Early Howe Sewing Machine on Exhibit at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area
On September 10, 1846, Elias Howe patented the first sewing machine that was both functional and practical for the home environment. Though it was not the first time inventors had attempted to overcome the technical problems with mechanical sewing, it was a very early machine in the history of America, and a much more successful invention than its predecessors.
Prior to Howe, Walter Hunt of New York was the 1st American known to have built a sewing machine around 1834. It seems that Mr. Hunt was concerned that his invention would result in the massive unemployment of seamstresses, thus he declined to patent it.
When Howe’s machine was demonstrated in 1845, it was able to out-sew five humans, producing 250 stitches per minute. Unfortunately, its $300.00 price tag made it quite difficult to sell.
After patenting the device in 1846, his American workshop burned and he was cheated out of royalties from Britain. When I.M. Singer patented his machine in 1851, Howe sued him for patent infringement and won. Ultimately, Howe pooled his patent with Singer, generating royalties per machine sold. Between 1854 –1867, Howe earned nearly two million dollars. It was noted that he donated a portion of his wealth to equip an infantry regiment during the Civil War for the Union Army. He served as a private in that regiment.
Now, over 160 years later, an original example of Mr. Howe’s machine is on exhibit at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in Elizabethton, Tennessee. The story of this machine makes it a particularly unique donation.
In the mid 19th century, California “Callie” America Boy lived in Carter County near Sycamore Shoals. This particular Howe sewing machine belonged to her and more than likely was passed down to her from another family member or a friend. The markings on the machine show it to be one of the earliest of Howe’s inventions.
During the 20th century, Thelma Gray Barnes, a descendent of Ms. Boy, inherited the machine. Ms. Barnes had always been told that this Howe was the first sewing machine in Carter County; thus, it was always her desire to get the machine back home and to Sycamore Shoals.
On June 20, 2009, the family of the late Thelma Gray Barnes, donated their mother’s machine to Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. It is now on exhibit in our museum and will ultimately become a part of the furnishings at Sabine Hill, when the property is restored and open to the public.
If you would like to view the machine, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area is open Monday through Saturday from 8 am – 4:30 pm and on Sunday from 1 pm – 4:30 pm.
For additional information, please contact the park at 423-543-5808 or online at www.sycamoreshoalstn.org or www.tnstateparks.com/SycamoreShoals
The Family of Thelma Gray Barnes
Left to Right: Mary Trollinger, Patsi Trollinger, Bettie Galliher, Mary Jo Croft, and Elizabeth Trollinger
Not Pictured: Sue Mielke