This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2018
This unique lot contains a three page letter written by an employee of the Singer Manufacturing Company dated August 3rd, 1868. The employee complains that his boss Mr. Prendergast is away from the office for weeks at a time playing baseball. He issues an ultimatum to the big wigs at Singer. He also makes mention of the Mr. Prendergast drinking excessively. Quote from the letter: "If there was a prize fight base ball match or any attraction of the like nature to take place I was invariably left as before. Today there is to be played a match between his baseball clubs in this city and Mr. Pendergast sent word he should not be here and told another party that he would be there." The letter is written on Singer stationary and has remained in remarkably nice condition given it is 150 years old. Singer Corporation is an American manufacturer of sewing machines, first established as I. M. Singer & Co. in 1851 by Isaac Merritt Singer with New York lawyer Edward Clark. Best known for its sewing machines, it was renamed Singer Manufacturing Company in 1865, then The Singer Company in 1963. Unique letter from an exasperated employee very early in Singer's existence. Unique letter written from the Detroit office to New York City headquarters August 3rd, 1868. Very early letter speaking about baseball and its influence.