I believe the confusion may be related to there being two model 237's. The older Model 237 was from the 30's and then there was the 237 Fashion Mate from 68-72.
I had one of the 'newer' ones that I bought as a college graduation present to myself. I mounted it in an old Singer treadle cabinet. Great machine. Looks like this.
http://blog.sew-classic.com/2010/02/...ne-reveiw.aspx