Particularly, I was taken by the mechanism of the Blickensderfer. Playing with it I was able to see how the designers were able to use a single type element. Looking at pictures does not compare to looking at it closely. The mechanism is simply magical. If you ever have the chance to see one in person you will spend hours being mesmerized by that rotating element. To think that it was designed and made without the aide of computers! It's simply amazing.
Everyone shared how they became interested in typewriters. There was a common thread in all the stories; everyone started with just one special machine that grabbed their imagination.
We had a lively discussion centered around my post-war QDL and the Aristocrat that came with Jim. And Bill shared a story with me on how he came by several machines that have connections to local history. We both shared an interest in tracking down Don Boles' typewriter.
I hadn't the heart to do a door prize drawing, so everyone who came to the event went home with either some carbon paper or a typewriter eraser.
We had no members of the press there. I had gone and invited every reporter, editor, Lit. Professor, coffee house barista, and hipster I could find, but not a nibble. Not the result I had wanted, but press overage was not the reason for this event. We wanted to celebrate the typewriter.
The food at Hula's was very tasty. I had the Spicy Tofu Tacos. Delicious! I do have to say that Hula's staff was very accommodating. They allowed us to have two very long tables which worked perfectly for our needs.
Will there be another Type-In in Phoenix? There seemed to be interest. While I think about how I could make that happen, take a look at some more pictures.
Bill, Marshall, Jim, and Ted's arm. |
P.P.S. I should have taken a few more pics. Maybe I'll sneak a few from Ted's blog. He's too interested in typewriters to notice.
Nuts to the press. They don't know what they're missing.
ReplyDeleteLooks like it was a fun time! I'm sorry I missed it.
A beautiful scene. Looks like a great, sunny place to do it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great time. Now that there have been a few type-ins, I wonder if it's time to start planning re-runs. I know Ryan has been trying to do that in Seattle. I've thought of another out here in Snohomish. I don't know how often but it seems like hitting the same places on a regular basis would cause the interest to increase each time. (I say that but as of now have nothing planned. Just an idea, I guess.)
ReplyDeleteI sure do love the blue SM-3.
It was the perfect place to have it. The breeze was balmy and the architecture was very interesting.
ReplyDeleteRe-runs might be a good idea. Phoenix is too large, however, to expect everyone to drive a long way. I think ours will be a moveable Type-In.