One thing is certain in life: everything changes. Whether it’s people, technology, or situations, change is truly inevitable. Take a moment to look back at your own life. You’ll likely see just how much everything has evolved, particularly in the world of technology. It can be a bit overwhelming to see the progress we’ve made—but it’s also quite exhilarating!
Have a look at the object pictured above; it might leave you scratching your head. If you weren’t around in the 1930s, identifying this peculiar machine might be a challenge. It’s a curious-looking device, isn’t it? Can you hazard a guess as to what it could be?
If you’re drawing a blank, don’t worry—you’re not alone! This unusual gadget, which resembles either a flask or some sort of container, is actually a 1930s vacuum cleaner known as the Hercules! Quite different from today’s vacuums, isn’t it? Nowadays, I’m watching my Roomba® silently sweep up my floors while I type. It’s fascinating to think about what life might have been like back then and how groundbreaking machines like this were for their time. Today, we often overlook the ease that advancement and technology have brought to our everyday lives.
The Stylish Hercules Vacuum Cleaner
Back in the day, the Hercules vacuum cleaner was seen as nothing short of stylish and sophisticated. The model you see above was even adorned with crocodile skin, making it a pricey purchase. Its luxurious nature was further highlighted by the fact that it was available during the Great Depression, a period when many families struggled to make ends meet, let alone afford a Hercules. If you identified what this device was, try showing it to your children and see if they can guess! Chances are, they’ll be baffled by it!
The Humble Beginnings of Vacuum Cleaners
Interestingly, even a simple household tool like the broom wasn’t perfected until 1797. A Massachusetts farmer took it upon himself to create a more effective broom after watching his wife struggle while sweeping. His creation, called the broomcorn, quickly gained popularity and became a household staple.
As time passed, people found ways to conserve their energy. New types of sweepers and brooms came and went, but it wasn’t until around the 1860s that Daniel Hess introduced the first genuine vacuum cleaner. His patent described the invention as a device that “draws fine dust and dirt through the machine by means of a draft of air.”
In 1869, Ives McGaffey, based in Chicago, took vacuum design even further. However, his model turned out to be more cumbersome than a regular broom. McGaffey’s patent explained, “The accumulation of dust and dirt in dwelling houses is a source of great annoyance to all good housekeepers… my invention aims to address these problems.” Although the concept was well-intentioned, it didn’t gain traction.
Many variants of vacuum cleaners were conceived over the years. It was James Murray Spangler, a determined 60-year-old janitor from Canton, Ohio, who truly revolutionized the world of vacuum cleaning. He dedicated himself to refining his design, which unfortunately took a toll on his health.
The beauty of his machine lay in its simplicity: it was not only upright but also portable. This primitive model functioned effectively, drawing dirt up and expelling it into a pillowcase attached at the back. Spangler patented his invention in 1907, subsequently quitting his job to establish the Electric Suction Sweeper Company.
“By utilizing a ceiling fan motor and paddle blades to generate airflow… he employed a leather belt to operate a rotating brush sourced from a carpet sweeper… No one had ever achieved such clean carpets before because they lacked a motor-driven brush,” he recounted.
The Hoover legacy began when Spangler encountered financial difficulties and sold his company to his cousin, Susan Hoover.
