Thread Number: 61678  /  Tag: Vintage Automatic Washers
Time to Start all Over Again...
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Post# 843294   9/28/2015 at 20:30 (3,104 days old) by washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        

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Ah, life in California. If the floods and earthquakes don't get you, the wildfires will! We just finished remodeling our house we bought a year ago, and I was putting the final touches on my lovely laundry room when this happened. I couldn't even get into my former laundry room (or any of the rest of the house) as it was too dangerous, but was able to reach in and look at my melted Norge bakelite agitator in the '65 Norge. At least I have a photo of it as my avatar. Items lost in the fire: washers: '74 Wards, '65 Norge, '62 Maytag, '66 Whirlpool, '74 Frigidaire, '68 GE, '76 Whirlpool, '71 Lady Kenmore, '64 Kenmore, '66 Kenmore, '75 Frigidaire. Dryers: '62 Maytag, '66 Whirlpool, '64 Lady Kenmore, ''74 Frigidaire, '66 Kenmore. Needless to say, I'm devastated and angry. I feel responsible for losing these gems as they aren't as easy to come by anymore. I already got an offer for a wringer machine in St. Louis -- I'm going to need help rebuilding my collection. I am especially fond of Norge and Wards and am willing to pay and ship whatever anyone is willing to sell. We are in a house now until we either rebuild or buy another place -- and this temporary house has room for machines!

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Post# 843295 , Reply# 1   9/28/2015 at 20:38 (3,104 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture

Todd, I had hoped what I wrote in the other thread had come true, but it's not.  But y'all are ok.  It's gut wrenching to look at the melted machines.  I deeply mourn with you as I was so looking forward to washing in both Norges, especially the 1965.  We will all move forward with both of you and help you get started again in many ways.  I wish I could give ya a hug and hold you both for a bit!!! 


Post# 843300 , Reply# 2   9/28/2015 at 20:44 (3,104 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)        

rp2813's profile picture

Oh Todd.

 

When I saw a post from you after the Valley Fire was well underway, I saw it as a good sign that you were out of harm's way and I felt relieved, so didn't bother to inquire.

 

Another friend of mine was burned out completely in the Lexington fire back in the mid '80s.  He ended up building a palatial replacement home all to his own specs, so that's the bright side.

 

I'm sure you'll get a new collection started, but given the circumstances, they'll likely be sourced outside of Lake County.

 

I'm glad you made it out safely, and I hope if you had any pets, they did too.  I know I'm a few hours away, but if there's anything I can do, like snag and hold a machine for you in the SJ area, let me know.  Even if it's -- cough -- a Norge!

 

Hugs,

 

Ralph


Post# 843303 , Reply# 3   9/28/2015 at 20:52 (3,104 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)        

gansky1's profile picture
Oh Todd, that's just heartbreaking. I'm glad everyone is OK, that's most important. In time, you'll replace your things and build a new (and better?) collection of machines. Best of luck to you.

Post# 843305 , Reply# 4   9/28/2015 at 20:53 (3,104 days old) by Northwesty (Renton, WA)        
Just terrible

I am amazed at those two adirondack chairs just sitting there.

Post# 843311 , Reply# 5   9/28/2015 at 21:09 (3,104 days old) by pumper (SE Wisconsin)        

pumper's profile picture
I was wondering if you had been affected by the fires. Sorry you lost all your machines and house, but I'm glad you're both ok.

Post# 843315 , Reply# 6   9/28/2015 at 21:20 (3,104 days old) by wayupnorth (On a lake between Bangor and Bar Harbor, Maine)        

wayupnorth's profile picture
That ABSOLUTELY sucks Todd. We may get real bad weather here but I could not wish that on anyone I absolutely hated. There is no choice to start over and hope the insurance you pay for is there. If they give you shit, fight back.

Post# 843319 , Reply# 7   9/28/2015 at 21:49 (3,104 days old) by bigalsf (Salt Lake City)        

Todd,  so sorry for the loss of your house and your collection.  Losing a collection you built up and loved  is like losing some good friends.  Most importantly, though,  you & your family are safe & OK. 

