We're in agreement -- good neighbors. Have fun.
As Joe said, the Kenmore 117-552 was made in 1954. Some of the Kenmore/Sears production years can be found in
http://www.searsarchives.com/history.../sewing_id.pdf IIRC, there might be some missing from that list, even though the numbers are close. Seems like I was looking at the other day - just to satisfy my own curiosity about one I saw online - and couldn't find it.
According to
http://www.treadleon.net/WhiteSM/whites.html the embossed White's were produced around 1928. You may be able to pinpoint it closer if you call 1-800-446-2333 with the serial number.
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.