my 1956 vintage singer is my (travel machine) the one i take with me for classes ect- it has a very good even straight stitch- they are very reliable machines that sew very nicely-and are very easy to maintain (unlike the new computerized machines that need to go to a shop for maintenance/repairs)
i wish i had been around when you were getting rid of your treadle! that is my dream machine---one i can still use when the lights go out!
i do own a $5000+ viking- which is nice-
but i love my little singer- yes it works- yes i use it-almost daily
yes they have VALUE! no plastic parts to break- easy to clean, easy to oil- easy to thread- easy to sew with...great basic machines!