Sewing in the Industrial Revolution

Hi,

My name is Stephen Scully and I am a History teacher at Westford Academy. Several months ago, I appealed to the community of Westford to support the completion of a project to purchase and restore 26 antique Singer sewing machines from the Industrial Revolution era. The people of Westford generously responded with over $2600 toward that goal and the collection/restoration of machines was completed. Volunteers were recruited while I began my own sewing lessons this summer. The machines came out beautiful. The cast iron legs were repainted. The cabinetry woodwork was restored. New belts were installed and the machine heads were cleaned. They looked amazing and optimism was high that this project was becoming a reality. The machines were moved to WA and planning started to have a week of sewing with students and volunteers in September. Simultaneously, a home(s) was sought for the machines when not needed at the school. It seemed like it could be a win-win situation as the community could have access to them as well.

On Thursday, August 26, the volunteers met at WA to test the machines in preparation for our upcoming project that would launch with students the week of September 13th. For hours we tested the machines only to learn that as part of the restoration, the machines were sprayed with some sort of agent to make them shine. Whatever product was used gummed up many of the internal/external parts and volunteers were not able to get most machines to function properly. As we toiled outside of the boiler room where the machines are presently stored, the building lost power, the generator roared as temps rose above 90 degrees. The giant fans from the Aux gym sat silent nearby. You can't make this up. It literally seemed like we were working in a sweatshop of old. After three hours of effort by over 15 wonderful volunteers, it became clear the new problem we faced.

The machine heads would need to be cleaned inside and out. When the shine agent was applied, it did the job but also clogged and trapped dust/dirt that gummed up many moving parts. There was no way around it. As the volunteers packed their things, I started removing the sewing heads while they texted info of local services that could get this work done. I have to admit. In these moments I started to doubt whether this project would happen. For the first time in over a year, I lost my optimism that the kids would have this experience. After all, if experienced sewers could not get these machines working, how can I expect kids who had never sewn before to have even moderate success. Then there would be the unforeseen expense. Which brings me to 3:00 AM on Friday, August 27th as I lay awake documenting these events and getting ready to lean on the people once more. I know this can backfire and I am opening myself up for criticism. I know people might say that I should go back to the people who did the work so some perspective may be helpful in this regard.

I first met Roland and Louise as the collection phase of this project was winding down. A retired husband/wife team from Connecticut who restore and sell these units often converting them into desks or show pieces. Roland does most of the physical restoration while Louise handles the scheduling and buying of missing parts. They did the work they had promised to do. I feel that my lack of knowledge and understanding played a role in not knowing the right questions to ask. The cabinetry, cast iron legs and heads look great. New leather belts were installed and the machines appeared to function. The flywheels and treadles worked and the needles went up and down. For all intents and purposes, the machines appear to function, until you try to sew that is. The problems are with things like tension, bobbin shuttles and locking mechanisms. Smaller parts like the sewing foot and hand wheel. All parts connected to the machine head. I am certainly going to tell them of the problems they created as a result of the shine agent but I am not comfortable seeking further action against them as Roland struggles with severe health issues. They are also not a formal business. This is more side work to compliment their retirement earnings. I also do not believe they were malicious in their actions. I don't think they realize that their actions created additional problems.

This project came out of the desire to create hands-on learning opportunities for kids. To transform them back in time. This is one of the hardest parts of my job but one that drives me forward. I truly feel we are creating a unique learning environment for students that they could not have anywhere else in the country. I consider myself very fortunate to work in the district of Westford and now, several hours removed, believe this to be just a setback. This project will happen and the kids will have this experience. I will see to that but I need your help. The cleaning of these machine heads will run between $1200 - $1500 dollars. Any additional money raised will go to supplies for the project. I will also host an open house at Westford Academy once things have been completed so the community can see the impact their contributions have made.

Thank you for taking the time to read my rant and whether you can contribute or not, thank you for being part of a community that values education. Warm regards, Steve Scully