My Mom gave me my treadle. I can't remember without asking her, but I think she said it was my (Mother's brother-in-law) uncle's grandmother's. I could be wrong. I just remember smashing my fingers under the foot pedal as a kid when playing. Mom always kept her "regular" sewing machine on the top and her goodies in the drawers.
I buy up all the machines I run across...if I can afford it. It's become an obsession. I just recently got an old electric one in a cabinet. I think of it as an investment, as well. As much as I would hate to, I'm sure I could re-sell it for more money than we paid if we really got "in a bind". I think I could sell some of the others that I pick up and clean and get in good working order. After I get my sewing room all set up, I will know more about which of those I have picked up here and there that I would like to sell or keep.
I'm an only child, so I know the lonely feeling.