brochures, Service and Owners Manuals
Fun Vintage Washer Ephemera
See It Wash!
Video Downloads
Audio Downloads
Picture of the Day
Patent of the Day
Photos of our Collections
The Old Aberdeen Farm
Vintage Service Manuals
Vintage washer/dryer/dishwasher to sell?
Technical/service questions?
Looking for Parts?
Website related questions?
Digital Millennium Copyright Act Policy
Our Privacy Policy