I grew up in SW FL and cannot remember where we used to shop for fabric. I remember the measuring meter though and was fascinated while watching the clerk measure out our purchases. Several years ago we stopped at an old building out in the middle of nowhere for a yard sale. The old building was being sold and had at one time been a ladies store. Bins of buttons, zippers, the measuring meter attached to a long cutting table and three sided positional mirrors outside dressing rooms for the ready to wear clothing. Lots of wooden paneling on the walls and shelves/drawers for lingerie items. Like a walk down memory lane and such an enjoyable visit.
I also owned an old Kenmore with the cams for the decorative stitches. It was in a cabinet where the big top lifted as one piece and dropped down the back of the unit. Wish I still had it. Made a lot of clothing on that machine.