One thing that is constant in life is change. Whether it’s people, technology, or situations, everything evolves over time. Take a moment to reflect on your own life. How much has really changed? Especially when it comes to advancements in technology, it can be both scary and refreshing to see just how much has evolved.
Let’s travel back in time to the 1930s. Can you guess what this odd-looking contraption is? Unless you were around in that era, chances are you won’t know. Let us introduce you to the Hercules vacuum cleaner! With a design that resembles a flask or carrier, this retro vacuum is a far cry from the sleek hoovers we have today. It’s quite fascinating to imagine what life was like back then and how innovative this machine must have been at the time.
The Hercules vacuum cleaner was not only innovative but also a stylish and sophisticated machine. The picture above shows one covered in crocodile skin, making it quite an expensive purchase. Imagine, it was sold even during the Great Depression when many families struggled to make ends meet. Today, we often take for granted how easy our lives have become thanks to technology and progress.
If you happen to know what this item is, try showing it to your kids and see if they can guess. We bet they won’t have a clue!
But let’s rewind even further. Did you know that the humble broom wasn’t even perfected until 1797? A farmer from Massachusetts invented a broom that actually worked properly after watching his wife struggle to sweep. This broom, known as broomcorn, soon became a household name. As time went by, people became lazier, and a few new sweepers and brooms came and went.
It wasn’t until the 1860s when Daniel Hess created the first real vacuum cleaner. His invention used a draft of air to draw fine dust and dirt through the machine. Then, in 1869, Ives McGaffey of Chicago came up with an even more advanced design. Unfortunately, it was harder to use than a regular broom, and it didn’t gain much popularity.
Finally, James Murray Spangler revolutionized the vacuum cleaner industry. A humble janitor living in Canton, Ohio, Spangler worked tirelessly to perfect his design, even at the expense of his health. His machine was superior to others because it was upright and portable. The crude machine sucked dirt and blew it out the back into an attached pillowcase. Spangler patented his invention in 1907 and opened the Electric Suction Sweeper Company by quitting his job.
“The Hoover” was born when Spangler ran into financial trouble and sold his company to his cousin, Susan Hoover.
Next time you use your modern vacuum cleaner, take a moment to appreciate the journey it has taken to get here. It’s incredible how far technology has come, and we should be grateful for the convenience it brings to our lives.
