Grandmother Donates Sewing Machine Bought with Battle Merit Discount

In Changhua's Zhongxing Village, 96-year-old Chi Wei-ping has donated a cherished antique sewing machine, a symbol of her past and a testament to her husband's service. The "black head" sewing machine, a relic from a bygone era, holds a special place in Chi's memories as it was acquired with a significant discount. Her husband, Chang Chien-yu, a veteran of the 1958 Kinmen artillery battle, received a half-price offer on the appliance as a reward for his contributions. Even with the discount, the machine cost the equivalent of four months' military salary, a substantial sum at the time. Chi recalls purchasing fabric immediately after bringing the machine home, using it to create clothing for her entire family and saving money on purchases. Her daughter, Chang Man-li, fondly remembers a padded vest her mother made during her pregnancy, a garment still cherished for its fine craftsmanship. The sewing machine, now on display at the Zhongxing Village Cultural Association, represents more than just a household item; it embodies the history of the 823 artillery battle and the enduring spirit of the眷村 community.

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Because my husband participated in the 823 artillery battle with merit, he received a half-price offer to buy a sewing machine. Although it was half price, it was still a large expense.