SINGER MANUFACTURING COMPANY

Singer Sewing Machine Company, 1001 Main. c. 1912. Photo courtesy: https://digitalcollections.loras.edu/items/show/227

Photo courtesy: Bob Reding

SINGER MANUFACTURING COMPANY. The Singer name has become synonymous with the sewing machine and the company has manufactured a vast range of machines for both domestic and industrial purposes.

The company's founder Isaac Singer started making sewing machines in Boston in 1851. In partnership with Edward Clark he formed I. M. Singer & Co. producing industrial machines, the No. 1 with a square bed and the No. 2 with a rectangular bed. It was not until 1857 that the first true domestic machine - the Family machine (Turtle Back) was introduced. This machine was not successful and in 1859 the Letter A was introduced which was manufactured until 1865.

I. M. Singer & Co. was reformed as the Singer Manufacturing Company in 1863 and started production of the New Family machine. This machine propelled the company to the premier position among sewing machine manufacturers able to dominate the market well into the Twentieth Century.

The 1865 through 1870-71 Dubuque City Directory listed this agent of W. R. Clark at 172 Main.

The 1874-1875 and 1875-1876 Dubuque City Directory stated that this business had as its agent W. R. Clark who was located at 864 Main.

The 1883 and 1886-1887 Dubuque City Directory listed 137 8th.

The 1899-1900 Dubuque City Directory listed 1538 Clay.

The 1904 Dubuque City Directory located the business at 1001 Main.

The Dubuque City Directory of 1915 listed the address as 136 9th.

The 1922 and 1923 Dubuque City Directory listed 226 W. 9th.

The 1934 Dubuque City Directory listed 597 Main.

The 1939 through 1945 Dubuque City Directory listed 585 Main.

The 1948 Dubuque Classified Business Directory through 1966 Dubuque City Directory listed 661 Main.

The 1972 through 1993 Dubuque City Directory listed KENNEDY MALL.

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Source:

Singer Sewing Machine Company--www.sewmuse.co.uk/singerintro.htm