Cathy's, and later Patty's, conversations with Mr. Hansen, the salesman at the front door, reveals a view of Manhattan skyscrapers. The Lane family home has a real NYC address, 9 Remsen Street, on a waterfront cul-de-sac in Brooklyn Heights, and the view over Richard's shoulder is that of the building at 60 South Street, near the Wall Street Ferry.
Having gotten her start in acting on the N.Y. stage, Estelle Parsons was between shows on Broadway, specifically, "Mother Courage and her Children" and "Ready When You Are, C.B.!" when she made this one and only appearance in this series. Even though her role here is a small one, in just a few years, she would receive the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in Bonnie and Clyde (1967).
Adjusted for inflation, the $29.50 starting price of the vacuum cleaner Cathy buys would equal approximately $284 in the year 2022.
The $165 Patty agrees to pay for the vacuum cleaner and all its attachments would equal approximately $1,586.
The plot and the joke about no electricity are lifted right from I Love Lucy.