Gas operated Maytag washer

[CarolAnn]

Some appliances just boggle the mind. I found this picture of a gas operated Maytag from the 50's . . . with a meat grinder attached.

Talk about multi-tasking!

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/carolwyborny/grindingwasher.jpg

[humbug]

LOL... The multitasking....must be a woman thing.

[jott]

Neat

My grandfather has a collection of early Maytag washers, none as new as that one. Early last century It was very common to get as much use out of something as possible, most farms only had one or two engines, so it was not uncommon to use the washing machine to run the pump, grind meat, make butter, shell corn, grind flower, or just about anything else you needed power for. The earlier models had a pulley to power other appliances by a flat belt. I love machines form that time period, the sound of a hit or miss engine, or a traction engine running under full load you just have to smile. My favorite is a steam engine at a museum in PA they still run it, it is rated at 395HP at only 70 RPMs I would watch it for hours as a kid.

[CarolAnn]

It's cool . . . but as much as I SAY I'd like to get off the grid, I still had the impulse to go downstairs and give my nice old Kenmore automatic washer a hug . .. ;)

[DM]

I moved to Alaska in the early 70's, and you could still buy a washer with a gas motor on it there, and for some time after that too... In fact, i've seen them forsale on line not so long ago, so someone is still makeing them.

I was at an antique farm show today, and there's lots and LOT's of those old Maytag motors at every show i go to. They must have made a zillion of them!

That's a cool pict though, i've never seen a washer with a meat grinder on it at a show... Thanks for posting it.

DM

[ryanmercer]

All I can say is wow... I hope they wouldn't grind meat while folding the laundry hahah

[JAK]

Very impressive. Before I would buy it I would wait and see if the new Maytag repairman is any good. ;D