Rodney

Tastes change over the years. Although I hate to see them (or any antique furniture) painted too there is a bright side. A paint job at least keeps things in use as opposed to in the landfill or fire. We don't complain about the stuff that's destroyed because we never see it.
Right now we're a definite minority. Most people don't see the value of old sewing machines or their cabinets as anything more than decorations or plant stands.
"People actually sewed with those things?"
Rodney