It’s hard to imagine a world today, lacking in the now thought necessities of life. Ingenious designs throughout the ages have dramatically changed our world and the way we live. Often sprouting from simple concepts, these ideas and products often blossom into pieces of manufacturing and design history. One such example being the humble vacuum cleaner, an essential creation in the modern home. In particular the “Hoover” a brand name that has helped shape a nation, and the modern world.
The invention of the vacuum cleaner began in 1907, when a man named Murray Spangler developed the idea of catching the dust from his workspace to avoid irritating his asthma. Murray worked in Ohio, USA, cleaning rugs at a department store, until this time all that was used on carpets were brooms and brushes so to aid his working conditions Spangler developed the “Suction Sweeper.” His initial prototype consisted of pre-existing products such as tin soap box, a fan, a pillow case and a broom handle. Once assembled Murray discovered that he was successfully able to extract the dust from the air he breathed. Instantly Murray realized he had developed a winning idea and pursued financial assistance and the help of W.H. Hoover a friend and owner of a leather goods store. The patent was bought by Hoover and the two men remained business partners. Before long manufacturing began and at first six machines daily were being built. Over time the concept evolved through testing and engineering developments and through different sales techniques the Suction Sweeper, became an essential appliance in the home.
The Hoover vacuum cleaner that I viewed in the museum was a timely reminder of how far we have come in the past fifty years. This particular model being manufactured in Perivale, England, shows the outreach and distribution of both the technology and trade mark of W.H. Hoover’s original creation. It’s reason in belonging to the museum is not only of its product value as a piece of everyday technology of the early fifties, however was appointed to the late King George V. Though hard to imagine his majesty the primary user of this cleaning appliance it’s obvious that a piece of such technological advancement be fit for a King, or at least King’s Palace. The vacuum was formally recognised as “The Hoover Model 262 Cleaner” and dates back to 1952, however Hoover exports to Britain started in 1919 before long making them the leader in cleaner design. This was achieved through intensive marketing and withholding their promise of high-quality products.
Model 262 was first released in 1939 and was designed by Henry Dreyfuss of New York. Its design reflected an earlier edition being Model 26, however was lighter in weight, more efficient and cheaper to manufacture. The materials used to create this model were becoming quite common in every day appliances and consisted of Metal, Rubber, Plastic, Synthetic Fibre and Cotton. 262 came standard with 'duralium' tools and boasting it’s own portable storage rack. Running on a single speed motor at 225-250 volts it also hosted a front headlight, bizarre as it may sound, for late night cleaning. The model is quite clearly labelled down the front of the bag reading: “The Hoover Model 262 Cleaner” upon its body the Hoover trademark is also recognisable: “It beats As it sweeps As it cleans.” This slogan refers to the particular mechanism of the appliance, which cleverly incorporated the three established methods of cleaning carpets; beating, sweeping and suction cleaning. This innovation set the standard for the rest of the market to follow and was a feature of Hoover cleaners until the 1980s.
Primarily and solely aimed at women in society, the Hoover cleaners added to the mindset of many young ladies of its time, that being, stay home and make your husband happy by cooking, cleaning and not asking too many questions. Clever marketing slogans won the hearts of many developing homes, such as 'All women are equal in this' (1933) and “No Millionaire can buy better” (1947). The vacuum became a common household appliance, with the Hoover leading in sales across the world. The marketing techniques can definitely be accredited to the success of the company, playing a huge role in shaping the attitudes of the average home. The very first cleaners were distributed through door to door sales and various stores of Ohio. But instead of sending the cleaner directly to the potential customer, Hoover chose a reputable store in each city from which requests arrived and sent the cleaners to that store. He sent a letter requesting that the store manager deliver the machine and keep the commission from any resulting sale, then offered the store the opportunity to become a dealer for the Company. This laid the groundwork for a national dealer network which continues today as the main channel of distribution for Hoover products. A free 10 day lease was offered as a satisfaction incentive and people quickly realized the potential of the revolutionary cleaner.
The design of the Vacuum has obviously evolved considerably since the primitive original design. Developments of materials, aesthetic appeal, function and workmanship are among key elements in the advance of what we have come to know today. One particular innovation that is deemed extremely important in the progression of the vacuum was the beater bar, introduced in 1926, which has become known as one of the most memorable advertising slogans in history: "It beats as it sweeps as it cleans." It made cleaning carpet thoroughly a reality with a metal bar that gently tapped the carpet to loosen deeply embedded dirt and a bristle brush that rapidly swept the carpet then aided by strong suction. The beater bar was further refined and became known as the Quadraflex. This particular change is still utilized in most Hoover vacuum cleaners today. Many features of our home vacuums can be accredited to Hoover Company, some of these include the disposable paper bag, the vacuum cleaner headlight, the self-propelled feature and the side-mounted hose.
Upon America’s involvement in World War II the Hoover Company ended its vacuum cleaner production and focused their factories on aiding the war effort. The molding presses that had been creating the cleaner’s shell were modified to manufacture soldier’s helmets. Sewing machines and other equipment that had been used to make dust bags for vacuum cleaners were now used to fabricate parachutes. Because of their efforts in helping the country, Hoover Co. was awarded the prestigious Army/Navy “E” for Excellence banner five times. The company continues today to help in war efforts including the gulf war and Americas invasion of the Middle East, also helping plan send-off and welcome-home rallies for local troops and sending care packages overseas. Hoover’s patriotic notion is an example of America’s mindset as a whole, helping set a state of mind for the nation and making the company so well known as a shaper of the country.
The ingenious development of a once basic composure of existing products is really a remarkable notation in the history of engineering and design. In a time when many bidding designers were creating ideas and products that were genuinely shaping the modern world, the Hoover Vacuum really stands out as a dominant invention of the early 1900’s. Improving both the livelihood and change in the way we think about the world, the vacuum is not only an ingenious development but a revolutionary piece of design history. The impacts on society and the way we think in this demanding world that is today, can be linked to advertising and marketing techniques similar to those applied by Hoover, a company that we must respect as an important foundation in our lives and culture.
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