It was the next-to-the-last stop on our whirlwind try-to-see-as-much-family-as-possible vacation. We were at my mom’s and in the process of saying good-bye. I say “process” because saying good-bye is always hard so sometimes it can take awhile.
Mom had asked if there was anything of hers that I especially wanted. Nothing specific came to mind.
Then the conversation went something like this….
Mom: “Would you like your grandmother’s old sewing machine?”
Me: “Sure!!!” (In my mind— Of course! I’d love to have anything that my grandma used to create things! I didn’t even know you had Grandma’s machine. A whirlwind of thoughts all tumbling over one another as my brain wrapped around the thought of being gifted with Grandma’s sewing machine!)
I couldn’t recall ever seeing her machine. When she passed away, her will stated that I would get her sewing basket. I have it and use it to this day. But her machine, if she still had a working one, I assumed had been willed to another family member and so I didn’t give it another thought. Until now.
Wow, to have Grandma’s sewing machine. What a treasure!
Mom: “James, (my nephew), would you go and get Grandma’s sewing machine for Aunt Diane?”
James: “Sure.”
I was not prepared for what my eyes beheld as James emerged from the next room, Grandma’s sewing machine in hand.
I caught my breath. What kind of machine was hidden under that oh-so-cool-looking wooden carrying case?
I wanted to sit right down, open it, and see just what was within.
I was almost giddy with excitement, but we were on our way out the door so we put the machine on the back floorboard of the car and headed to our next family destination.
It was time to visit with another family, so for the next two days, I could only wonder what was inside.
Well, we finally arrived home and unpacked the car. I forced myself to put everything away before allowing time to peek inside.
Isn’t this awesome?!!!!!! See what I mean by two-fold treasure?
It needed very little cleaning, but I carefully polished and cleaned it inside and out and oiled it well.
Here’s a view from the back with the metal external light, the motor, and exposed belt which are all in really good shape. The hole on the right front side of the machine is for the knee lever.
And it sews like a dream!!!! So smooth, it barely makes a sound and the stitches are perfectly even!!!!
With five children, I can only imagine all of the clothes and household items Grandma made with this beauty.
I searched various sources on the internet for information on this type of machine. I think the serial numbers represent something like this….
AB = made in Elizabeth, New Jersey
66 = model type
5124 = manufactured on May 1, 1924 (5-1-24)
If anyone reading this blog post is an expert on dating sewing machines , I’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and tell me anything you can about this incredible treasure!
I cleaned and oiled the wooden case as well.
My sewing room will have stations set up for certain sewing needs. Since this one only sews straight seams, it will be the perfect choice for piecing quilts. I’ll store the necessary supplies for this station nearby in Grandma’s sewing basket.
Thanks, Mom, for thinking of giving this to me!
Diane
This is awesome. And Diane wanted to let you know the Annual Spring Quilt Show will be March 17 in Menlo, GA We would love to have you and others in the quilting group enter a piece this year. Please announce at the next meeting. I love your page and have told others about it. I have not been able to participate in the Ft. Payne Quilters due to moving and having so much to do. When you sell a farm the stuff is endless. Have a wonderful day and may many blessings come your way.
Diane Mealr
Thanks, Diane,
I’ll let the group know. It sounds like fun! We sure have missed you!
Diane
Diane I just stumbled on your website and was so surprised. I think we have met and actually were part of a little sewing group in Fort Payne when I lived on my daughter’s farm there for a while. I remember you helping me try to figure out how to make a grandmother’s flower garden. I was very ambitious wasn’t I? haha!! I doubt you remember me but I have such warm, happy memories of my time there and being introduced to the wonderful world of quilt-making. I have made many since then but no flower gardens! Maybe one day. So excited to see someone from there, especially someone I remember so fondly! I will enjoy seeing our blog now too. Sincerely , Helen
Oh, how funny! When I read your name on the comment, I thought to myself, “I knew a Helen Glover years ago. I wonder if it’s the same person.” And, Yay! It is!
Thank you for your kind words and for remembering me! I’m so glad you’re still quilting. I’d love to see photos of ones you’ve made. Next time you’re coming to Ft. Payne, let me know and we can get together.
I’m so glad to hear from you!
Diane
Flattered that you would remember me….its been a while! Thanks for your kind words and it would be fun to get together sometime. Now I will at least be able to keep up with some of the “quilty things on the mountain.” Your quilts are beautiful and if I can figure out how to send you some pics I will do that. I gift most of mine to family but do have some pictures saved of them. So excited to see you again and will be keeping in touch online at least.
Great! I look forward to it. 🙂
Ooops, almost forgot. I have a machine that looks very much like this one. It was my aunt’s. Sews like a dream although it stays in another room and never gets used. I LOVE vintage machines. Yours is lovely! I know you will enjoy it….especially from your grandmother.
Beautiful machine. You might want to check that serial number with the ISMACS comprehensive serial number database. I think it might be a Singer 99 made in 1927 which is a 3/4 sized machine. The 99 is a great machine.
Thanks, Dora!
I will check that out. It sews like a dream!
Diane