 

I'm sure you'll build up a great collection again.  Ill keep an eye out for rareness here in Salt Lake and let you know anything pops up at the ReStore.    

 

Best wishes to you & your family.   

 


Post# 843320 , Reply# 8   9/28/2015 at 21:51 (3,104 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
I could die for you..

launderess's profile picture
Am so sorry for your loss, but the important thing is you and yours are safe. Am sure in due time you'll rebuild and restock better and better.

Meanwhile you are in our prayers and thoughts.

L.


Post# 843332 , Reply# 9   9/28/2015 at 23:05 (3,104 days old) by super32 (Blackstone Massachusetts)        

super32's profile picture
I'm soo sorry to hear of your loss. Stay strong.

Post# 843333 , Reply# 10   9/28/2015 at 23:09 (3,104 days old) by toploadloyalist (San Luis Obispo, CA)        

You have my dearest heartfelt sympathy! :(

Post# 843336 , Reply# 11   9/28/2015 at 23:15 (3,104 days old) by NeptuneGuy27 (Baltimore,MD)        

I'm very sorry for your loss. Glad that you and your family are safe though. I am sure you'll get your collection rebuilt.

Chris


Post# 843339 , Reply# 12   9/28/2015 at 23:44 (3,104 days old) by A440 ()        

So sorry you guys had to go through this!  I cannot even imagine.

Glad you are all safe and sound. 


Post# 843341 , Reply# 13   9/28/2015 at 23:56 (3,104 days old) by jetaction (Minneapolis)        
Add my name to the list

jetaction's profile picture
I am so sorry to hear this, check your email!

Post# 843345 , Reply# 14   9/29/2015 at 00:03 (3,104 days old) by hippiedoll ( arizona )        
Todd...

hippiedoll's profile picture
Chiming in here, with disappointment & sadness over reading the devastating news & seeing the upsetting pictures. I am so sorry for your loss of the house & your laundry room collection. My heart & prayers go out to you. I know it's hard to see the silver-lining when dealing with such a big dark cloud. Keep us updated on your situation. I will also try to keep an eye out for you, to help you rebuild your collection.
Keep strong & try to stay positive my friend.


Post# 843400 , Reply# 15   9/29/2015 at 07:21 (3,103 days old) by turquoisedude (.)        

turquoisedude's profile picture

Todd, I am so sorry to hear about what happened to your collection.   Those photos made me wince...    Please know my thoughts are with you at this time.    On a positive note, I am looking forward to seeing what will make its way into your new collection!


Post# 843411 , Reply# 16   9/29/2015 at 08:06 (3,103 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)        
With understanding

mayken4now's profile picture
Todd:

It's like death almost. You don't know how others feel until it happens to you. Well guess what. When I lived in Pennsylvania going to college, my house burnt. I did not have a total loss like you, but it was very disturbing. I Was angry as well. Replacing stuff is one thing, but to not be hurt and all of the many blessings hence forth, is the most important thing! It was for me anyway. Keep the head up!


Post# 843414 , Reply# 17   9/29/2015 at 08:31 (3,103 days old) by electron1100 (England)        
:-(

electron1100's profile picture
This is terrible news, I am so so sorry for both of you and your machines and anyone else who got caught up in this terrible event.

I am glad you two have survived I can only wish you both well for the future

Gary


Post# 843418 , Reply# 18   9/29/2015 at 09:38 (3,103 days old) by toploader55 (Massachusetts Sand Bar, Cape Cod)        
Horrible, Just Horrible

toploader55's profile picture

But Thank God you are OK.

 

The Appliance Apostles will be meeting soon and sending positive vibrations and you will have another beautiful collection again.

 

Again, Glad you're safe.


Post# 843447 , Reply# 19   9/29/2015 at 12:22 (3,103 days old) by mrb627 (Buford, GA)        
Shocking

mrb627's profile picture
Just beyond words! Glad you're okay, though.

