The first machine I sewed on was in Home Ec. at school, I was maybe 13 or 14. It was about that same time my mother got a White zigzag machine. This was mid-to-late 60s. I inherited that machine when she passed.
The first machine I owned myself was a Kenmore, bought new in the mid-to-late 70s. I still have that machine. It is a real workhorse. I sewed everything from my sons clothes to drapes to quilts on that machine. Still very fond of it, but have promised it to my younger son.