Jamaica in 1866: A Narrative of a Tour through the Island,
Thomas Harvey and William Brewin page 76 The brown female population of the towns, who have been accustomed to live by the needle, find themselves deprived of work and almost of the hope of better times. Such "cannot dig" and the resources of public and private charity are small. They not only suffer from the general decline of prosperity, but still more, at the present time, from the introduction of sewing-machines, which have led to the extensive importation of ready-made clothing from England. They have neither the means nor the energy to betake themselves to the use of the sewing-machine to enable them to compete on equal terms. |
1860s
Were these the first sewing machines used in Jamaica?
1866
First class agents sought for Jamaica and the West Indies. Apply in writing to Turnbull & Lees, Harbour Street, Kingston, Jamaica. E Vernon, sewing machines supplied from our own houses. Special Agent for Willcox & Gibbs, Care of Middleton, Freer & Co. |
1870s
1880s
Raymond's Sewing Machines
Daily Gleaner, June 14, 1888
On account of the severe winter in Canada, our shipments of these Machines have been somewhat delayed, but we now have a stock of . . .
1890s
Herald of Health, Volumes 13-14 M.L. Holbrook, 1869