That's great that it's been local to you the whole time and that you have the history! Tastes and styles change. Thank goodness they only painted the cabinet instead of junking the machine or doing something else like painting it too. Great job getting the paint off. Stripping paint is one of my least favorite chores. It's always a mess and never fun but the results were worth it. Those full on MOP Singers are closer to art or jewelry than they are a tool to sew things together.
Rodney