The Story of the Thor Automagic

In this episode of the Product Graveyard, I'm taking a look at the Thor Automagic, a hybrid dishwasher and washing machine that was dubbed a “domestic miracle” but ultimately disappeared in the 1950s.
0:00: Introduction
0:39: Thor's origins
1:04: The Automagic
2:25: Top Secret Project
3:03: Early Marketing
3:24: The Appliance of the Future
4:04: The Strange End of the Thor Corporation
5:45: New Management
6:10: Getting Out of the Appliance Industry
7:30: Final Thoughts & Sources
Sources:
“New Combination Washer-Mixer to be Unveiled Soon,” Advertising Age, Jun 18, 1945
“Housewives’ Dream is to Become a Reality,” News-Record, Aug 6, 1945
“Clothes, Dish Washing Done in Same Unit,” Chicago Tribune, Aug 7, 1945
“Thor Sets Budget of $1,500,000 for ‘Automagic,’” Advertising Age, Aug 13, 1945
“Along the Street,” Berwyn Life, Aug 26, 1945
“Separate Drives Launched by Thor for 3 Appliances,” Advertising Age, Mar 1, 1948
“Thor Co. Sales Record Seen,” The San Francisco Examiner, Aug 24, 1948
“Thor Profit Dips; Sales Set Record,” Chicago Tribune, Apr 18, 1949
“Thor Earnings Declines Strike Veils Outlook,” Chicago Tribune, Oct 18, 1949
“Thor Corporation Shows Long List of Famous First,” The Honolulu Advertiser, Mar 26, 1950
“Hurley Quits Thor; Buckingham Named Top Officer,” Chicago Tribune, Apr 22, 1954
“4 Seek Seats On Thor Board,” Chicago Tribune, Feb 4, 1955
“Maremont New Chairman of Thor’s Board,” Chicago Tribune, Feb 9, 1955
“Judgement Day for Appliances,” Business Week, Jun 23, 1956
“Casualties are Mounting Each Week in Appliance Industry,” Sylvia Porter, The Daily Sentinel, Jul 3, 1956
“Arnold Maremont, Former St. Louisan,” William Ferris, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Aug 26, 1956
“He Runs the Business Gamut From Stage Shows to Ranches,” The Kansas City Star, Sep 9, 1956
“Thor to Change Name; Its Paper Maker Now,” The Journal Herald, Oct 1, 1956
“Thor Corporation Becomes Allied Paper,” The Courier-Journal, Oct 9, 1956
Strategic Management, Fred R. David, 1995
“Bring Back the Thor Automagic, the 1940s Hybrid Clothes/Dishwasher,” Nick Greene, Mental Floss, Jul 31, 2015

[@drewk1514]

Very interesting! If it wasn't for the appliance competition in the 50s, I would bet Thor would be making these machines today. They would be great in small homes and apartments. Thanks for this informative video.

[@thevintagecompany]

Thank you!

[@Parnallguy]

Great overview of the Thor Automagic washing machine, this was a revolutionary appliance combining both washing clothes and dishwashing, however in the UK this concept soon fell out of fashion and the option to purchase the dishing tub was discontinued, the thought of washing clothes and dishes in the same machine was deemed unhygienic. In the UK we also had the Thor Automagic, originally the machines were probably imported from the US and then a franchise was set up with the company called Radiation Group Ltd and the machines were then produced under license and under the brand name Parnall - in the UK the Automagic lasted until 1961(ish) i have 3 Automagic's in my collection of vintage washing machines.

[@petermaz701]

My grandmother had one of these washers, and I was always amazed. She kept it in the bathroom never used it as a dishwasher just as a washer.

[@richardx9033]

Fascinating video, I never knew such a machine existed.

[@MoonMonkeyMCM]

Julie, I love all of your videos, but my favorite part is the graphics you put in like the clothesline. Keep up the great work!

[@CKDH-YT]

There must be something wrong with KZbin algorithm… I don’t understand why your videos don’t have millions of views

[@thevintagecompany]

I am so glad you enjoy them! 😊

[@Johnmiller-gm9lm]

Thanks

[@thevintagecompany]

Thank you for watching! 😊

[@michaelfruitticher616]

Nothing like running the fine china on the spin cycle! Or how about that spaghetti sauce residue from dinner managed to get on to your best white bed sheets or Dad's white dress shirts. What a frigging mess!! Looks like a divorce is looming !😮

[@jeanlucdrion1152]

Well I wouldn't mind much eating off of dishes out of the same machine that I washed my own laundry in. But eating after other folks dirty laundry and baby diapers not so much.

[@martinbirdwell7986]

That Means You Would've Had To Sterilize It By Running It Through A Complete Cycle Empty With Hot Bleach Water Before Using It As A Dishwasher