White sewing machines started in a small machine shop in Templeton Massachusetts in 1858. Thomas White was 22 years old when he invested 350$ in a dream to make and sell small hand operated single thread sewing machines.

In 1866, as the sale of these machines began to grow, White relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, to be closer to his source of supply and his markets. At the new site on Canal Street, White produced the New England sewing machine which sold for $10. Six inches in height and nine inches long, this machine was small enough to fit in the palm of a man's hand.

Ten years later, in 1876, White incorporated his business as the White Sewing Machine Co. and began manufacturing sewing machines bearing what was to become one of the most recognized names within the sewing industry.

The first decades of the 20th century were years of growth and development. In 1900, after three years of experimentation, the White Sewing Machine Co. perfected and introduced its hallmark, the full rotary mechanism. In that same year they were credited with another precedent-setting achievement, the industry's first furniture-style cabinets. In 1901, the White Steam Car was brought onto the market by White Sewing which also was marketing such diverse products as bicycles, roller skates, phonographs, kerosene lamps, automatic lathes and screw machines. By 1906, production requirements of the steam car were so great a separate corporation, White Motor Company, was founded. In 1910, sewing machine production also outgrew the old Canal Road plant. As a result, White moved its plant to E. 79th and then moved again to Main and Elm streets in Cleveland's Flats. This remained their headquarters for more than a quarter of a century... read on!