20-1 and 2 The Sew Handy
The Model 20 was a small sewing machine made between 1910 and 1934. It was called the “Sew Handy” and was intended to motivate and teach young girls to sew. Early models came in a cardboard box labeled “A Singer for the Girls” and claimed "This is not a toy, but a real Sewing Machine… As the twig is bent the tree's inclined… Practical and Instructive… Useful and Amusing." The Model 20-1 was hand cranked, the Model 20-2 was powered by a Singer J-1 electric motor, and both use 24x1 needles. My 20-1 was made in the 1930s and came in a specially designed Singer travel case. Note the United Airlines sticker and the “China Clipper” sticker on the case indicating that the original owner may have actually traveled to the Pacific Far East with it.
the electric model
From the Singer Catalog Description--
"Although the Singer No. 20 machine is primarily intended to teach little girls to sew, it was used by many college and business girls for occasional mending and altering. This popular "midget model" is very easy to use and is absolutely safe. it clamps on any convenient desk or table top."
In the 1930s, the USA and much of the world suffered through the “The Great Depression”. Triggered by the stock market crash of 1929, it was a severe worldwide economic depression. In generally lasted from 1929 to 1941 and was the longest, deepest, and most widespread depression of the 20th century. During this time, with so many out of work, and the rest on reduced wages, people had to become self-sufficient to eke out a living. This self-sufficiency carried over into their social life. One-dish suppers and church potlucks were important ways to have fun while sharing food. On radio and in women's magazines, home economists taught women how to stretch their food budget with casseroles and meals like creamed chipped beef on toast or waffles. Chili, macaroni and cheese, soups, and creamed chicken on biscuits were popular meals. Sewing was another way families provided for themselves and the Model 20 Sew Handy was a popular gift for young girls because it helped teach them how to sew and develop a useful money-saving and money-making skill during those hard times. Also in the 1930s, airline travel started coming of age. Pan American Airlines offered flights from the USA to destinations in the Pacific Far East. The world-famous China Clipper (tail number NC14716) was the first of three Martin M-130 four-engine flying boats built for Pan American Airways and was used to inaugurate the first commercial transpacific airmail service from San Francisco to Manila (the capital of the Philippians) in November 1935. Flying boats were airliners designed for long range flights across the ocean and were designed to safely take off and land from the water. These airliners were a big deal because they made efficient travel to far and exotic lands a reality, something which people previously only dreamed about. This gave them some hope that all was not lost during the depression, and better times may lie ahead.