Singer Sewing Machine 

Circa 1900s

Singer sewing machines have a long and rich history, dating as far back as 1851.  these beautiful meachines have evolved over the years, but are still standing the test of time!  Some of the older models are highly sought after by collectors and sewing enthusiasts.  By 1976, Singer was claiming cumulative sales of two million sewing machines and had put the two millionth machine on display in Philadelphia.

Singer Corporation is an American manufacturer of consumer sewing machines.  Established by Issac Merritt Singer (1811-1895) with New York lawyer, Edward Cabot Clark. The global headquarters are based in Nashville, Tennessee.  Its first large factory for mass production was built in 1863 in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  

Sewing machines began to be mass-produced with Issac M. Singer & Co. manufacturing 2,564 machines in 1856 and 13,000 in 1860. Up to then, sewing machines had been industrial machines, made for garments, shoes, bridles and for tailors though in 1856 smaller machines began to be marketed for home use.  However, at the enormous price of over $100 ($4,094.82 in 2024), few sold. 

Singer's partner, Edward Cabot Clark, pioneered installment purchasing plans and accepted trade-ins, causing sales to soar.  Women were able to make items at home for their families.  Singer's prototype sewingmaching becamethe first to work in a practical way. It could sew 900 stitches per minute!

Singer divided his $13 million fortune unequally among 20 of his living children by his wives and various mistresses although one son, who had supported his mother in her divorce case against Singer, received only $500.  Altogether, he fathered 26 children by five different women.  

Sidenote:  The WWII Liberty Ship, SS Isacc M. Singer was named in his honor.  Singer Island, Florida was named for his son, Paris Singer.  June 13 is National Sewing Machine Day.