Dougstermd

I used to live right behind the Wright Brothers memorial in North Carolina from 2010-2013. I also grew up about 40 miles away. I have visited that place many times.
Ohio has the singer machine in their museum looks like a model 27? I thought the machine the Wright Brothers borrowed in North Carolina was a white? Or something other than a singer? I have been researching and it’s difficult to find online.

jlhmnj

I'm not very familiar with the Wright Brothers but understand they grew up and had a bicycle shop in Dayton Ohio. Davis Sewing Machine Co. was also in Dayton from 1890 to 1924. Davis made sewing machines, bicycles, iron castings and other stuff. My understanding is the Wright Bros, used some Davis bicycle parts in their bikes. Whether Davis made machine parts for Wright Bros airplanes I have not heard. I also haven't read anything about the Wright's using Davis sewing machines for airplane constuction. Certainly a possibility.

Jon

Dougstermd

I’m nearly 50 years old and I’m an aircraft mechanic I had to see the baseball stitch as part of my practical test to get my FAA license. Going to those museums in Carolina got me interested in airplanes. In Ohio they have a singer sewing machine on display it’s a singer. At North Carolina they have a machine on display that was borrowed and I’m pretty sure it was not a singer

leonf

What an interesting question. My first balloon ride was in a homebuilt balloon Stitched up in a barn.

Dougstermd

I found the answer

The 1900 glider and the Tate Sewing Machine




When the Wright brothers left the Outer Banks in 1900, they abandoned their glider. Mr. Tate gathered the French sateen (much better than any fabric in the local store) from the wings, and with the same sewing machine, Mrs. Tate made dresses for her daughters, Irene and Pauline.


Twenty five years ago, park ranger Darrell Collins did an oral history interview with one of the Tate daughters, Pauline Tate Woodard. According to her, “The Tate family had recently purchased the 1899 Kenwood sewing machine from a Sears and Roebuck Catalog for $2.00."


Although the sewing machine was essential for making alterations to the 1900 Glider, the machine is also symbolic of the southern hospitality that brought the Wright brothers to the Outer Banks.

carolynjo

This is not really related to the Brothers, but it reminded me that my mother sewed garments from parachutes my brothers sent her during WWII. (Some of the fabric had blood on it.)

Dougstermd

Yeah maybe not related to the Brothers of aviation. Still a piece of untold history. Everytime I sit down in front of one of these I wonder who sewed on it at I wonder what they sewed on it. Thanks for your input

Dougstermd

The bobbin case and bobbin are exactly the same as typical modern singers? Doesn’t seem to snap where I want it

leonf

Kenwood didn't ring any bells. but lo and behold.... Kemwood sewing machine.


I have a chunk of cargo parachute that hopefully will transform into a really big kite one day. I gotta get better at sewing slick stuff first.

Singer has had several different bobbins and cases over the years.

Dougstermd

yeah kenwood maybe kenmore? Maybe after we get through this shut down I will Drive back up there and lay my eyes on that machine. Actually I will rent a plane for the day they have a run way there