A real case of on-the-job training: got my first job as a newsguy (from a letter to the editor clacked out on an IBM electric) at the Philadelphia City Paper, which put out its 1,584th–and final issue today. It was great to get a mention inside from my editor Chris Hill, -and-to see founding publisher Bruce Schimmel’s old Royal typewriter on their last cover.
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Modern Basic Typewriting was issued in Philly the same year I appeared; couldn’t resist, and the carpenter’s rule seemed like a good idea. Found at the Clover Market, a “curated” setup, which is not such a bad idea–free-for-all flea markets can have acres of warped records and shoddy 2nd-hand Ikea; the Clover stands all looked pretty good, and saw 6 or ten typers, all more or less working and all under $100, including this nice little Baby by Hermes
which I resisted because I am a Lettera 22/32 guy — and this Remington…
which I could easily resist because I already have a Remington Portable 1, that I even had the platen recovered on by Cambridge Typewriter (which quieted it like 1/2 a decibel) — it is a real Polly Want a Clacker!
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From a package of Spring Typing Paper (ca 1970s?), made in Roaring Spring, PA. That’s all for today.
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Franz Ferdinand meets Sparks and Music flies!
But the lads need some technology to center their album cover around–this vintage machine makes it happen.
As always, perhaps Richard P. or some others out there can help ID the handsome machine Ron’s playing here. FFS on NPR
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Under strong lobbying from the next generation–we were forced to load paper into our machines and commence typing at 11:49 ; bit of a shock since we have never before started a Type-IN on time, much less early!
As always, Bryan Kruk of NJ brought some beauties–including these two Olivettis.
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Please join us in the historic Manayunk section of Philadelphia on Saturday, May 16th, for the Type-IN.
We will be at Pretzel Park, Silverwood & Cotton Streets (just minutes from the Manayunk station of SEPTA regional rail). Starts noon, Typing Speed Contest at 1:30 (must sign up by 1 p.m.).
NOTE: If rain is more than 50% in forecast, we will set up in LUCKY’S LAST CHANCE, 4421 Main St., in their palatial second floor lounge. But current weather report shows a long clear stretch from before noon to late afternoon.
Among the typewriters confirmed in attendance:
Olivetti Lettera 22 (as shown above) ; Olivetti Lettera 32 ; Olympia Socialite; Olympia SF, Olympia SM-3, Olympia SM-9, Olympia SG-1; Remington Portable One. All of these will be in working condition and ready to try out. (another dozen machines are on the way from Staten Island, so expect a diverse selection to compare. FLASH: New typewriter guests confirmed late Friday night: Underwood 5 , Underwood Noiseless, Royal 10, Singer Pro Portable, SCM Sterling, Underwood 21, SCM Galaxy 12, & more!
THANKS AND HOPE TO HEAR YOUR CLACK, JACK!
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phillytyper 