The Singer Corporation was created in 1851 by Isaac M. Singer and Edward C. Clark. It was renamed Singer Manufacturing Company in 1865 and later the Singer Company in 1963. In 1900, the “Singer 66” model was introduced. At the time Singer produced 40 different sewing machine models.
The 66 models were heavy-duty and versatile domestic sewing machines, able to sew fine silk or heavy canvas. The machines weighed around 30 lbs, so they were usually sold in treadle tables or cabinets.
2019.002.004 Singer 66-4 Sewing Machine
Singer 66 machines were decorated with painted motifs. UK models had multiple artistic changes over the years, including the “Lotus” and “Sphinx” designs. American models featured a “Red Eye” design.
For more than 30 years, the 66 model was the star of the Singer Company. World War II and the introduction of the Singer 201 brought about the beginning of the end for this versatile machine.
2019.002.005 Singer Sewing Machine Manual
August 1924, Form 18041-Japanese
2019.002.005 Singer Sewing Machine Manual
Eastside Heritage Center is fortunate to have a Singer Machine 66-4 in our collection. This machine was owned by a Japanese family in Bellevue and the owner retained all the original parts and manual. The Japanese-language manual for this 1924 Singer 66 is a rare treasure. Inside there are beautiful illustrations of the machine and it’s various uses. At 96 years old, this little booklet is in incredible shape.
Special thanks to the Mizokawa Family for this donation.
Resources:
Okimoto family history, written 8/9/1994. Donated by Mary Ann Mizokawa.
“Singer Corporation.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Jan. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singer_Corporation.
“Singer Sewing Machine Company History.” Singer Sewing Machines Ltd, www.singermachines.co.uk/faq/singer-sewing-machine-company-history.html.
“Singer Class 66 Sewing Machines.” International Sewing Machine Collectors Society, ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/singer-class-66-sewing-machine.html.
“Singer 66 and 66K Sewing Machines.” Singer Sewing Machine Model 66 and 66K, www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/66.
Askaroff, Alex. “Singer 66 & Singer 99.” SINGER 66, SINGER 99, SINGER RED EYE, SEWALOT, sewalot.com/singer%2066.htm.
