One thing is for certain – things change over time. People change, technology changes, situations change. Change is inevitable, and it’s fascinating to look back and see how much has evolved, especially in the realm of technology.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and discover a “thing” from the past that you probably won’t recognize. We’re willing to bet that unless you were around in the 1930s, this contraption will be a mystery to you. Take a look at the image above. Can you guess what this odd-looking flask-like item is?
Don’t worry if you have no idea. We’ll reveal the secret. This funny-looking contraption is actually a 1930s vacuum cleaner called the Hercules! Quite different from the sleek and modern-day Roomba® robot vacuum that effortlessly cleans our floors. Can you imagine what life must have been like back then, where an invention like the Hercules was groundbreaking and innovative?
The Hercules vacuum cleaner was more than just a cleaning tool. It was a stylish and sophisticated machine, especially the one covered in crocodile skin, making it quite an expensive purchase. What made it even more remarkable was that it was sold during the Great Depression when families struggled to make ends meet, let alone afford a Hercules vacuum cleaner. If you try showing this to your kids, we guarantee they won’t have a clue what it is!
Needless to say, the humble broom has come a long way as well. Did you know that it wasn’t until 1797 that a farmer from Massachusetts perfected the broom after watching his wife struggle to sweep? His creation, known as broomcorn, became a household name. But as time went on, people became lazier, and inventions were created to make cleaning easier.
In the 1860s, Daniel Hess created the first real vacuum cleaner. He described his invention as drawing fine dust and dirt through the machine by means of a draft of air. However, it was Ives McGaffey of Chicago who took it a step further in 1869. Although his design was harder to use than a regular broom, his goal was to eliminate the difficulties of dust accumulation in households.
Many vacuum cleaner designs came and went, but it was James Murray Spangler who revolutionized the industry. A humble janitor in Canton, Ohio, James tirelessly worked to perfect his design, even at the cost of his health. His machine was not only upright but also portable, making it stand out from the rest. The crude machine worked well, sucking dirt and blowing it out the back into an attached pillowcase. In 1907, Spangler patented his invention and quit his job, opening the Electric Suction Sweeper Company.
The evolution didn’t stop there. When Spangler faced financial trouble, he sold his company to his cousin, Susan Hoover. And that’s how the Hoover vacuum cleaner came into existence.
So, the next time you effortlessly push your sleek Roomba® around the house, remember the journey that vacuum cleaners have taken. From the Hercules to the Hoover and beyond, it’s incredible to see how far technology and innovation have brought us in making our lives easier.
