Singer Sewing Machines and Scandals

1889 Billhead Invoice-Singer Sewing Machine-$20

 

March 5 1889– Perth Courier

On Monday last, an agent for the Singer Sewing Machine Company named Chapman from Ottawa was brought before Charles Rice, J.P., charged with assaulting Mrs. Elizabeth Dewitt of North Elmsley near this town.  Complainant had bought a Singer Sewing Machine and gave a lien on it until paid.  One of the instalments coming due and not having been paid, the sellers removed the machine but in doing so held the woman to prevent her resistance also shutting her in a room.  The magistrate held that this is a true assault and fined Chapman $5 and costs.

 

Dec 14 1888- Perth Courier

Mrs. Tufts, inmate of the dwelling in which the late “Yankee Brown” died and Tim Ryan, who assisted to shape and dress the remains say that there is no truth in the report current that the  dwelling was made hideous by the alleged orgies and scandalous actions of certain persons in town.

Christine Armstrong Channels Movie Star Betty Hutton

So this is what I have been up to the past few days. Much cleaning later, and the machine is operational and fully cleaned and sparkling. Great Grandma’s machine is ready to make quilts again. Also did a little research and found that the machine was manufactured on April 21, 1915 in Elizabeth, New Jersey and is one of 5000 made in total. It sports the wing decals that were only used from 1912 to 1920. The machine is a model 115 with the cabinet table no 2. I was able to find old original replacement parts so that the machine has all the attachments and screwdrivers it would have come with. I think she would be happy to see it cleaned up and being used over 100 years after she got it.

Ohhh, the sewing machine, the sewing machine
A girl’s best friend
If I didn’t having my sewing machine
I’d a-come to no good end
But a bobbin a bobbin and peddle a peddle
And wheel the wheel by day
So by night I feel so weary that I never get out to play.

From the film “The Perils Of Pauline” (1947)
Betty Hutton (with Joe Lilley & His Orch.) – 1947

Read Christine’s other story..

Cooking with Findlay’s — Christine Armstrong’s Inheritance and Maple Syrup Recipe

Carleton Place- The Happiest Damn Town in Lanark County

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• The Tales of Carleton Place and Just a Little Bit Farther Up the Line

Tilting the Kilt, Vintage Whispers from Carleton Place by Linda Seccaspina is available at Wisteria at 62 Bridge Street, the Carleton Place Beckwith Museum in Carleton Place, Ontario and The Mississippi Valley Textile Mill in Almonte.  available on all Amazon sites (Canada, US, Europe) and Barnes and Noble