9 years already for WordPlay! I remember when you first posted about it. A few years ago someone had one of those Underwood book typewriters on their blog. I don't know that anyone ever found out how it was really used or for what it was used. Interesting organizations. We could use more of them in many more cities. The Print museum is unique though.
Book typewriters type down onto the page, and move from left to right as they go. They were intended to write in bound ledger books. Those books are still available—I'm seen them at Staples!—for those who prefer to keep records the old-fashioned way, but I don't know anyone who uses a typewriter to write in them.
There are several other museums devoted to the history of printing, but I think this is the only one that integrates community service into its mission.
The book typewriter looks to be a precursor to those architect plans lettering machines. I'm sure you'll whisk away the tarnish and it will be fit for demonstrations in no time.
I remember checking into the Stevens Hotel in Chicago in 1952, and the clerk took a blank ledger card, placed it under the typewriter, and started typing my name,address, etc. I am almost positive this machine had an adding machine built in, so it could pick up (by manual entry) my previous balance, then add additional charges (phone, restaurant charges, etc) and produce an updated balance. I was fascinated by what it could do. Please post lots of pictures.
9 years already for WordPlay! I remember when you first posted about it.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago someone had one of those Underwood book typewriters on their blog. I don't know that anyone ever found out how it was really used or for what it was used.
Interesting organizations. We could use more of them in many more cities. The Print museum is unique though.
Book typewriters type down onto the page, and move from left to right as they go. They were intended to write in bound ledger books. Those books are still available—I'm seen them at Staples!—for those who prefer to keep records the old-fashioned way, but I don't know anyone who uses a typewriter to write in them.
DeleteThere are several other museums devoted to the history of printing, but I think this is the only one that integrates community service into its mission.
The book typewriter looks to be a precursor to those architect plans lettering machines. I'm sure you'll whisk away the tarnish and it will be fit for demonstrations in no time.
ReplyDeleteOh, I think it's going to take some hard work! But thanks for your confidence.
DeleteThe little Gritzner lettering machine works on much the same principle, yes.
looking forward to seeing the elliot-fisher book typewriter working on a bound ledger and posts of your blessed struggle in restoring the machine.
ReplyDeleteI remember checking into the Stevens Hotel in Chicago in 1952, and the clerk took a blank ledger card, placed it under the typewriter, and started typing my name,address, etc. I am almost positive this machine had an adding machine built in, so it could pick up (by manual entry) my previous balance, then add additional charges (phone, restaurant charges, etc) and produce an updated balance. I was fascinated by what it could do. Please post lots of pictures.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful recollection. I will document the restoration carefully. I won't be able to start until August, though.
DeleteOooh, I'd be spending a lot of time at a shop like that! :D
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the book typewriter. Hopefully it's parts-complete.