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NOV. 15 ISSUE ANSWERS: Thomas Griffith, born in 1902 in Evansburg, Pennsylvania wore these wool pants. A RHS staff member donated them to our historic clothing collection. Since Thomas was born in 1902, we conclude that he was wearing them during the Roaring 20’s. This matches with the fact that zippers became popular in the 30’s. Note the buttons on the front fly. The sewing machine in the photo is the first electric portable machine manufactured by Singer in 1929. The speed was controlled by a rheostat that was activated by pressing the operator’s knee against the removable arm. The primitive rheostat to the right of the wheel/pulley is quite interesting and large! It also comes with a light. In 1929 the machine cost $190. Today’s inflation calculator puts it at $3,319.88 in 2023. Without a sewing machine, a woman spent 10 hours to make a dress. With the sewing machine the time was reduced to one hour. This work saving device resulted in a woman’s diminished role in household management and allowed more hours for their own leisure as well as the ability to seek outside employment increasing family income. R. Beringer, Romeo Historical Society staff

NOV. 15 ISSUE ANSWERS: Thomas Griffith, born in 1902 in Evansburg, Pennsylvania wore these wool pants. A RHS staff member donated them to our historic clothing collection. Since Thomas was born in 1902, we conclude that he was wearing them during the Roaring 20’s. This matches with the fact that zippers became popular in the 30’s. Note the buttons on the front fly. The sewing machine in the photo is the first electric portable machine manufactured by Singer in 1929. The speed was controlled by a rheostat that was activated by pressing the operator’s knee against the removable arm. The primitive rheostat to the right of the wheel/pulley is quite interesting and large! It also comes with a light. In 1929 the machine cost $190. Today’s inflation calculator puts it at $3,319.88 in 2023. Without a sewing machine, a woman spent 10 hours to make a dress. With the sewing machine the time was reduced to one hour. This work saving device resulted in a woman’s diminished role in household management and allowed more hours for their own leisure as well as the ability to seek outside employment increasing family income. R. Beringer, Romeo Historical Society staff

Covering the villages of Armada and Romeo as well as the townships of Addison, Armada, Bruce, Oakland, Ray, Richmond and Washington

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