Malcolm


Post# 843452 , Reply# 20   9/29/2015 at 13:09 (3,103 days old) by goatfarmer (South Bend, home of Champions)        

goatfarmer's profile picture

I'm glad that you're OK. Things can be replaced, lives can't.


Post# 843457 , Reply# 21   9/29/2015 at 13:27 (3,103 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

Todd, I am sorry for your great loss. Words do not come to mind to deal with your heartache. Again, I am very sorry for your great loss. Tom

Post# 843461 , Reply# 22   9/29/2015 at 14:25 (3,103 days old) by whirlaway (Hampton Virginia)        
Material Items can be Replaced!!!!!!!

YOU CANNOT BE REPLACED!!!!!!! How devastating! I feel so sad for you,at least here on the East Coast,we can plan when a hurricane comes,but fire is scarey!!!!! Good luck in getting your life back together again!!!! Bobby

Post# 843464 , Reply# 23   9/29/2015 at 14:57 (3,103 days old) by maytagmike (Burlington, Vt)        

maytagmike's profile picture
Todd, so sorry for your loss, Thank God you and your loved ones are ok. You will get through this, and you will start to rebuild your life and your collection. I'll keep an eye out for you since I know what your collection was. Thoughts and prayers for you, Hang in there. Mike

Post# 843469 , Reply# 24   9/29/2015 at 15:06 (3,103 days old) by alr2903 (TN)        

Todd, all Positive Energy  Your Way!  I know what it is to go home to a "soggy" unlivable house.  We were able to make shift and get by.  I am very sorry for your loss and the total disruption of your routine.  Take care of  you  and yours.  The stress of an event like this can be detrimental to your health.  I wish you the very best. I hope your insurance company is fair with you,  be firm with them.  I am glad you escaped the disaster. -A


Post# 843472 , Reply# 25   9/29/2015 at 15:12 (3,103 days old) by jons1077 (Vancouver, Washington, USA)        
So sorry...

jons1077's profile picture
I wouldn't even know where to begin so I'd like to make a very small contribution. I noticed one of the machines on your list was a 70's Frigidaire. I have a '76 model 1-18 that I'd like to place your name on. When you get back on your feet and have a place for a washer then just know you have at least one to start with. Hope you like goldenrod!

Jon


Post# 843475 , Reply# 26   9/29/2015 at 15:15 (3,103 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Oh my gosh ... what a tragic situation.  Those fires are awful.


Post# 843476 , Reply# 27   9/29/2015 at 15:19 (3,103 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.))        
How sad

whirlykenmore78's profile picture
What a horrific loss. Very glad you are OK The washer gods will smile again for you though. I'll keep an eye out around the Minneapolis area for you. I do know of 1 1980's WP around here now.
WK78


Post# 843484 , Reply# 28   9/29/2015 at 16:17 (3,103 days old) by rapidry1000 (San Francisco)        

Sorry about your loss. Thank goodness you were not hurt. I will keep an eye out for any Montgomery Ward or Norge machines in the San Francisco area.

Post# 843512 , Reply# 29   9/29/2015 at 20:15 (3,103 days old) by washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        
Thank You

washerlover's profile picture
Thank you all for your kindness and support. We are all safe -- my heart also goes out for the other many displaced people affected by the fire. As a County employee, I have been working in disaster recovery operations and have met so many resilient people here. My husband and I will rebuild, and hope to have an even better appliance collection when it's all said and done. I can already see the Norge phoenix rising!! (no coughing, please!)

