‘Giving Ryde’s Past to the Future’

Historic Ryde Society Quiz Night Thursday 24 April 2025 at Yelf's Hotel, at 7p.m. for 7.30pm.

Isle of Wight Times April 20, 1876

WRITING BY MACHINERY – After sewing machines, the Americans have now brought out a writing machine, and one of these was on view at the establishment of Mr Gelling, ironmonger, of this town, a few days ago. With such a machine, a man may get over two or three letters in the time now occupied in penning one. The work performed, however, partakes more of the nature of printing than writing. On touching different keys in a row a lever is made to raise a letter against an inked ribbon and then on to the paper, where it leaves its impression. As soon as a line is finished the machine moves the paper so as to commence another. Although the machine is not perfection, and its work is far inferior to that of an ordinary printer’s machine, it is calculated to suit the purposes of many, if its figure (25gs) suits their pockets.

Isle of Wight Observer July 13 1861

It will be seen by an advertisement in another column that a gentleman is now exhibiting a sewing machine at Mr Wavell’s. This highly useful modern invention will sew, hem, stitch, gather, &c., and with such rapidity as will astonish the most expert needle workers. We advise our readers to pay this “Lock Stitch Sewing Machine” a visit, for not to know what one is like, now the thing has become so popular, is as bad as not knowing whether the sun sets in the west or the east.

An Early Sewing Machine
An Early Sewing Machine

This is an example of a very early sewing machine.

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