$92 Buttonhole Attachment & the Senator's Mom
A while back, I picked up a Singer 500 (that coveted "rocketeer styling!) that belonged to US Senator (and former Ohio Governor) George Voinovich's mother. I bought it from George Voinovich's sister who made a point to tell me the family story and relationships in the machine's history. I'm positive that this provenance is nothing more than a fun tidbit, and doesn't make the machine more valuable in any way, but I get a kick out of it. The 1970 receipt for the buttonhole attachment is made out to "Mrs. Voinovich". I found it tucked in with the extras that came with the machine.
I ran across this forgotten receipt while I was going through my stash of slant accessories, putting together a nice package with another Rocketeer styled machine (503) to list on eBay. The total for the buttonhole attachment, including tax, was $16.67. That sounds reasonable. However, I was curious how much money would that be in 2009 dollars, after adjusting it for inflation. So, I plugged the numbers into the Consumer Price Index Calculator, and it came out to be $92.94 in 2009!!
Here is a scan of the receipt and a sneak peak at the fabulous, loaded, Singer 503 package that I've been getting ready to list:
j
I ran across this forgotten receipt while I was going through my stash of slant accessories, putting together a nice package with another Rocketeer styled machine (503) to list on eBay. The total for the buttonhole attachment, including tax, was $16.67. That sounds reasonable. However, I was curious how much money would that be in 2009 dollars, after adjusting it for inflation. So, I plugged the numbers into the Consumer Price Index Calculator, and it came out to be $92.94 in 2009!!
Here is a scan of the receipt and a sneak peak at the fabulous, loaded, Singer 503 package that I've been getting ready to list:
j
Sweet! It looks like it may have been a Valentine's gift, huh?
I love stuff like that. I got a radio with "To Mom and Dad--Merry Christmas, Henry, Walter, Betty, and Jean 1946"
It's such a great thought that someone was THRILLED to have something you are in your hand.
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What a beauty!
Does it sew as slickly as it looks it would?
And that $16 in 1970, is comparable to today's ~$93 is stunning! I remember 1970, and I knew that $16 felt like a good-ish amount, but $93!!!
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Yes, it sews beautifully- see the stitch sample in the background of the last photo? Besides, I fully guarantee my machines, so I have to make sure that everything is 100% up to par.
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What a beautiful machine. I have three, one of which was my great-aunt's. You will love, love, love sewing with it. Have a great new year of sewing!
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I have a slant-o-matic and it positively purrs. My partner's mother picked it up second hand for a steal and gave it to me for Christmas when I was getting into quilting and needed my own machine. It really is a dress-making, and home decor machine, but it's the only machine I've ever truly enjoyed sewing on.
Just don't accidently leave it in reverse. : )
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