The portable sewing machine in the room belonged to Varvara Schantin (1870–1941). She became well-known in Hamina from 1919 to 1939 as a pastry seller, who sold donuts and pretzels to the cadets of the Reserve Officer School. Before her career as a merchant, she worked as a home seamstress for Russian officer families. When going to work, Schantin took the sewing machine with her. Schantin's statue is located on Kadettikoulunkatu, and her home is on Pikkuympyräkatu.