Bissell's Parlor Queen vacuum cleaner from Frederick & Nelson, ca. 1930
The founders of premiere Seattle department store Frederick & Nelson got their start selling used furniture during the rebuilding of Seattle after the Great Fire of 1889. The business expanded to include home goods and appliances such as this vacuum cleaner, a tea room, and ready-to-wear men's and women's fashions. The owners built a reputation for elegance and customer service. Although the company went out of business in 1992, it is fondly remembered for such innovations as having the first elevator for customers in Seattle, and for the popular Frango brand of chocolate mint truffles.
ID Number: 2025.37.1
Date: Circa 1930
Physical Description: 1 Cleaner, Vacuum; wood, metal, Bakelite; 54 in.H x 15 in.W x 10 in.D
Credit: MOHAI. 2025.37.1