BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Maytag will celebrate its 100th anniversary this month with events including a public birthday celebration at Chicago’s Museum of Science & Industry this Saturday.
Willard Scott — known for announcing 100th birthdays on NBC’s Today show — will host the event. “What an honor and a privilege [it is] to recognize this 100th birthday with Maytag,” he says. “It’s an incredible history, and I look forward to celebrating with the people who love this iconic brand.”
Farm-implement supplier Frederick Louis (F.L.) Maytag built and sold his first washer, the Pastime, in 1907. The wooden washtub offered an alternative to washboards and was promoted as “so simple, a child can do it.” The company brought out its first powered washer two years later, and in time produced such innovations as the cast-aluminum wash basket and enamel-coated housings.
The birthday party will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago on Saturday, Oct. 13. Exhibits will include Maytag antiques and collectibles, and attendees will be able to meet Scott and the Maytag Repairman at the event. Preregistration is required and includes museum entrance for the day. Visit www.maytag.com/100years for information.
The company is also asking users to share “Maytag Moments" at the birthday party or online at the website. “No other brand has made washers for 100 years,” says Michael Todman, president of Whirlpool North America, which acquired the Maytag brand last year. “Maytag wants to hear how the brand has been a part of people’s lives.”
Also as part of the company’s centennial events, the Maytag Repairman will launch a cross-country tour this month to meet loyal customers, deliver birthday cupcakes to longtime users and listen to Maytag Moments in person. His itinerary will be announced soon, the company says.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].