Oldsewnsew, I have a machine just like your New Home Light Running one. Those holes are for a treadle belt. Actually, the whole machine- base and all - stay together and sit in a Parlor type treadle cabinet. These treadle heads are really cool as you can treadle them or lift the machine out with base still attached to do some hand cranking. Is the motor a friction pulley system? The motor was probably added, I highly doubt that machine came with a motor originally. Buy the way, very nice looking New Home!
Nancy