One thing we can always count on is that change is constant. Nothing can prevent it. People evolve, technology advances, and circumstances shift. Change is inevitable! Just take a look at your own life.
How much has changed? This is especially evident in technological advancements. It can be daunting to reflect on how far we’ve come, but it can also be quite refreshing! Do you remember that “thing” from the 1930s? If you weren’t around back then, you might not recognize it.
You wouldn’t be alone if you didn’t recognize that! But we think you’ll want to know! This quirky object that resembles a bottle or a suitcase is a Hercules vacuum cleaner from the 1930s! This retro vacuum is a far cry from today’s models. In fact, as I write this, my Roomba® is mopping the floor! Can you imagine what life was like back then? It’s fascinating to think about how innovative things were during that era. Today, we often take for granted how much easier our lives have become thanks to technology and advancements.
The Hercules vacuum cleaner was quite a sophisticated and advanced machine for its time. The model shown above is covered in crocodile skin, which made it quite luxurious. It was sold during the Great Depression when many families struggled to make ends meet, making it a true luxury item. If you recognize this vacuum, why not show it to your kids and see if they can guess what it is? They might be surprised!
The Humble Beginnings
Did you know that the simple broom wasn’t perfected until 1797? A farmer from Massachusetts created a more effective broom after seeing his wife struggle to sweep. This broom, known as broomcorn, quickly became a household staple. As time went on, people became lazier, and various sweepers and brooms came and went. It wasn’t until the 1860s that Daniel Hess invented the first true vacuum cleaner. According to his patent, “The nature of my invention consists in drawing fine dust and dirt through the machine by means of a draft of air.”
Then, in 1869, Ives McGaffey from Chicago improved on the concept, although his design was actually more cumbersome to use than a regular broom. His patent states, “The accumulation of dust and dirt in dwelling houses is a source of great annoyance to all good housekeepers… to obviate these difficulties is the object of my invention.” Unfortunately, his invention did not gain popularity.
The Revolutionary Hoover
Many designs came and went, but it was James Murray Spangler who truly revolutionized the vacuum cleaner. A humble janitor in Canton, Ohio, at the age of 60, James worked tirelessly to perfect his design, even sacrificing his health in the process. His machine was superior to others because it was both upright and portable. The basic device effectively sucked up dirt and expelled it into an attached pillowcase. Spangler patented his invention in 1907 and left his job to start the Electric Suction Sweeper Company.
“It used a ceiling fan motor and paddle blades to create airflow. He connected a leather belt to a rotating brush he salvaged from a carpet sweeper. No one could clean carpets as thoroughly before because they didn’t have a motor-driven brush.”
The Hoover brand was born when Spangler encountered financial difficulties and sold his company to his cousin, Susan Hoover!
Looking back at the evolution of vacuum cleaners, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come. Who would have thought that a machine like the Hercules would lead to the convenience of today’s vacuums like the Hoover? Technology has really transformed our lives and made our daily chores much easier. So, next time you use your vacuum cleaner, take a moment to appreciate its history and be grateful for the innovations that have made our lives better.