Post# 843527 , Reply# 30   9/29/2015 at 21:49 (3,103 days old) by bendix5 (Central Point, Oregon)        

bendix5's profile picture
JoEllen and I are glad to hear you and your hubby are safe. We are very sorry to hear about the house and collection. Our prayers and good thoughts for you both. Dan and JoEllen


Post# 843531 , Reply# 31   9/29/2015 at 21:59 (3,103 days old) by rickr (.)        

rickr's profile picture
Sorry Todd! Glad that you and your husband are safe. I will keep an eye out for vintage machines around here. Once in awhile a 1970's Norge/Wards still shows up. And of course centre dial Maytags, and KM/WP too. I am about 2500 miles from you though, so I don't know, shipping would be costly.

Post# 843553 , Reply# 32   9/30/2015 at 00:39 (3,103 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture
I'm really sorry to hear that. There was recently a set of Wards machines from the 1970s advertised on Craigslist near Burlington VT but the seller never got back to me... And I guess that's a bit far from California anyway...

I guess you lost a lot more stuff that you cared for, I hope you'll be able to get a few things that you enjoy and that you'll get all the support and help we need in such situations.


Post# 843555 , Reply# 33   9/30/2015 at 01:02 (3,102 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
If you mean this set

launderess's profile picture
They are still up in CL Vermont.

burlington.craigslist.org/app/521...


Post# 843562 , Reply# 34   9/30/2015 at 03:12 (3,102 days old) by jetcone (Schenectady-Home of Calrods,Monitor Tops,Toroid Transformers)        
Wow

jetcone's profile picture

I can't imagine losing my collection to fire and then also my home. Devastating Todd.  Its ghostly what is left, I too was stunned to see the adirondack chairs just sitting there. My heartfelt sympathies goes out to you and your husband. I too will keep an eye out for Wards and Frigidaires but Boston is about as far as you can get from CA.

 

Jon & Artey

 


Post# 843618 , Reply# 35   9/30/2015 at 11:33 (3,102 days old) by PhilR (Quebec Canada)        

philr's profile picture

Launderess, that's the set. I thought I'd get a response from the seller but I didn't hear back. I see that the price has even been lowered since. 


Post# 843652 , Reply# 36   9/30/2015 at 17:28 (3,102 days old) by CircleW (NE Cincinnati OH area)        

Todd, I'm very sorry to hear of this unfortunate thing happening to you! Glad you are OK, though!

Very strange how fire does, destroying your home, but leaving your lawn furniture intact.

I know everyone here will help you rebuild your collection quickly, and with anything else you need.


Post# 843662 , Reply# 37   9/30/2015 at 19:14 (3,102 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture
Oh my God. I admire your stoic attitude because I would probably just fall to pieces. Wishing you all the strength and patience you'll need to get through this.

Post# 843671 , Reply# 38   9/30/2015 at 19:56 (3,102 days old) by Rberryiii3 (Palm Springs, California)        
Hire

Todd
I feel so bad I've been thinking about you since the fire started and I was hoping that fire would miss your house both Travis and I are praying for you if you guys need anything let us know


Post# 843672 , Reply# 39   9/30/2015 at 20:09 (3,102 days old) by washerlover (The Big Island, Hawai’i)        

washerlover's profile picture
Thank you all for your kindness and support. The real bummer is I was planning to have a wash-in next Spring..! Oh well, now I'll have to make a better effort to come to other members' events!

Hugs to you all,

Todd


Post# 843690 , Reply# 40   9/30/2015 at 22:41 (3,102 days old) by Tomoldcars (Montclair, Ca 91763 USA)        
Lost washers

Back in the 40’s, my dad was devastated when Bothwells barn burned taking their collection of antique cars with it. A personal friend lost a collection of vintage Jags to a fire above Fontana a few years ago. I’ve never lost anything on that scale, but a combination of high wind and rain flooded my garage and destroyed all my parents and my sons papers and photos. I understand your loss, not only the machines but the time and care it took to get there. If you want to jump start your new collection, I have a Maytag Gray Ghost electric wringer washer, about 1933. It is in working, very decent, original condition. It is missing the lid. I will donate it to you as a seed machine if you can find some way of getting it there. It weighs a ton. I’m in Montclair Ca

Call me @ 909-489-8913 or Email me if you want it, Tom


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