Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-30
AN IMPORTANT INVENTION

PROSPECTS OF NEW BUSINESS ENTERPRISE IN
BRATrLEBoRo-THE HIGBY SEWING MACHINE.
For some time past It has been OCCASION
ally limited that new business enterprise
was in prospect for Brattleboro, but of the
nature of this enterprise the public has, UNI
til within few days, been kept in entire ig-
noranoe. 1t now appears that the prospect
i've industry is nothing more nor less than the
manufacture of a new sewing machine, the
invention of one of our own mechanics.
Mr.. Luther E. Highly has been resident Of
Brattleboro at different times for several
years, having formerly been employed as
foreman Of the Brattleboro Sewing Machine
Company. With an experience of twenty
five years with sewing machines of various
makes, for the past few years he has made
these machines special study, the results of
which are embodied in the new machine,
which has now been completed in all its de-
tails, and q patent obtained covering the
principal improvements The new machine
embraces all the important features of other
frst-class machines, and also several not to be
found in any other. The device for actual
ing both shuttle and feed is entirely new, ex.
ceiling in compactness, strength, simplicity
and durability. A very noticeable feature is
the absence Of any intermediate parts, such
as shafts, gears, cams, levers, lever. studs and
ball joints its connections from driving
shaft TO shuttle and feed are direct, positive,
central and well balanced the arm is large
and roomy, admitting of great range of
work it uses the compound feed, which is
one of the great improvements of the times
it is self-threading, employing self-thread-
ing needle, with uniform tension in both
upper and lower threads, sewing heavy cloth
or leather and the thinest muslin without a
change of tension; is very light running, and
comparatively noiseless and has loose pull
ley for winding the bobbin without removing
the work from under the needle. These are
the strong points of the new machine BY
invitation n number of our citizens, compris-
ing both business and professional men, met
at the office Of The Household last Monday
evening, where the machine was exhibited in
practical operation, and its peculiarities ex-
planned by the inventor. An adjourned
meeting was also held on Thursday evening.
Experts and all others who have examined
the new machine express themselves satisfied
in regard to its superior merits, and measures
are on foot for the formation of COM
pany to engage in its manufacture. 1t
was with the view to this project that the va
cant manufacturing building on Flat street,
lately owned 10y S. NJ Waite, was purchased
by Mr.. Geo. L. Crowell, who from the FIRST
has manifested much interest in Mr.. Higby's
invention and who offers the use of his shop
for the purpose of manufacture on very lib
eral terms. Although there are a great many
different sewing machines now on the market,
of varying degrees of merit aud the total
number annually manufactured and sold
seems enormous, there is, doubtless, and
long will be, room for improvement, and "the
best will always find purchasers. There
seems to be no doubt that Mr.. Higbys ma
chine possesses the elements of success, If its
manufacture and introduction are rightly
managed and we hope that the capital and
enterprise necessary for the undertaking will
soon be forthcoming from some of our pub
Lie. sniriInd ciIiZens