More on the Minnesota Model A

Question:My grandmother has a Minnesota Model A, but it is inside a two-door cabinet, and when you flip open the table, the thing pops out. When closed, it is completely hidden. No outside iron legs like I have seen pictures of online. She says it is over 100 years old, and I have been searching online for information, but I cannot find anything about this model. Could you fill me in? -- Danny Kerwood

Answer:It sounds like your grandmother has what is called a "parlor cabinet." When the sewing machine wasn't in use, it looked more like a piece of furniture. Much like the entertainment centers and armoirs used to hide the television today.