BENTON HARBOR, Michigan - Maytag® brand is celebrating the 100th birthday of its first washing machine. In 1907, Frederick Louis (F.L.) Maytag built and sold his first washer, the Pastime, during his farm implement company's off-season.

Known for its rich and long-standing heritage, the brand will celebrate its 100 years of laundry throughout October 2007. One key celebration will be an open-to-the-public birthday party at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry on Saturday, Oct. 13. The Maytag® Repairman and Willard Scott of NBC's "Today," known for his homage to 100th birthdays, will host the event.

"What an honor and a privilege to recognize this 100th birthday with Maytag," said Scott. "It's an incredible history, and I look forward to celebrating with the people who love this iconic brand."

F.L. Maytag entered the washer business with one goal in mind: to build quality appliances from durable and long-lasting materials. His ideal holds true today under the leadership of Whirlpool Corporation, which acquired Maytag brand in March 2006.

"Backed by a century of commitment, Maytag brand offers a full line of high-quality and dependable appliances including the new, commemorative Maytag Centennial top-load washer and dryer," said Michael Todman, president of Whirlpool North America. "No other brand has made washers for 100 years."

100th Birthday Party Details
Maytag brand will host its 100th birthday party at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free, and the public is encouraged to attend. Pre-registration is required by Tuesday, Oct. 9, and includes complimentary museum entrance for the day. Visit www.maytag.com/100years to pre-register. Consumers will have the chance to meet Scott and the Maytag Repairman. The birthday party will include a Maytag® laundry exhibit from the last 100 years, and there will be multiple Maytag antiques and collectibles on display. The first 100 people at the party, ages 18 and older, will receive complimentary $100 gift cards to The Home Depot. In addition, a drawing will be held for a free Maytag® Centennial^TM top-load laundry pair.

Maytag Moments
Most Americans have experienced the dependability and reliability of a Maytag® appliance. The Maytag Repairman invites those who recall a "Maytag Moment" during the past 100 years to share it with him. To submit a Maytag Moment, visit www.maytag.com/100years starting on Oct. 1. "In addition to celebrating the 100 years of building dependable products, Maytag wants to hear how the Maytag brand has been a part of people's lives," said Todman. A Maytag Moment can be anything from a memory about Grandma's washing machine to a recent Maytag experience that illustrates the brand's 100-year heritage. People can submit stories that involve themselves or someone else. Submissions may be highlighted in future Maytag communications and promotions.

Maytag Repairman Appreciation Tour
The Maytag Repairman will be taking a tour across the country to meet loyal Maytag consumers. In four to-be-announced markets, he'll be delivering birthday cupcakes to people's homes and spending time listening to their Maytag Moments. Stay tuned as to which towns and cities he'll be visiting.