Singer machine changed the world The Singer treadle-powered (foot pedals) model 66 like this one at the Fielder House Museum was considered to be the first mass-produced sewing machine to produce a “near-perfect” stitch. It could be used on a variety of fabrics from linen and lace to horse blankets or light canvas. It was also expensive for its day, costing the equivalent of two month’s wages when first introduced in 1908. Inventor, actor, singer and sewing machine entrepreneur Isaac Singer, however, had the answer to that dilemma: He was one of the first manufacturers to introduce the installment plan, which was utilized by tens of thousands of Americans and people throughout the world, making Singer the first U.S. international manufacturing company. Though the 66 was the queen of sewing machines for its time, the Singer company (its founder died in 1875…that’s a painting of him below) saw the future very well and in 1921 introduced an electric model. Treadle-powered models like this one soon disappeared. Side note: Besides being an inventor, entrepreneur, singer and actor, Isaac Singer was evidently also quite the lady’s man, fathering 24 children (that history knows about) via a variety of wives and mistresses.
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 16:27:08 +0000
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