Established in 1862 by American inventor Charles Raymond, the Raymond Sewing Machine Company became one of Canada’s leading sewing machine manufacturers and a major employer in Guelph during the 19th century. After the original factory was destroyed by fire in 1875, the present three-storey yellow-brick building was constructed in 1876. Raymond sewing machines were sold throughout Canada and exported to Europe, making the company a major player in the sewing machine industry. The business was sold in 1897, and manufacturing eventually ceased in 1916.