I am a bit of a history buff, and especially love old photos. In my sewing machine wanderings, I have come across a few that moved me, and collected them. They come from old history books, photos studies, and various archives. Some I found myself, some were sent to me by others who found them. I have posted some of them here. I hope you enjoy them. If you come across others, I hope you'll send me a copy.

John Curry family, Custer County, Nebraska 1886

A proud sodhouse family, all possessions on display for the photograhper.

Note treadle sewing machine by back left corner of house,

coffin top tipped back so machine could be seen.

Inside a sod house, probably somewhat later, when the settlers

had had a chance to build some prosperity. This house has been

floored and inside walled. Not positive, but I think the machine

is a Wheeler and Wilson.

Here we have a pleasant eveing at home, again probably more

likely 1890's to 1910, and most likely in a larger city. The machine

is an American.

Singer store, don't know where, but a larger city· paved

Streets and brick fronts with iron square trim. Judging by

clothes, again probably 1890's to turn of the century.

A high school sewing class, 1940

The tables are the Singer dual work station class tables.

The machines appear to be Model 66's.

W. H. Blair Family, Broken Bow, Nebraska 1888

Singer New Family proudly displayed

Carolyn Burton sent me this beautiful 1907 print (lithograph?) titleD "The Story of an American Home". I think the machine says "Cottage" on the arm. The subtitle is "IV. Anticipation", and the hazy image to the right seems to be an image of a young man before an applauding crowd... looks like maybe an opera house or a political gathering... obviously, the mother seeing her child as a success in the future, while she sews something like a christening gown...

Many thanks, Carolyn. This is a beautiful piece.

and ...

Jennifer Hill sent this picture, which is entitled "RAF Quilts"... having been to the Boeing Aircraft Museum, I can tell with no trouble that these ladies are sewing fabric for the winds of a WW I aircraft... Obviously, Jennifer and her father were onto this one... Here is her message:"

Dear Captain Dick,

I thought you might appreciate this image for your photo collection
of vintage treadlers, particularly in light of our occasional
TreadleOn discussions of "RAF" machines. Mind you, this one predates
the Battle of Britain by a Great War.

I found it in a book of my Dad's entitled "The Royal Air Force: An
Illustrated History", by Michael Armitage (1995, Brockhampton Press).
The caption to this photo reads simply "Fabric workers of the Women's
Royal Air Force." These ladies are doing their bit for the war
effort, circa 1918. I wonder if any of our sharp-eyed Brit members
can identify any of these machines?

Hey, here's an idea for your next TOGA! I mean, bears and quilts are
okay, but everyone does them. Let's all get together and sew up a
few aircraft instead! Now, where are we going to get a pattern....

Jennifer Hill
Calgary, AB

Treadle On's own Katrina Worley's Great Grandmother.... NOT! Actually, this is a modern made tintype of Katrina herself. Katrina is very active in historical re-enactments of various kinds. She is shown here in period dress of her own making, with her Grover and Baker sewing machine. While not actually an old picture, it's unique historical accuracy and the fact that it is Katrina certainly earn it a place in this gallery.